He nodded, swallowing back a surge of emotion he'd not expected and didn't know how to handle. It would not do for him to cry, of course. He had not cried since his mother's death.

Then it's official, he said. We love each other.

It's been official for a while now, Ginger said, a touch of humor in her voice.

It has?

Sure. Roxie, Bea, and Josie figured it out a couple weeks ago.

Lucio chuckled. And Rick figured it out today, on the porch. He caught me staring at you.

And if Rick knows, then Teeny does.

And how about your boys? Lucio asked. Do they know?

Genevieve unlocked her arms from his neck and straightened, looking down into Lucio's eyes. Her face was so beautiful. It was the center of his world.

Of course they do, silly, she said, smiling. Even HeatherLynn knows.

Lucio laughed. How could she not, after your photo shoot?

Genevieve laughed. It was a heartfelt and joyful sound. And as she laughed, every glorious wrinkle, every lovely furrow, every one of her crow's-feet came to life on her face.

Lucio grinned. He'd seen so much of the worldthe frozen cathedral of Mount Everest, the impenetrable tangle of life along the Amazon, the awe-inspiring mystery of Machu Picchuand all of it had stirred his soul, most certainly. But it wasn't until right then that he'd discovered his favorite spot on earth, the place that afforded him the single most spectacular view available on the planet.

It was the happy face of the woman he loved.

Sit, sit. Coffee?

No, thanks. Lucio took one of the chairs in the sitting room of Sydney Frankel's downtown office, a little annoyed that his agent had insisted he take time to visit him in person. He'd told Lucio he had an intriguing idea to discuss with him.

Am I getting the Erskine? Did they change their minds? had been Lucio's first question.

No, unfortunately. Their decision to rescind the award was final.

But why? Didn't they care that we had proof that Ilsa Knauss set me up? Lucio was dumbfounded. ?Hostia! What do they want from me?

I'm sorry, Sydney said, looking down. Their decision was final. They'll be announcing the new winner any day.

Lucio fell back into the leather chair in Sydney's office, crossing his legs, though he knew he'd never be comfortable. He was too angry to be comfortable.

It is unfair, Lucio said, shaking his head. That is my award.

Sydney nodded. There is always next year.

Lucio looked away, staring out the window. Any word on who's getting it?

Sydney sighed softly. The rumor is Kieran O'Shaunessey, but it's not official.

Ah, Lucio said, still looking out the window. He's young, but he's good.

Yes, Sydney said.

The two men sat in awkward silence for a moment, until Sydney cleared his throat. Well, he said, his voice noticeably brighter. You're certainly looking well, Lucky. His agent took the seat opposite him.

Lucio said nothing.

So, Sydney said, chuckling. I've got to tell you, those pet portraits you've got up on your Web site are absolutely top-notch. They're funny and sophisticated andI suspected this might happen because I know how good your work ismy wife wants one taken of her and her moronic Maltese.

Lucio cracked a smile, finally turning away from the window. So you called me down here to try to get a discount?

Sydney roared with laughter. I wouldn't dare. But, since you brought it up, how much is something like that going to set me back?

Lucio snickered. It depends on how elaborate the owner wants the setting or backdrop to be. The more props and costumes, preparation, or digital enhancement a picture needs, the more expensive it gets.

Sydney's bottom lip protruded the way it always did when he was running numbers in his head. Ballpark? he asked.

Lucio shrugged. I've been charging anywhere from one to five thousand, U.S.

Sydney's mouth fell open. You're shitting me.

No. And I am booked for the next six weeks. I am enjoying myself, though, and I've got a terrific staff. I am on my way toward paying off Geographica in ninety days.

You've got a staff? Sydney looked shocked.

Mostly volunteer, but I'm paying my girlfriend's teenage sons a little for their work. They've been doing costuming, Web design, and one of them is working as my assistant in the studio and the field. My girlfriend has been doing most of the scheduling, billing, and sales. She's phenomenal.

Sydney's left eye squinted. You have a studio?

Lucio nodded.

You have a girlfriend?

Lucio nodded again.

Well. Sydney slapped his palms on his thighs and took a deep breath. Sounds like you might not find my news as exciting as I'd assumed you would.

What news?

I have to be honest with you, LuckyI truly never thought I'd see the day.

The day for what?

I swear it sounds like you're settled, like you're planting your ass right here in town and you're fine with it.

Lucio was preparing a response to that when the left pocket of his trousers began to vibrate. Ah, un momento, por favor.

As Lucio fished for the cell phone Josh and Jason had convinced him to purchase for the business, Sydney's eyes got big.

It is a text message. Lucio squinted at the tiny screen and tried to decipher the strange code the boys used to convey information: c u @ 7 yr crib game at8 imo we shld order za.

Lucio laughed, thinking Jason had just told him they'd be at his place at seven p.m., that the game started at eight p.m., and that they should order pizzabut Lucio could not be certain. He stuffed the phone back in his pocket.

He noticed Sydney gawking at him. The boys are coming over to my house tonight to watch American football. The 49ers are playing the Seahawks, he said.

Just then, his pants vibrated again. I am so sorry, Sydney. He fished out the phone and saw that Genevieve was calling. Digame, Lucio answered. Can I call you right back, guapa? Gracias. He snapped the phone closed, then laughed at Sydney's increasingly stupefied expression. New phone, he said, holding it up before he shoved it back in his pocket.

Since when do you have a cell phone?

Three days ago.

My God.

Lucio dismissed Sydney's reaction with a wave of his hand.

You're in a relationship, Lucio. You're in love!

Yes, I am.

You're buying phones and hanging out with the woman's kids! His agent's face was red with the effort it took for him not to burst out laughing.

I am. Lucio recrossed his legs, bothered by Sydney's level of amusement. It was almost worse than Piers's.

Well. Sydney got up and paced his office for a moment. He went to his desk and hit the intercom button. Bernice, can you bring in that contract for Lucky Montevez?

Lucio's fingers gripped the chair's leather armrest. What contract?

Yes, well, that's why I asked you to stop by. You've just been offered a field assignment for Nature magazine. It's a four-week gig in Mauritius. They're doing a piece on pollution, deforestation, soil erosion, and the island's growing list of endangered species. It's the same sad tale you've told a hundred times from a hundred different locations.

Lucio refrained from any type of reaction, because he didn't know what kind of reaction to have. One part of him wanted to hear more. The other part of him wished he hadn't heard a word of any of this. Sydney was staring at him, waiting for a response.

Bernice entered the office with the papers, giving Lucio the few seconds he needed to get himself together.

Sydney glanced over the pages as Bernice left. It's a forty-thousand-dollar job, he said. As usual, they're offering a decent daily stipend with a bonus if you get the cover. The budget isn't enough for helicopters locally, so it looks like it will be private planes, off-road vehicles, and shoe leather, but they usually take pretty good care of you.