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“It was. Even with all that going on, I was from a prominent family, but my parents were hippies before there was a word for them. I was a painter working part-time in the West Village as a curator. But Matthias told me my family was well-off, not wealthy. His family comes first in all things. Jonas would take over the business from him, and my job was to have a male heir to take his place. Otherwise, I needed to get out, and he’d make sure I never returned.”
I frowned. “Wow, that’s awful. But I know you’re telling me this for a reason. Paul told me he needed a male heir, or a female must have a male to head the family.”
Her shoulders dropped. “It’s such a relief, you already know. Aubrey came to us cold, and it was hard for her to adjust when Paul took Jonas’s place.”
“What about Lily?” I asked after a sip of wine. She was Jonas’ current wife.
Dani’s face lit up. “She is one of the kindest souls I have ever met. She always wanted a family, so we never worried about her. She had Darling, and eventually, Darling will receive the conversation. But this is about you now, and Paul. How do you feel about it? It’s caveman bullshit, but the Crane men descend from a family of assholes.” We laughed, and I was surprised at how frank Dani was with me.
Before I could answer, Dauphinoise Potatoes were presented to us, and my mouth watered. We ate, and I used the time to think about my answer. How did I feel about needing to have children? Ultimately, it would be my choice.
“I didn’t want children at first, but now I do. I…I wanted the child I lost.” My voice wavered, and I nibbled my bottom lip. Dani reached over and clasped my hand.
“Paul did, too. He was frantic on his call from the hospital when they took you in. I hadn’t seen him so distressed since Aubrey died.” She sucked in air and tilted her head downward. “Aubrey didn’t adjust well to all the changes in her life. I wish I’d done more for her.”
Dani shared the guilt I’d seen in Paul, and I thought it important to give her the same comfort. “From what Paul shared, Aubrey had a tough time in her career before they met. I’m sorry about what happened to her. He said you helped her.”
“I tried. She was delicate, and we loved that about her. She was a great violinist; it was so natural for her. But she lacked the advanced classical training for a symphony, which was her dream. When Paul tried to help her and she received an offer, she turned it down because she didn’t ‘earn’ it.”
“He told me something similar. I can understand her concern,” I murmured.
“Yes, but the director was willing to give her guidance, and in time, it would have been hers, but that wasn’t how she took it. She gave up and lost herself, and that’s what you will face, too. I don’t know how you’ll navigate a public design career. You will be going to the Oscars, Emmys, meeting with dignitaries and heads of corporations. You will, at times, travel the world, and you will also have children to raise. It’s a lot to do.” I could not believe I was having this conversation with Dani Crane. I had thought she’d hated me, and I felt so much better understanding her reasoning. It made sense. But to have her place such confidence in me was incredible.
I sat taller. “It can be done. You did it…you made what seems impossible, possible, Dani.”
She grinned and touched her face. “I did. I wasn’t perfect, but I did and found my way. Lily made hers, and we all got along. While I gave up being a full-time painter, I own my own gallery, and I head foundations that support art worldwide.”
“Do you still paint?” I asked.
“I do it as a hobby now. But, as a Crane, doors opened for me. I got to study art with the best artists of my time. I also had an amazing son, who I’m proud of every day. Being a Crane has public limits, but you will have access to a world of opportunity that can give you a rich life. Lily has her Love Legacy Foundation that continues her late parents’ love of the arts, giving supplies and lessons to children worldwide.”
“Yes, Paul had played Beethoven with the children from the program at his concert in Italy,” I added.
“Yes. That’s Lily’s program, and she has Darling and Jonas, and they are happy.”
“And you’re with Alan?” I asked.
“Yes. Jonas’s best friend, but that’s another story for another time.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.” I gentled my tone.
“No, there are no secrets. We all confide in a lawyer. Jonas and I have Ian. Paul has Gunnar. You’ll have to choose a lawyer, too.”
I nodded slowly. “Yes, I’m beginning to understand.”
Paul told Gunnar everything. He was rude to me once, but Gunnar knew my life well, and I felt comfortable confiding in him because he was ready and willing to do whatever it took to protect me. He’s also charmed Mom.
“Great.” Dani clasped her hands together. “I’m always here to help you in any way you need. If you ever get stuck or need someone to vent to, you can call me. I want you to have that open honesty because if you and Paul stay together, I never want you to feel alone. I’d also want to meet your parents. Your mom and I spoke once….”
I lifted my chin. “I know. Mom told me.”
Mom called Dani and told her off for putting me down.
“I deserved what she told me.” Dani dipped her head, her cheeks pinking. “I told myself I’d never be a snob, but I behaved like one. I’m sorry.”
It meant so much to hear Dani express remorse for how she treated me—and her remorse will mean a lot to my mom. Paul must have had told her how much he loved me. She seemed to think I would stay with him, which meant a lot to me.
“Can I hug you?” I asked her.
