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she would fantasize about another man—a married man like Steve Carlson, made her feel ashamed. James had been the perfect husband. He deserved her fidelity, even during sleep.
    Even after death?
    The question haunted her. A shiver peppered her skin with goose bumps despite the balmy summer air. She hugged her arms and pushed away the unsettling question as she rubbed her skin with her palms.
    “When I didn’t find you at the house, I figured you’d be out here. I know you and Dad spent a lot of time in the sanctuary.”
    Victoria nodded. “It was our special meeting place.”
    “Would you like to go inside? I’ll fix us a drink.”
    She stretched and smoothed her hair. “Sounds perfect.”
    Victoria strolled side by side with Jimmy along the footpath to the rear entrance of the Van Orr mansion in companionable silence. Purple, yellow, white, and blue perennials lined the walkway and bloomed in profusion below the opulent windows.
    Victoria frowned at the sight of the trampled flowerbeds outside her sitting room window. She spent a lot of time in the smaller, private space off the gym she’d created since James’s death. “I wonder what happened there.”
    Jimmy took a closer look. “Have you noticed anyone on the property that doesn’t belong?”
    Victoria shook her head. “I let the staff go months ago, so there’s rarely anyone else around. Crews come by to clean and take care of the lawn and gardens twice a month. Maybe one of them got careless.”
    Jimmy inspected the surrounding beds. “I don’t see more damage, but maybe we should call the police and file a report.”
    “About crushed flower beds? Do you think they’ll take that seriously? The alarm system is in perfect working order. If anyone tried to break in, I’d know.”
    “I don’t like it.”
    Victoria decided to give in. “I’ll stop by the station and make a report. Okay?”
    That seemed to mollify him.
    Inside her sitting room minutes later, Victoria sipped the vodka martini Jimmy handed her. From the opposite corner, her pet cockatiel, Pirate, watched from his four-foot-tall cage. He ruffled his feathers and then cleaned beneath his wing with his strong beak.
    Victoria kicked off her shoes and settled into the cushions of a chaise lounge. “I appreciate you coming by.” She knew it must be tough for Jimmy to visit the house he’d grown up in but didn’t inherit.
    “I’ve been busy with more than hospital rounds. I have an important announcement.” Jimmy grinned. “My business partners and I are breaking ground on our medical center next month.”
    Victoria raised her glass for a toast. “Congratulations. I know your practice will be a huge success.” She took a sip of her drink and added, “I’ll recruit you to the board of the women’s shelter at your grand opening. We could use a fresh perspective almost as much as your medical expertise. I’ll try not to keep you too busy with the shelter to have an actual life.”
    They both smiled, though Victoria was serious about bringing Jimmy on board. He would be a huge asset to the organization. He might resent her, and their relationship might never be more than obligatory, but he was smart enough to know an appointment like the one she offered would be a bonus to his community standing.
    She swept out an arm. “You’ll need furniture. Take a few choice pieces before I sell the rest. I don’t need all this, but fine antiques would look impressive in a suite of offices.”
    Jimmy nodded his thanks. “You may have something there.” He sipped his drink. “Have you arranged a date yet with Pinnacle for an estate auction? Or chosen a realtor to list the house?”
    Victoria hesitated, knowing that what she was about to say might sever the only family tie she had left, tentative as her relationship with Jimmy had been. She prayed he would understand and forgive her.
    “That brings me to a decision I wanted to talk to you about.”
    Jimmy froze, and his eyes narrowed at the