“Imarriedher. I’ve dreamed of marrying her. I want to live the rest of my life with her and our children. You should see what an amazing mother she is to Alina.”
“Flicka?”He staggered like Dieter had decked him.
“They’re so beautiful together. She saved Alina’s life in Geneva, and Alina loves her so much. Flicka takes care of Alina so well, teaching her and playing with her. They’re inseparable. I thought I couldn’t love Flicka any more, but when she loved Alina, I was lost in every way to her. I do love her. I have always loved her.”
Wulf braced his arms on the kitchen counter, still breathing hard.“It’s so hard to believe. I can’t fathom it.”
From the doorway, Flicka’s voice said, “You have to believe it, Wulfie.”
Dieter turned, his words a raw, naked wound in his heart.
Flicka was standing in the doorway from the rest of the house, holding Alina on her hip. The toddler was clinging to Flicka and laying her blond head on her shoulder. “I married Dieter, and I’m going to spend my lifewith him.”
“He’s not Dieter Schwarz.” Wulf’s voice sounded thin, sad. “He’s Raphael Mirabaud.”
“He’s not Raphael Mirabaud,” Flicka said, walking across the kitchen and handing Alina to Dieter.
He took his baby and cradled her to his chest, hugging her because he hadn’t seen his child since they’d been in France. Alina clutched his neck, whispering,“Daddy.”
Flicka said, “This is my husband,Dieter Schwarz.”
Dieter reached out to her and pulled her under his arm, nuzzling her hair and pressing his forehead against her.
Wulfram watched them for a long time before he extended his hand to shake. Wulf said, “It’s good to have you back, Dieter, and welcome to the family.”
Dieter released Flicka’s waist and clasped Wulfram’s hand, relieved. “It’s good to be home.”
“I wish you’d walkedme down the aisle, Wulfie,” Flicka said. “I wish you could have been there.”
Wulfram shrugged, and a twinkle lit his bright blue eyes. “It’s not too late.”
