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“That’s right. You’re my princess.”

“I like being a princess. I wish Shadow was here.”

My laugh felt good. “Don’t worry. He’s missing you too.”

When the waitress brought a colorful drink, I glanced at Isabel.

“It’s a Shirley Temple, Dad,” she told me. “Relax.”

“I am relaxed. Who said I’m not relaxed?”

Isabel could cut a man to ribbons with a single look. “I know better.”

Chuckling, I watched as my little girl proceeded to suck the entire contents through the straw. I could watch her doing the silliest things for hours.

Just like I could with Isabel. I’d meant what I’d said to Sergei. I couldn’t lose her.

Speaking of the man. As he approached, all I could do was grunt. “A Hawaiian shirt? In February?”

“What? This is my favorite shirt.” He glanced down at what he was wearing.

“Hope will love it,” Isabel said in a singsong voice.

Sergei groaned.

“Don’t growl at me. I know you have the hots for her. Why is every Russian big and brooding?”

“I’m not brooding,” he insisted.

“Yes, you are,” I agreed. “Where is Kristoff?”

“He had a doctor’s appointment. He’ll be here. Man, you’re a slavedriver.”

He grumbled and placed a present on the table in front of Mina.

“A present for me?” She acted like there were no others.

“For the birthday girl.” He was beaming.

“Where is my brother?” I asked since the two of them had a meeting.

“He’s on his way. Hold your pants on. He had a stop to make,” Sergei said. “I think he forgot to pick up a present.”

“Ah, a mortal sin.”

For whatever reason, I was edgy and I hated feeling that way. This was a damn celebration and I was about to crawl out of my skin.

The owners had done a magnificent job of decorating, with Isabel’s direction. There were balloons everywhere, a gorgeous cake from one of the best bakeries in the city, and a mermaid tablecloth.

Everything a child should love, but I was eager to leave.

Maybe that’s why when my phone rang, I tensed even more. I yanked it out, uncertain of the phone number. “Maxsim Aristov.”

“Mr. Aristov?”

There was enough noise in the restaurant, I couldn’t hear the woman on the other end very well. “Hold on. Let me go outside.” I pressed my hand against the phone and leaned over toward Isabel. “I’ll be right back.”

“Don’t stay gone too long. I will find you.” Isabel winked and for a few seconds, neither of us wanted to break the connection. There was no need for words, yet I wanted very much to tell her exactly how I felt about her.