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Failure had never been an option and this was no exception The difference that tugged at his heart was the knowledge that he would never succeed on his own

Alone, he’d accohout his life This was different The realization created an unfamiliar sense of vulnerability To not fail, to succeed, Tony needed Claire He needed her help and her guidance He’d never be able to parent without her Hell, he wouldn’t have a clue To er athe answers to her requests and questions--this was a whole different world Suddenly, he had questions and she had answers The realization left him uneasy

Tony decided to concentrate on the present For the ti Claire with him He would work to show her that Iowa, ed At a little before 7:00 AM, he sent her a text:

"IF YOU ARE FEELING UP TO BREAKFAST, MEET ME ON THE PATIO AT 8:00 AM"

After he hit SEND, Tony suddenly worried He’d been thinking the fresh air would be good for her, but what if she was ill? She’d told hi sickness He didn’t want her to be concerned about rushing down to breakfast, if she wasn’t feeling up to it Apparently, ti he couldn’t take back--he couldn’t retrieve a text once it was sent, either He called the kitchen and infor hih the French doors, he rereeted her, "GoodI wasn’t sure you would wake for " Her smile made his cheeks rise "I did"

Before he could say another word--tell her how a she looked or hoanted to keep her captive forever--Cindy was by her side, offering her coffee or tea and discussing food Damn, he needed less attentive staff As she spoke, he assessed her complexion To him she was beautiful When they were finally alone, he asked, "How are you feeling this , considering how early this is in California"

"I think you’re getting used to being in Iowa It probably isn’t a great idea to keep changing ti, she replied, "I don’t think that would resolve any of my current issues"

"Oh, but you’re mistaken It would be ever so helpful" Tony reached for the bowl of fresh fruit "Would you like sorapes into her bowl, she asked, "Why did you summon me here so early?"

He reached for her hand "Claire, why do you think everything has double ?"

She sed her fruit With her beautiful e, she answered, "Because I know you"

He laughed "Better than most"

"What’s your plan?"