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Adam turned and waited as Lizzie let Roman run over and climb him like a monkey. His smile was slow to emerge, making Lizzie study him closely as she approached. He looked worn-out.
“Hey.” He spoke to Roman first. “I hear you’re going to see Mickey.”
“Yes!” Roman nodded. “Soon! Mom’s not coming, though.”
Adam finally looked at Lizzie, which wasn’t reassuring. “I’m sure she’s devastated.”
“She is.” Roman nodded. “She loves Mickey.” He stared earnestly at Adam. “Are you sad, too?”
“Yup,” Adam said. “But I’ll try and get over it.” He settled Roman securely on his shoulder. “Have you guys got time for ice cream?”
“Sure,” Lizzie said easily. “I was just going to check if Dr. Tio had any results yet, but it can wait a while.”
“How about I take Ro to get an ice cream and you meet us there?” Adam suggested. “We’re only going as far as Gina’s.”
“Okay.” Lizzie was grateful for his consideration. “I won’t be long.” She fumbled in her pocket for some money, but Adam waved it away.
“I’ve got this. What flavor do you want?”
She considered saying cowboy, but the wary look in his eyes wasn’t encouraging her to flirt. “Ask Ro. He knows what I like.”
She watched them move off and turned back to the medical center. There had been no sign of Miranda around town, but if the DNA results were in from both parties, Lizzie guessed she might be hearing from her soon.
Lizzie asked the nurse to send a copy of the results through to Henry at his law office. She walked back to where Adam and Roman were sitting in the shade of one of Gina’s umbrellas, eating ice cream.
“He said you liked mint chocolate chip.” Adam handed her a dripping cone.
“Thanks, I do.” She licked hastily at the melting ice cream, aware of Adam’s intense gaze lingering on her mouth. “That’s really good. What did you get, Ro?”
“Bubblegum.” He was already halfway down his small cone. “I said thank you.”
“He did,” Adam agreed. He’d taken his ice cream in a cup and wasn’t getting all sticky like she and Roman were.
“Adam’s got banilla bean,” Roman said.
“Vanilla,” Lizzie automatically corrected him.
“Vanilla vean.” Roman parroted solemnly back at her, and she fought a smile.
“He’s way too clever for his own good,” Adam commented as he finished his ice cream and stood up. “I’m going to get more wipes.”
“Thanks,” she called after him. “Although I think we’re both going to need a shower at this rate.”
He returned with a sheaf of napkins. Lizzie tidied herself and Roman up as best she could.
“I think we’re going to need to wash properly,” Lizzie said. “Do you want to come up and talk to me, or are you in a rush?”
Roman clambered into his lap and put his hands on Adam’s face. “Come and see my new picture of Spot on the moon.”
Adam gingerly set Roman on his feet. “Seeing as I’m now as sticky as you are, I’d love to.”
* * *
Adam followed Lizzie up the stairs and washed his hands and face in the kitchen sink while she cleaned Roman off in the bathroom. After being shown the latest picture of his horse, Adam accepted some iced tea and leaned against the counter while Lizzie set Roman up at the table with his latest Lego creation.
She looked tired, which wasn’t surprising seeing as her life was pretty complicated right now. He regretted staying away from her, but he’d needed the distance for himself. He still hadn’t read the cards and letters Daisy had left for him in his bedroom. He didn’t have the nerve. He didn’t want to stir the simmering anger that still burned low in his gut.
Lizzie came over, kicked off her sandals, and set them by the door.
“It was crazy busy at the café today. I barely got to sit down.”
“Then sit down now.” He pulled out the stool next to him and patted it. “You look exhausted.”
She took the seat and silently handed him a piece of paper. He read the results and nodded.
