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After we exchanged quick pleasantries, I jumped right in. "I need a huge favor."
"Tell me and it's yours."
"I need an address.
Chapter 16
Isha
"And then, the balloons just flew away," Flora told me after dinner when we sat in the living room, catching up on our day.
We always did that before she went to bed; it was our ritual, one I cherished deeply. Flora, now four, was the love of my life. My affection for her was unconditional and steadfast, unwavering since the moment she was born. This bundle of gorgeousness was the source of immeasurable happiness.
"How about you? What was your day like?"
"Well, I met with Luisa, and we did some exercises to help her walk," I told her. "And that's where I got you all those new clothes."
"I'll make a thank-you card for Renata in kindergarten tomorrow."
"I think she'll like that."
"And?"
And I met the man who still, for some bizarre reason, has my heart.
"And—"
The doorbell rang, and Flora jumped. "Uncle Mick is here. Uncle Mick is here."
Mick Watford was one of my neighbors, a close friend, and Flora's favorite babysitter. Mick owned a bar down the street and was happy to take care of Flora if I had an appointment or needed to work late. Mick was bringing Flora a bunch of coasters from his bar for show and tell the next day.
I opened the door, with Flora standing behind me, peeking out.
"Hello, Isha."
I stared at Rowan, my breath catching. I never expected to see him again. Never expected him to be at my doorstep. I was expecting something more along the lines of Renata firing me after he told them I was a money-hungry gold digger.
"Hi, you're not Uncle Mick." Flora peeked from under my arm to look at Rowan. "And you're very tall."
He smiled at her. "I'm Rowan."
"Well, come on in then, Rowan," Flora said, imitating her grandmother, who luckily also lived close by.
"May I?" Rowan asked.
I nodded. I hoped he'd behave in front of Flora. And if he didn't, I'd kick him out. I didn't want my daughter to hear him insult me.
Rowan looked at the children's books on the coffee table and smiled. "I love this one." He picked up Pebbles and the Biggest Number.
"You do? You know this book?" Flora's eyes went big. "It's my favorite."
"I read it to my nieces," he said.
So, Ace had daughters.
Rowan looked the same. He had a more than a five o'clock shadow. Instead of jeans and a t-shirt, he was in linen pants and a loose linen shirt. The cream of his shirt looked good against his tanned skin. He smelled the same. Leather, horse, and man. Rowan.
"Have a seat." I gestured to the sofa, and he did as I asked.
