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“What’s the status of her…” I try to think of a delicate way to put it “Father?”

E like worry fills her expression

Reaching up, I slide a piece of hair behind her ear “What’s wrong?”

“Does it bother you?” She’s studyingme closely

“What?” A little wave crashes between us, sending salt into my mouth I spit it out

Her eyes flicker away, but I’ive her a little shake “What are you afraid of?”

“My mother said men don’t like other men’s children”

Heat tightens in ular occurrence whenever Marjorie Warren coether what happened after I left… The only unanswered question is why

“Co us out of the water We walk up the shore to our clothes, the light breeze cooling our heated skin, and I think about et to know her” Ember looks up at me, and I can tell she’s not convinced “I expect the two of you are a package deal”

She reaches down and quickly dro

ps the sundress over her head “I won’t leave Coco behind” I don’t e in her voice as she says it, ale

Jerking my jeans over my hips, I catch her around the waist as she tries to pass, pulling her toforward, I kiss the corner of her mouth “I’d like her to come with you Is that possible?”

Her shoulders drop, and she relaxes in my arms “It should be”

Releasing her, I scoop upit over my head “Tell me about her Were you…” Unexpected jealousy hits me as I say the words “Is her father someone you cared about?”

We reach the truck, and I help her inside before jogging around to climb in the driver’s side She tells e Her voice is quiet, cautious, and I hang on every word