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“She’s . . . really something,” Kane said in awe as he stared after her.
“I wonder so often how she turned out as incredible as she has.” It had so little to do with me, though I’d given parenting my all.
“I know exactly how.” His voice was low yet confident.
“If you say it’s because she has your genes . . .” I resisted the urge to smile.
“That probably does have a lot to do with it.” He reached for my hand, turning serious. “She has you.”
I swallowed around the lump in my throat.
He didn’t have to say that. Especially not after what I’d done.
He called me Barn for goodness’ sake. It wasn’t like he ever held back.
But it was still hard to believe Penelope was who she was because of what I’d taught her. I hoped she’d only gotten my best pieces.
I looked down at where his hand covered mine. His touch brought such great comfort . . . comfort I didn’t deserve. Not from him.
“I’m going to the next lawyer’s association meeting. I can’t wait to brag that my kid is smarter than all of theirs put together.”
I did smile at that. “Are you going to show pictures too?”
“Hell, yes. I’ve put up with that for years from people with kids. It’s about time I can annoy someone else—lots of someones—with how great my daughter is.” He grinned. “I’ve become one ofthosepeople.”
“That happened fast.”
“I’m all about payback when the opportunity strikes.”
But his features said otherwise. He was truly proud of Penelope, even though he knew so little about her.
My eyes stung. I hadn’t given him enough credit. How had I ever thought he’d blow her off?
My head had been filled with obvious lies, but that was hard to simply forget.
How had I thought this man was a monster? Because I’d hidden myself away from him . . . and believed the lies. Never again.
“Okay, I’m ready.” Penelope reappeared, bundled in a jacket that had been mine when I was her age, along with my scarf, gloves, and beanie.
“You need a coat,” I said to Kane before turning my attention to our daughter. “And don’t stay out too long. It’s cold out.”
“Yes, Mother.” She kissed my cheek, then hooked Kane’s arm when he stood.
The sight was yet another snapshot taken with my mind’s eye. I hadn’t realized I was already cataloging the moments between them.
I couldn’t take my eyes off them as they moved past the pool and disappeared over the boardwalk. Penelope chattered away, and Kane was completely focused on her. Even when they were out of sight, I remained in place, staring out the window.
The entire situation had not gone as I thought . . . and I was . . . relieved. Though I wasn’t fool enough to think it could be this easy. That Kane and Penelope would forgive me. That we’d form a new family—no, I wasn’t ready for that. I wasn’t ready to think about where we all went from here.
One step at a time.
And I’d yet to fully consider Alma’s role, let alone my feelings toward her. I couldn’t simply lash out at Alma. I was glad she wasn’t here, so I could have time to process the swirl of emotions.
She had hurt a lot of people in the process.
She’d lied.
To me.
