Page 88

“Daddy!”

Babs barrels into me hard enough to make me laugh. Biddy wraps her arms around my waist a heartbeat later.

Sprout races around all three of us, convinced the reunion needs his supervision.

I crouch to hug my girls, breathing in strawberry shampoo, crayons, and the familiar scent of home before Babs leans back to study my face.

“Did you find Mommy’s picture place?”

“I did,” I say, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I met people who knew her really well.”

Biddy’s eyes brighten. “What did they tell you?”

I look from one little face to the other and realize this isn’t a conversation that can wait until tomorrow.

“They told me stories,” I say as I stand and hold the door open. “I think it’s time I shared them with both of you.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Emma

MAY 14TH

Lena catches my wrist before I can angle toward the coat check and steers me deeper into the ballroom.

“You’re here to network,” she says without breaking stride. “Nobody leaves until they’ve collected enough business cards to regret carrying them.”

“I’ve already got a drawer full.”

“Good. Tonight we’ll fill another.”

She releases me when we reach the center of the room but keeps pace beside me as I take in the crowd.

Executives gather around cocktail tables beneath towering chandeliers as waiters weave through the room with champagne and appetizers. Every conversation sounds important enough to justify another refill.

Habit has me checking the exits before I even think about it.

Lena notices. “You’ve been here two minutes and you’re already planning the evacuation.”

“I’m checking the room.”

“I know.” She lifts two glasses from a passing tray and hands me one before nodding toward the far side of the ballroom. “Theo didn’t send us here to hide.”

“He sent us because he’d rather wrestle a bear than wear a tuxedo.”

“True, but we’re still expected to accomplish something.” Her attention shifts toward the stage. “There.”

I follow her gaze until I spot a woman talking with three executives. “Celia Hart?”

“The one I’ve been trying to meet.”

“You should go.”

“I’m bringing you.”

I glance at her. “Why?”

“Because you’re the interesting one.”