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Even though he didn’t look as rested as usual, and his words lacked the excitement that was typical Adler, he was as handsome as ever. Leila’s heart became heavy the longer she watched him. Every now and then, his gaze would find hers and linger for longer than necessary, causing that familiar tingle throughout her body. If only things could have been differentwith them. She couldn’t deny they had feelings for each other, but feelings weren’t enough when it came to becoming part of her life and having Skylar get attached.
Finally, they finished their meeting and had been dismissed. As soon as Adler left the stage, his eyes locked on hers and he walked in her direction. Luckily, Deloris Green grabbed his arm and started talking with him. Leila had taken that opportunity to sneak out. Now here she was at home, and she breathed easier.
“Hey. Glad you’re home.” Diane met her at the door. “You look exhausted. How’d things go?”
Leila took Sky from and Diane and sat heavily on the couch. She hugged Sky close and laid her head on the back of the couch, closing her eyes. “Everything’s in order, and we’re about ready.”
“I’d figure you’d come home happier. You’ve been excited about the fundraiser for months,” Tom said as he sat on the other end of the couch with a cup of coffee.
“Adler was there. It was the first time I’ve seen him since we stopped seeing each other. It was just a little awkward.”
“I know it’s none of my business, but you both seemed really happy. What happened?” asked Tom.
Leila shook her head and let out a sigh. She had avoided telling her dad and Diane much about this, but it couldn’t be avoided forever. “Let’s just say he wasn’t the right man for us. He isn’t dad material.”
“Dad material? Was it getting that serious already?” asked Tom.
“Tom!” Diane slapped him. “You need to stop. Our job is to support Leila. Your job is to keep your thoughts to yourself.”
Tom lifted his hands in surrender. “Fine. I’ll try my best to stay out of it, but babies know who they can trust, and Skylar seemed to love Adler. Maybe you should listen to her.” Tom replied curtly.
Leila changed the subject and talked about the night, leaving out the heaviness of her heart and the change she’d noticed in Adler. Diane listened and asked basic questions, and her father was unusually quiet and just grunted occasionally. Her father’s behavior bothered her. She could tell he wasn’t happy about her decision with Adler, but it was her choice who she allowed in her and Skylar’s life. He needed to stay out of it and let her be.
Leila pushed herself from the couch. “Well, it’s late, and this one needs to go to bed.”
Tom handed Skylar her stuffed koala, and she hugged it tight while sucking on the paw. “She’s always really loved that koala.” He hugged Leila and she relaxed.
Diane’s gaze was soft and understanding. “We love you both, Leila. But promise me something.”
Leila met her intense gaze and nodded.
“Never settle just because you think someone is the right one for Skylar. Make sure you choose someone who loves and appreciates both of you. It won’t be easy, but if a man says they want to be a part of your life and has accepted you as a package deal, maybe you need to give that person a chance. He may not seem to be the perfect person in your mind, but no one’s perfect.” Diane placed a kiss on Skylar’s head, and her voice became softer. “Find someone who loves you both, but don’t settle. Promise me.”
“Of course. I promise.” Leila returned Diane’s smile.
“Good. Also remember that love isn’t easy. It’s work, and when you find the right person, it’s worth doing whatever you need to, to make it work.” Diane gave her a soft smile before she left the room.
She wouldn’t settle. She and Skylar both deserved someone who loved them and would treasure them. Skylar squealed happily, oblivious of the feelings swimming around her, the koala still clutched in her grip.
She walked down to her apartment and dressed Skylar for bed, then got comfortable in the glider rocker to nurse her.
Adler’s handsome face flashed in Leila’s mind with his smile that caused her heart to race. She remembered how he’d touched her, kissed her, made love to her, and her pulse kicked up a notch.
Then the words she’d said to him came flooding back to her, and her heart fell. Those words filled her with dread. The shadow that had shrouded his face sent a dagger into her heart and made it hard for her to catch her breath. She remembered how he’d backed away from her touch, and her heart broke all over again.
Her eyes filled with tears and Diane’s words echoed in her mind.She told me to find someone who loved and appreciated both of us and that’s exactly what I wanted. Adler did.She didn’t know if he loved them, but he cared a lot. She did not doubt that.
He wasn’t that egotistical man she met in May. He was anything but. Yeah, he had a past, but she shouldn’t judge him by his past choices, not when he was trying so hard to be different. “You really screwed this up.” Skylar stopped eating and babbled then went back to her bedtime snack. Leila laughed and some of the stress of her feelings lifted. “I know baby girl. I’m sorry.”
She doubted she could fix the mess she’d created, but she had to try. She wiped the tears from her face. Like Diane said, when you find the right person, it’s worth it to make things work. Adler was the right person. No matter how much she fought it, she knew deep in her heart it was the truth. Now she just hoped she wasn’t too late to make things right.
Chapter 26
The morning of the fundraiser was a perfect first Saturday in August. It was slightly overcast, and without direct sun, the temperature would actually be bearable.
Adler wasn’t far from Leila’s mind. She had considered sending him a text multiple times last night but hesitated. What would she say? What could she say? “I’m sorry” seemed weak. She was more than sorry, but she couldn’t figure out what she was feeling, so she wrestled with it the rest of the night and slept awful.
Now she sat in at her kitchen counter pushing her eggs around her plate with one hand and scrolling through social media with her other while Skylar ate oat cereal. She was tired and irritable, not a good combination to start her day.
