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It was a gut punch. Kiera had been taunted. Madeline didn’t need him like he needed her.
Time. He’d have to give her time.
She shook her head, and her blonde hair teased her shoulders. He wanted to touch her hair. He wanted to touch her, love her, never have her leave.
“The prime minister is going to have our media people spread the word that you and I are no longer dating. That will ensure nobody comes after me to get to you.”
“That’s good.” He never wanted her hurt or scared.
“Yes. Very good.” Her smile was full of pain. It ripped at his heart. “I’d better let you get back to your meetings.”
“I wish you could be in each meeting with us,” he said. “T and I both miss your insight and experience. I miss every bit of you.”
Her smile became more genuine, but then she frowned. Had he said something wrong?
“I’ll see you soon.” She turned and rushed down the hall without a kiss, a hug, even a handshake.
Nolan leaned against the nearby wall.
She was upset, and she needed space. What about her safety? Chad was taking her home, so he’d make certain her house was safe. With those men arrested, she should be fine, but he selfishly wanted to claim she was only safe here. By his side.
He reluctantly went back into the meeting. He hadn’t lied that it wasn’t the same without Madeline. The afternoon dragged on and finally it was time for dinner.
Walking into the small dining room, he was plowed into by Kiera before he could take two steps into the room. He hugged his daughter tight. He hated that she’d been taunted, but that happened with thirteen-year-olds, especially a thirteen-year-old princess. He’d have to talk to her about keeping her chin up and the fact that you can only control yourself and your reactions, but he’d also talk to the teacher and request the girls knew their words were hurtful and to please not repeat them.
If only Madeline was here with him to talk things out with Kiera. Had Kiera really said she didn’t want Madeline as her mum, or was his girl only trying to figure out how to love Madeline while not betraying her mum’s memory? Madeline was incredible with Kiera, and love shone from his daughter when they were together.
He met Macey’s glance over Kiera’s head. Tristan and Jennifer were here, but not Ray.
“Where’s Chad’s mum?” Kiera asked, pulling back to look up at him.
“Well, love, she needed to return home.”
Kiera’s eyes widened. “But I want her here. With us.”
“Me too, love. Me too.” Before he broke down and begged Kiera to want Madeline as her mum, taking away at least one barrier, he looked to Macey again. “Where’s Ray?”
“He just left for Traverse and the prison. Jensen and his people are still questioning the …” she looked to Kiera, “man from this morning, and Jensen asked him to come.”
Something tingled at the back of Nolan’s mind, something he didn’t like. Had Jensen found more information from the attacker or his ‘boss’ that was concerning?
Before he could excuse himself to call Ray and find out, Kiera tugged at his hand. “Pops?”
“Yes, sweetie?” He glanced down. Had Kiera gotten taller? She was as tall as some petite women now. He didn’t like her growing up too fast.
“Macey and I had a good talk today.” She glanced back at Macey, who nodded encouragingly. “I wanted to tell Chad’s mum all about it tonight, but now she’s gone. Can we get her back?”
“I hope so.” He had to clear his throat. “Madeline and I are going to keep dating, but she needs to take things slow.” Did his daughter understand what that meant? Kiera had better not be ready to date for a long while. If only Madeline was here to tease him about that thought and remind him he’d taught Kiera well and she’d be safe and smart when she did date.
“That stinks. I want her here.” Kiera looked petulant, which was very unlike her.
“I’m going to ask her on a date for Saturday. Maybe after our date, she will come visit you and we can swim together.”
“Saturday? That’s three days away.” Kiera folded her arms across her chest. “Can you tell her for me now that I love her and I want her to be my mum?”
Nolan’s eyes widened, and he heard Jennifer and Tristan both exclaim, “Kiera?”
Macey smiled. She knew what was happening.
