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I kneel so I'm at her level and take her hands in mine. "I know he loves you very much. He works hard to give you a good life."
The little girl glances up. "I don't want a good life. I want him to pay attention to me."
I can feel tears pricking at my eyes as I take in her words. "I'm sure he would if you asked him."
"No, because that will only make him and Mommy fight more. They broke up because of me." She wipes her eyes with the back of her hand, smearing more dirt on her face.
I pull her into a hug and rub her back. "Sometimes adults break up, and it has nothing to do with the kids." I look at the little backpack at Paige's feet. "Is that a jar of peanut butter?"
"Yeah, I didn't have time to make the sandwiches, so I just took the bread and stuff. When the bread is gone, I can live off the peanut butter and jelly. Dad says it has a long shelf life."
I smile. "You sure know a lot about food."
She grins. "Dad loves to cook, and we used to cook sometimes in the kitchen, but he's been too busy lately."
"How about you return to the house so your dad doesn't worry and talk to him about what you want," I suggest.
She shakes her head. "He won't listen. He'll just be mad that I ran away."
"He'll be mad for a little bit because he's scared. But if you explain why you left, I’m sure he’ll understand and listen."
I take the backpack and hold out my hand. Paige takes it, and we walk back to the house together. With every step, I can feel her little hand squeezing mine tighter and tighter.
As we approach the house, I can see Ezra in his study. I open the double French doors, and we step inside.
"Yes, officer, she’s fucking missing. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Ezra has a white-knuckle grip on the phone.
"Daddy, you shouldn't use bad words," Paige says as she looks up at her father.
Ezra's face softens, and he quickly drops the phone. He smiles weakly and kneels in front of Paige. "I'm so sorry, princess. I was just worried about you."
He pulls his daughter into a tight hug and kisses her forehead tenderly.
Daniella picks up the phone and talks to the police in a hushed tone.
Ezra looks up at me. "Thank you, Quinn."
I smile and leave the room. As I'm leaving, I can feel the warmth of Ezra's gaze on me.
Swallowed Pride
Ezra
Paige’seyesdriftcloseas I put her down after the long day. “Goodnight, Daddy,” she says innocently.
“Goodnight, sweetheart,” I whisper, tucking the comforter over her small body. She looks so peaceful that all of my worries and anxiety melt away.
“Can Quinn be my new nanny?” she asks sleepily.
I pause and look down at her, a wave of warmth washing over me. “We’ll see, but right now, try and get some rest.”
I give her one last kiss and then stand in the doorway until I’m confident she is fully asleep. She looks so small and vulnerable. I feel a pang of guilt for how much I’ve been neglecting her lately. All she wanted was my attention, and here I am, too busy trying to make a success out of NexTech that I’m missing out on time with her.
I notice the strong connection between Paige and Quinn. Everything about her screams, “perfect nanny for my daughter.” I wish she wasn’t so opinionated. But then again, maybe that’s what Paige needs, someone who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Outside of my family, no one challenges me. Quinn’s comments took me aback. But maybe that’s why she stood out so much — she has guts.
I leave Paige’s room and walk down the double staircase where I find Dane in the living room, getting ready to go. Ivan left about thirty minutes ago to get home to Cassidy and their baby boy.
“You need to put her first,” Dane says firmly. “You were on the phone with the police, and Quinn knew exactly where to go to find Paige.”
