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He rushed back to his loft and packed a bag full of casual clothes and one suit. On his way out, he told Tony to hold down the fort. He honestly couldn't say when he'd be back. His flight would leave in a few hours, and he had just enough time to get back to the airport.
He sent a message to Charlotte.
I’m on my way.
She replied promptly.
There was no hurry. I was overjoyed to look after her. Ivy is such a delight.
I know, but I need you to help me with something else.
He wondered what Charlotte would say when he asked her to find him a wife.
What do you need?
This wasn't a conversation that should be handled over text.
Did you mean it when you said you could get anything a person wanted?
Within reason
He knew his request was unreasonable, but he'd have to ask, anyway.
Let's talk later when I get back. It will be late. Where can I find you and Ivy?
Consistency is important for her, so I'll be at your sister's house. That way, she can sleep in her own bed and be surrounded by familiar things.
I'll see you soon.
He tucked the thought about consistency away to be used in the future if needed. It could be a persuasive argument to convince the court to let him keep Ivy instead of giving his mother custody, or worse yet, forcing them into some kind of shared custody arrangement. However, he knew that staying in Willow Bay would be necessary for this plan to work. He wasn't one to preach one thing and practice another, and he knew Charlotte was right.
* * *
When he reached the house,Charlotte was in the living room reading a book. He dropped his bag and sat on the sofa across from her. “Thank you for everything.” The hospital bed was gone, and the space was free of clutter—all Charlotte's work.
“I hope you don't mind that I had it removed. It was a heavy weight in the room, and I find it's always better to remember someone when they were at their best.”
“I agree. Thank you. How's Ivy doing?”
Charlotte smiled. “She was excited to come home and find me here. We played in the sand and built a castle big enough for a princess. She had a little homework—”
“She's only five. How can they have homework?”
“I'm proud to tell you she has no problem with her alphabet. Did you know she can read?”
Bastien's chest puffed up with pride. “She reads at a third-grade level.”
“She's incredible,” Charlotte said.
He stood up from the couch. “She is. Mind if I go check on her?”
“Not at all. Would you like a glass of wine?” she asked.
“That would be wonderful,” Bastien said.
He strolled down the hallway to the second door on the right, comforted to find Ivy fast asleep. Her face appeared tranquil as she lay in the soft caress of the pink nightlight. He paused on the edge of her bed and gave her forehead a gentle stroke before standing. As he walked away, he whispered, “It's just you and me, kid.”
He joined Charlotte in the living room. He needed to ask her for a favor, and it would not be easy. He sat down and said, “I need you to find me a wife.”
