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Had she been lonely? My irritation rose. If I’d known, I could’ve done something about it.Until yesterday, you’d spent your entire life not wanting kids. Now all the sudden you’re a family man?
Yes. Yes, I was.
“I’m an only child too.”
She seemed to brighten that we had something else in common. “I didn’t mind it, I just would like to know what it’s like to have a brother and sister. That bond seems different than friendship.”
“I’ve seen plenty of siblings who were bitter enemies.” I’d defended some who had killed one sibling or another.
Her face fell. “I know. I guess I’ve romanticized it in my head.”
I bumped her shoulder. “Nothing wrong with that.”
We were quiet as we reached the boardwalk. It had been too cold to go far, but I wasn’t ready to end the conversation. The time had gone by so quickly.
She took the first step, and I hesitated.
“Can you make time for me? Every week? Whatever day and time you want.” That came out more desperately than I intended, but I couldn’t stand having a daughter in the same city and never seeing her.
“Thursdays are usually good for me. Maybe we could do dinner?”
Somehow that felt greater than any victory in my most difficult cases.
“Thursdays for dinner it is.”
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
JOJO
“Vanessa and Robare in town. I’m going out to meet them for a bit.”
Penelope had changed into a pretty dress and heels. She had much better fashion sense than I did.
“Be careful. Want me to drive you?”
“Mom. I’m not a kid.”
I flashed her a patient smile. “I know. I meant so you don’t have to worry with parking.”
“I’m not drinking.”
I did worry about that. She was of age, but I didn’t want her getting into an accident.
Kane sauntered into the living room and frowned. “Where are you headed?”
“Out with Vanessa and Rob.”
“Who’s Rob?” he growled.
I resisted a snicker. He’d acclimated to the role of protective papa quickly.
“A co-worker. And I already told you I’m not sleeping with anyone,” she said with a hint of annoyance.
She had?
I wondered how that conversation had come about.
“I’ll drive you.”
