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But my words are cut off because it’s not an elderly, stooped old man on my doorstep It’s the woman of my dreams herself: Penny Lockwood My heart beats at a hundredto pass out She’s so beautiful thather, as if she’s a vision that’s appeared from the skies above

“Patrick?” she says in a s ti if maybe you have a minute?”

I step aside silently, swinging the door open for her to come in What could she possibly have to say? Suddenly, my heart’s in my throat because I desperately need Penny in ement?

9

Penny

I’ot to Patrick’s front door unannounced Taking a deep breath, I strode into his fancy aparted there The lavish décor was intiht smile I said, “Mr Lancaster, please In the penthouse apartment”

The concierge didn’t even blink an eye He called up, and to o

“The elevators are on your right, Miss,” the concierge said “Press “P” once you’re inside”

I thanked hie Even the inside of the elevator was ornate, ood-paneling on all four sides and elaborate lattice-work in the corners But I steeled myself because I wasn’t here to appreciate the décor I was here to tell a man about his secret son

When the elevator doors whooshed open, I aleous, with plush carpets on the floors and a chandelier lighting the way But there was only one door in the hallway, and i to the penthouse

I took another deep breath You’re doing this for Georgie, I reie means more to you than anyone else in the world Do this for hied

But when the door opened, and I saw Patrick Lancaster in the flesh, I alain because he’s just so beautiful The light in his apart physique Those broad shoulders seemed to fill up the doorframe, and his blue eyes seized mine, like we’d never been apart I wanted to faint, but I made myself smile tremulously instead