Page 31 of An Unexpected Chance

“Evan is a special man,” I agreed.

She nodded. “His sister is my mom, but she doesn’t like us. I don’t know her, and that’s okay. Daddy explained she doesn’t like anyone very much—even herself, which is sad. I like me. Daddy likes me. We have our own family. Do you have a family, Ms. McNeil?”

Her words make my chest ache. She stated them so matter-of-factly. But I smiled at her.

“I think outside school, you can call me Amy, okay?”

She nodded.

“My parents live in Halifax, where I grew up.”

“Do you have sisters or brothers?”

“One brother.”

“Does he have kids?”

“No. Not yet.”

“I want a brother or a sister. Maybe both. But Daddy says we have to wait.”

I met Simon’s eyes across the room where he was leaning against the counter watching us.

“Wait?” I replied.

She nodded. “We have to have a Mommy to have babies. Do you want babies, Amy?”

Simon cleared his throat. “Mia, that’s personal.”

“I’m just asking, Daddy.”

“I would like children, yes,” I replied.

“Do you like little girls?” she asked.

I realized she was interviewing me in her own way. Her eyes reminded me of Simon’s. Anxious, waiting for my reply.

“I love little girls,” I assured her.

“Daddy says I’m smart and well-behaved.”

“Most of the time,” Simon interjected.

“None of us is perfect,” I replied. Then I looked down at Mia. “I agree with your daddy. You are smart. And I like you, Mia.”

She beamed. “I like you too.” She jumped off her stool. “I’m going to wash my hands for supper.”

She rushed off, and Simon leaned on the counter. “I think you passed,” he said dryly. “Sorry.”

I shook my head. “Don’t be. She can ask me things. It’s fine.”

“You’re good with her.”

“I like kids. I love talking to them and hearing their thoughts. Their process fascinates me.”

He leaned closer. “You fascinate me.”

I picked up my wine. “Stop it.”