Killianchuckled.
Liv said, "Babies always feel like that as you give birth, until you hold them in your arms and marvel at how infinitely tiny theyare."
Marianne got a funny smile on her face. "Rand will be a giant like hisfather."
"And a sculptor as well?" Liv askedRemy.
"Or a painter like his mother," Remy said. "Whatever he wishes is what he shall become. I've no rule. Freedom isbest."
"Agreed," said Killian. "I didn't expect Pierce to become interested in business. In fact, he was off to a slow start, but now he's adding to our company with steel contracts here in France. He's also a valuable advisor on the new plumbing we're doing in the townhouses we've planned inBrighton."
"And you are recommending the interior designs for them and for Killian's new house, aren't you, Liv?" Marianneasked.
"I am. In fact, the reason I'm here is to help Killian choose a few gooditems."
"Including," added Killian as the waiter appeared with their glasses and champagne, "paintings and sculpture I'd like for my longgallery."
Marianne grinned at him. "Just like a fine Englishlord."
"Or an American one," Killian added while thegarçonpoured theirwine.
"That's why we want youto meet Edouard Montand," Remy said to him. "He can tell you whose works are selling and why. Degas, Renoir, Sisley,Manet."
"First," Killian said as he fingered the base of his crystal flute, "I wish to buy a Duquesne and aRemy."
Liv smiled as each of them shot back in theirchairs.
"No," saidMarianne.
"Absolutely not," echoedRemy.
"You will notbuyathing."
"Marianne," Killianobjected.
She put up a hand. "Uncle, I am here because you have been kind to me. All mylife."
"And I am here, Killian, because I love the niece you cared for. Do not think we would take money from you foranything."
Liv sat back, sipping her champagne as the three of them argued, politely but hotly, overmoney.
"After you meet Edouard and we finish," Remy said, "we'll walk over to our studio and you will choose whatever youwish."
"As our gifts," Mariannesaid.
"I do not intend totake—"
"You're nottakinganything, Uncle Killian." Marianne reached out and squeezed hishand.
"I'll choose a smallpiece—"
Marianne scowled at him. "You're beingstubborn."
"Besides, Killian, if you choose something insignificant, Marianne and I will simply choose pieces for you. The bigger, thebetter."
Marianne nodded. "There you have it. Now argue withus."
"Onecondition."
