Unspoken Bonds: Long Shot Series, #2

By Michelle Grey

Just when she thought life had passed her by, adventure found her. And now, it's trying to kill her.

 

Being summoned to the emergency room to interpret for deaf patients is part of Rachel Mansfield's normal, quiet life. But finding herself interpreting for a scared, abandoned little girl with nothing but a note pinned to her shirt? Well, that's a first.

An instant bond forms between them, and Rachel's protective instincts kick into high gear as Lily's mysterious past meets an uncertain future. As hours turn into days, Rachel's biggest worry is that they won't find Lily's family. Until she meets Lily's uncle, Garrett. Then he becomes her biggest worry.

Betrayed by his family, Garrett Staker knows his path. He's plotted every step. And as he closes in on his most important business goal, one thing is certain -- his plan doesn't include assuming responsibility for a niece who was presumed dead after his sister's murder.

Despite the undercurrent of attraction, Rachel and Garrett are at odds over Lily's future. But as Garrett's business comes under attack from within, and the questions about Lily's past loom larger, they must find a way to work together. Their lives, and Lily's, depend on it.

Unspoken Bonds is a Cinderella story with a healthy dose of edge-of-your-seat mystery and murder.

Buy Unspoken Bonds today and follow along into uncharted territory!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lucky 13 Unlimited
• Release date: Sep 20, 2013
• ISBN: 9781386727668

Michelle Grey

Michelle’s love affair with romance began the summer before high school when she discovered her mom’s Harlequin collection. The feeling of joy from experiencing those happily-ever-afters has stayed with her ever since. Now she writes stories about strong women with strong passions, sexy swoon-worthy heroes, and the twists of fate that bring them together and try to tear them apart. She hopes to ignite the same spark of joy for her readers that caught fire in her that long ago summer. When she’s not writing, reading, or voicing a novel, Michelle spends most of her time hanging out with her favorite humans. With marriages and babies and puppies, the boisterous group seems to grow every year, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Michelle loves to hear from her readers so drop her a note on Facebook or Instagram, or on her website www.authormichellegrey.com

Book preview

Chapter

One

Caller ID was a blessing and a curse. Rachel Mansfield rubbed the burn from her tired eyes and dragged her cell phone off the table. She shouldn’t have fallen asleep in the first place. There were still things to get ready for tomorrow, and she wanted everything to be perfect for her baby brother’s first weekend pass from the Marines.

But she couldn’t, in good conscience, ignore the call from the hospital. Sighing, she hit the talk button. This is Rachel.

Hey, Rachel. Corinne Ross, Child Protective Services. Sorry to call so late. Do you have a minute?

Rachel’s foggy brain flashed to a time when a call from CPS might’ve involved her brother. But that time had long since passed. She released a breath and checked her watch. Past Eleven. Must be important. Of course. How can I help, Corinne?

We have a situation that requires your expertise.

Rachel sat up straighter, rolling her neck in a vain attempt to recover from her impromptu nap in the chair. Emergency room?

Yes, there’s a little girl here who’s hearing impaired.

I’m assuming the parents are deaf, too? Rachel stood and stretched.

Ah, well. That’s the thing. We don’t know. She’s alone. We’re going off the note pinned to her shirt.

Certain she’d misunderstood, Rachel pressed the phone closer to her ear. Excuse me? Did you say a note pinned to her?

Yes. The disgust in Corinne’s voice was clear. It says, ‘My name is Lily. I can’t hear. Please take care of me.’ That’s all we’ve got to go on.

Incredulous, Rachel shook her head. As a sign interpreter for the hospital, she’d worked several cases over the years with Protective Services, but this was a first. Any idea on age? Is she hurt? What else do you know? She rushed to her bedroom and shimmied into a clean pair of jeans, the phone wedged between her ear and shoulder.

If I had to guess, I’d say she’s probably four or five. I just got here a few minutes ago. From what I understand, the emergency room was hot tonight. There was a four-car wreck out on Lake Road – a bunch of teenagers celebrating the beginning of summer. Anyway, it was a total train wreck here, all hands on deck. It wasn’t until everything calmed back down that a janitor straightening the waiting room found her asleep in a chair.

She’s not a patient, then?

Not yet, but they want to examine her to be sure she doesn’t need to be admitted. Problem is, she’s agitated, and no one can calm her down. Can you come? Now?

I’m on my way. Ten minutes later, Rachel whipped into the parking lot of Olathe Medical Center and hurried through the sliding double doors, her gaze landing on Corinne. Where is she?

Corinne waved her toward the examination rooms. Anxious moans reached Rachel’s ears before she was halfway down the hall. Breaking into a run, she followed the sound and pulled back the curtain.

A waif of a girl with a pile of wayward strawberry-blond curls cowered in the corner of the bed, her frightened eyes darting around the room. Squeezing between two male nurses, Rachel stepped to the bed, her hands extended and open, speaking aloud as she signed. Hi there, sweetheart. My name is Rachel. You don’t need to be afraid. We just want to help you.

Beautiful green eyes that reminded her of the darkest part of a forest, followed her movements then scanned Rachel’s face, but the little girl didn’t respond. Rachel tried again, finger-spelling her name. Lily?

If anything, the girl shrunk further back against the bed, a low guttural sound escaping from her lips. Rachel glanced around, her heart aching for the girl. There were six other adults in the room, all focused on Lily. Not exactly calming. Hey guys, give me a few minutes here. Corinne, Doctor, stay if you would, please. Everybody else, we’ll call if we need you.

Rachel shuffled them out and pulled the doctor and Corinne toward the exit. Hang out over here for a minute. I think she’s overwhelmed. Rachel walked back over to the bed, but Lily had dropped from the mattress and was wedged behind it, eyes closed, her small body rocking to a private rhythm. Careful not to touch her, Rachel sat down on the floor.

After a few minutes, the rocking stopped, and Lily opened her eyes. Rachel smiled and lifted her hand to gently smooth Lily’s curls, pleased when she didn’t pull away.

Taking a chance, Rachel rose from the floor and held out her hand, waiting to see what Lily would do. She smiled again, silently encouraging. Patience was something Rachel had gotten pretty good at, and she could wait all night if she had to. The decision had to be Lily’s.

She was rewarded as Lily slowly emerged from her hiding place and slipped her small hand into Rachel’s. Her big eyes were still wary as she surveyed the room, but Lily wasn’t in panic mode anymore.

Now, to figure out how to communicate and determine what Lily knew. Obviously, her grasp on American Sign Language was very limited. That was okay, though. Rachel welcomed the surge of energy that came with the challenge.

She brought her fingers to her mouth. Are you hungry?

Lily’s eyes followed her hand, and she duplicated the movement and nodded, repeating Rachel’s words.

Rachel glanced at Corinne, her eyes wide. Did you hear that? That sounded like hungry. Can you get me something? Signing as she spoke to Corinne, Rachel returned her gaze to Lily. How was she able to verbalize without any hearing? She shelved the thought as the blatant distrust in Lily’s eyes consumed her attention. How many people had let this little girl down already in her young life? She tried a few more signs as she waited for Corinne to return but didn’t have any luck.

Dr. Gibson tapped her shoulder. We’d like to examine her, make sure she’s okay.

Rachel nodded. I think that’s a good idea.

She patted the bed and tilted her head toward it. Lily shook her head, and the fear was back in her eyes, front and center. Bringing Lily’s anxiety back down before it got out of control again was critical. Rachel climbed onto the mattress then motioned toward Lily. After several long seconds, Lily joined her. Sheltering Lily in a gentle embrace, Rachel nodded to the doctor who made quick work of his initial exam. Fingers clenched around Rachel’s wrists, Lily squeezed herself tight against Rachel, crying out when the nurse drew a vial of blood.

Rachel soothed the little girl, and by the time the doctor returned with the results, Lily had finished a package of animal crackers and drained a juice box.

She’s a bit undernourished but, overall, in pretty good shape. Whoever brought her in seems to have done a fair job taking care of her. I can’t see a reason to admit her as a patient.

Rachel felt Lily’s weight as it sagged against her middle. Poor little girl had run out of steam. What do we do now?

Corinne snapped her phone closed. Hopefully we’ll get a hit on her tomorrow through the endangered child registry, but for now we have someone lined up. We can take her as soon as she’s released.

Rachel’s heart tripped as she looked at the crust and dirt smudges on Lily’s face. She’d met her only a couple of hours earlier, but something about Lily’s beguiling eyes and tarnished innocence pulled at her. Shaking her head, she ignored the feeling. Protective Services was simply doing its job.

Shifting, she roused Lily awake. There was no slow, easy awakening though. In a heartbeat, the little girl was wide-eyed and fearful. Rachel touched her arm, drawing her attention, as she once again wondered what on earth Lily had been through.

Corinne moved forward and Rachel scooted off the bed, but Lily scooted right along with her, scrambling behind her back and forcing Rachel to act as a barrier between them. Lily’s fingers dug into Rachel’s hip. With gentle hands, Rachel pried herself loose and squatted down next to her.

The little girl’s eyes filled with tears. Stay. With you.

Her words were barely distinguishable, but the near panic behind them caused an answering sting of tears to prick Rachel’s eyes. The plans for reunion weekend with her siblings tumbled through her mind, but there was always room for one more. And they would love Lily.

Corinne, Lily is obviously traumatized. I have background clearance through the hospital to work with children. Under the circumstances, is there any reason she couldn’t stay with me until her family is located?

Corinne frowned. You sure you want that responsibility? At Rachel’s nod, she pulled out her phone. Let me make a call. She left the room, and Rachel wiped Lily’s nose then rocked her in silence as they waited.

Lily’s ramrod posture stiffened further when the agent returned. Good news. My supervisor’s allowing some latitude. Smiling, she laid out paperwork on the counter. They’ve given us permission to let Lily go with you. Record your contact information here, then I’ll need your signature in a couple of places.

Rachel felt Lily’s worried gaze and simply signed yes and nodded. Her shy answering smile was all the validation Rachel needed that she’d made the right decision. After endorsing the documents, Rachel jotted down her home and cell phone numbers, and her physical address. She touched Corinne’s hand and was met with another smiling face. Thank you for making this happen.

"My pleasure. Thank you. I’m glad you were on call tonight."

The first pink fingers of sunrise tinged the eastern sky as Rachel hoisted Lily from the back seat and climbed the stairs. Her third floor apartment had been an intentional choice to augment her regular cardio workouts, but right now, her back wasn’t buying it. Of course, she wasn’t used to hauling forty-three pounds of sleeping girl, either, but Lily had been through enough for one night and Rachel didn’t have the heart to wake her again.

She dropped her purse in the entry hall then laid Lily’s sleeping form on the sofa. Exhaustion might’ve triggered the extra tug at her heart, but Rachel couldn’t deny that it felt good to be needed again. As she tucked a throw around the slender girl and wondered again about her circumstances, the momma-bear instincts she’d honed over the years slipped back into place like well-worn gloves.

No matter what else happened, she’d do everything in her power to make sure Lily was never abandoned again.

Chapter

Two

Rachel twitched, swatting at the pesky fly until she opened her eyes and realized it was Lily’s soft fingertips on her cheek. She smiled, meeting Lily’s solemn gaze. And her heart tripped all over again. Nope, falling for this little girl had nothing to do with exhaustion.

Rachel’s back ached from her awkward sleeping position in the chair, but it was worth it to keep Lily from waking up in a strange place all alone. And, for the first time since she’d met Lily, the little girl’s eyes weren’t shadowed with fear.

Lily was woefully behind in her communication skills, but from the gurgling in her stomach, it wasn’t difficult to figure out she was hungry. Rachel took Lily’s hand and led her to the kitchen. Sitting her at the table, Rachel put out two types of cereal and a banana.

No time like the present to help Lily catch up. Rachel made a point of signing every object. By the time breakfast was finished, a game of sorts had developed. Lily pointed at various objects on the counter or around the room and Rachel taught her the signs. Some of the words Lily even repeated verbally.

Bless Corinne. She stopped by with a couple of bags from Wal-Mart including clothes for Lily, a pair of pajamas, and a few picture books and toys. After giving Lily a bath, Rachel checked in with her sister, Sarah, to make sure she was ready for the party then headed out the door to the airport.

Rachel’s heart swelled with pride as she waited for the crowd to disperse at Gate A. She pointed Seth out to Lily and felt her shrink into her side. She had to give her this one, though. Seth intimidated most everyone he met.

Her brother walked toward them, twice acknowledging the thanks of fellow passengers before he finally escaped the gate area. Scooping Rachel into a giant hug, he swung her around. How’s my favorite big sister?

Tears filled her eyes. Even though Seth was only seven years younger, she’d watched his evolution from the scrawny runt of the family to filling out every inch of his six-foot-four frame. When he’d enlisted in the Marines, she’d alternately cursed and prayed, but it had been the right move. She could accept that now, but oh, how she missed him. She knew he hated it when she went all sappy, which she tended to do, so she sniffed back her tears and laughed instead.

Favorite big sister? I promise not to tell Sarah you said that. Now put me down. I’d like to introduce you to my new friend, Lily.

Lily’s eyes were huge. When Rachel made it back to the ground, she smiled reassurance then took Lily’s hand, gently tugging her toward Seth. Seth got down on his haunches and held out his hand as Rachel joined them and signed the introduction to Lily.

Lily’s eyes tracked from Rachel’s hands to Seth’s, and after a brief hesitation, she placed her hand in his and uttered a quiet greeting.

Rachel squeezed her shoulders then rose. Let’s get you to Sarah’s. Party can’t start without the guest of honor.

After settling Lily in the backseat, Rachel climbed behind the wheel and steered the red Santa Fe out of the underground circle. To Seth’s credit, he at least waited until she’d paid the parking lot cashier.

So, what’s the story with pipsqueak back there?

Rachel glanced in the rear-view mirror, happy to see that Lily’s eyelids were already getting heavy. I wish I knew.

After sharing what little information she had, the conversation turned to Seth’s life and military experiences. Rachel listened with pride at the progress he’d made, not just in the service, but in his maturity level. Gone was the kid who’d almost been expelled from high school, and in his place was a young man who’d seen and endured things most people never would.

The fanfare began in earnest when Rachel pulled up at Sarah’s place. Red, white, and blue decorations adorned the house and yard as the family streamed out the front door. A round of hearty hugs from Sarah and her husband, Chuck, along with the twins, Kyle and Kevin, met Seth when he climbed out of the SUV.

Rachel came around the vehicle giving hugs to all, but her gaze lingered on the twins. Did you get back from school yesterday? It had only been since Christmas, but it felt like ages since she’d seen them. They’d traveled to Lincoln together to attend the University of Nebraska and were headed into their senior year already.

Kyle pecked her on the cheek. Yes, but only to visit. We kept our lease in Lincoln since we both have jobs up there, so we’re heading back tomorrow.

Rachel hid her surprise. She had no idea they weren’t back for the summer. Wow. That’s quick. She brushed her hands together and pasted a smile on her face. She wasn’t about to ruin the time they’d have this weekend. So, where are Caleb and Lacey?

As if on cue, her only older sibling and his wife pulled in the driveway behind her. Caleb climbed out of the car, grinning. Sorry we’re late. We’ve been over in Manhattan visiting Lacey’s family and got behind schedule. Where’s the military brat?

Rachel shook her head and laughed. It had been Caleb’s influence on Seth that had moved him in the right direction, and she knew emotion ran deep between them. Seeing them bear-hug almost made her go sappy all over again.

Through another round of hugs, pride filled her as she watched her siblings, all of them strong, healthy, well-adjusted adults. Nobody would’ve called that twenty years ago. The only remaining resemblance to the scrawny group of kids they’d once been was their dark hair and blue eyes, a lasting legacy from their parents.

Lacey sidled up next to Rachel and threw an arm around her shoulder. Cute look. When did you decide to go short?

Rachel returned the hug, then ran a hand through her chin-length bob. Thanks. About a week ago. Time for a change, I guess.

I bet you’re happy to see all the kids together.

Always. Rachel pulled her attention from the revelry and turned to her sister-in-law, the woman who’d saved her brother from himself. How’s Chicago? You staying busy?

Definitely. Lacey filled her in on the happenings in Caleb’s company as well as her own endeavors as an adoption placement specialist. Looks like the party’s moving inside. I’m sure between you and Sarah, there’s a veritable feast waiting, and these days I’m always hungry.

It took Rachel a second to clue in. She looked down at Lacey’s flat stomach and back at her face, catching the smile that said it all. Oh, my gosh! What great news. When are you due?

Around the first of the year. Caleb’s already a nervous wreck. Afraid any little thing I do could hurt the baby or me, so don’t say anything to freak him out.

Rachel chuckled. You’re going to be amazing parents. She walked back over to the SUV and opened the back door. Besides, I brought along a different conversation starter.

Peeking around Rachel’s shoulder, Lacey kept her voice low. She’s darling. Are you babysitting for someone?

Rachel picked Lily up and laid her sleeping head on her shoulder. Hitching the door closed with her hip, Rachel turned to Lacey. She’s heavier than she looks. I’ll tell you all about her inside.

Lily woke as they entered the coolness of the house, scrambling tighter around Rachel’s neck as she observed the host of strangers. Rachel sat down on the sofa and finger-spelled the names and signed brother and sister. She knew Lily wouldn’t understand yet, but the more communication she saw, the faster she’d learn. After several minutes, Lily released her grasp and sat next to Rachel on the sofa. Pointing at Kyle and Kevin who’d claimed the floor in front of the television, Xbox controllers in hand, Lily frowned.

Rachel followed Lily’s finger then again signed their names. Seth laughed. She probably wants to play, but she won’t get a chance with these two.

I’ll bring her a plate, Lacey said.

Have a seat. I’ll get it. Caleb was up and in the kitchen before Lacey could even roll her eyes.

He’s been like this since we found out.

Rachel laughed out loud at her brother’s actions. Boy, are you in trouble.

Tell me about it. With a broad smile that said she really didn’t mind, Lacey plopped onto the sofa.

Rachel settled Lily on the floor in front of the coffee table as Caleb returned with a full offering of hot dog, chips, dip, and brownie. Lily looked at Rachel then smiled tentatively at Caleb. She stuck a straw in a glass of milk and took a long drink then dug into her food, but Rachel noticed that Lily’s eyes strayed back to the twins time and time again. Did she think it was strange that they looked the same? She’d have to remember to explain later.

Sarah brought a plate for Rachel and sat down next to her, stealing a chip from her pile. I didn’t want Lily to be nervous if you left the room. Seems like more than a little separation anxiety going on there.

Thanks. Yeah, I’d call it justifiable. Rachel shared last night’s events at the hospital. Makes me wonder what she’s been through.

Caleb swallowed a mouthful of his burger. So, when do you think you’ll hear about her family?

I don’t know. Rachel watched Lily drag her potato chip through a mountain of ranch dip. Maybe today, but truth be told, I wouldn’t mind if she stuck around for a couple days. She’s so sweet and bright. And we’re already making progress with her communication.

What happens if they don’t find her family? Or if her family dumped her?

Her brother wasn’t being crass, just honest, but the thought chilled Rachel’s blood. She knew all too well that parents could do stupid things. At this point, they’re going on the assumption that she was abducted from her family. If that turns out not to be the case, I guess we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.

She paused, her gaze on Lily. Surely, somebody was searching for her. I can’t imagine how excited her family will be to know she’s been located.

Garrett Staker wished like hell he hadn’t ignored the call from the States . It had to be a prank. He listened to the message again then checked his watch. Four in the afternoon in Beijing, so it was three a.m. in some podunk town called Olathe, Kansas. He’d have to wait a few hours to get answers. Shit.

Lily Staker would’ve been close to six years old if she was alive, but she wasn’t. She was dead. Along with her mother. Garrett’s chest tightened as vague memories of his little sister bombarded him. Memories of her following him around during summers home from boarding school, of her endless chatter that made him want to bury his head under his pillow.

Gweneth had been so carefree back then. Her green eyes, the only feature they shared, had been enormous. And back then she’d been so full of mischief, those eyes always twinkling when she smiled. But then things changed.

Guilt slithered down his spine. Guilt he thought he’d long-since dealt with. There was still so much he didn’t know – would probably never know. About why Gweneth had run away and was ultimately found dead in an Arizona apartment. And about what had happened to Lily.

He splashed bourbon into a glass and stared out the hotel window. Rain lashed the glass, all but obscuring the view of the teeming city. He didn’t have time for a trip down memory lane, and he sure as hell didn’t have any desire to go there.

Anger doused his guilt as he tossed back the drink and slammed the crystal tumbler on the desk. Whatever their motive, he’d make sure the people behind the prank paid. But right now, he needed to focus on his dinner meeting with Li Hong to see whether he’d wasted fifty grand and the last six months, or if he’d get the go-ahead on the project.

Garrett closed the door to his room and shrugged out of his jacket, ready to make the call that had plagued him through dinner. But before he could dial the number, his phone vibrated. Jack Mathis was on the line. Anybody else and Garrett would’ve punted the call.

So, you get the deal?

I think so, but you know how that goes. Things are never done in this business till they’re done. And sometimes, not even then.

Jack chuckled. I’ll have to take your word on that. None of my assignments have sent me undercover in the international construction business. So, why aren’t you jacked? You’ve been working this deal for a long time.

Garrett rolled his shoulders. Minor distraction I’m getting ready to take care of. Got a message earlier today. Somebody’s trying to convince me Lily’s alive.

Say what?

Yeah. Agent Corinne Ross from Child Protective Services in Kansas. Said a little girl claiming to be Lily has turned up there.

Kansas? Think some scammer’s after reward money? It’s been a long time.

Garrett could almost hear the gears turning in his friend’s head. No idea. Doubt it was ever front page news in Kansas. I need to call them and find who brought her in and why they think this girl is Lily.

Okay. Call me when you know something. I’m on a case in L.A. for the next few weeks, but I’m above ground so let me know if you need help.

Garrett ended the call and poured another shot of bourbon. Might as well get this over with. He punched in the number he’d written down.

Agent Ross.

Garrett Staker, returning your call.

After a moment’s paper shuffling, the woman responded. Good morning, Mr. Staker. Thank you for calling. I’m sure this is coming as a shock to you, but as I said in my message, last Friday evening a child named Lily was left at our local hospital. We’ve now identified this girl as your niece, Lily Staker. You and your mother, Helen Staker, are her only living relatives as far as we can tell. We’ve attempted to find contact information for your mother to no avail.

Garrett soured. Thank God. Saddling her with a child would’ve been a fate worse than death for Helen. And worse than that for a kid.

Agent Ross, with all due respect, I don’t know who this little girl is, but she’s lying to you. Lily Staker went missing and was presumed dead two years ago in Arizona. How in God’s name would she end up in Kansas? He moved to disconnect the call. He wasn’t interested in the apology he assumed she’d offer.

I can’t tell you how Lily ended up here. And Lily herself has told us next to nothing. We’re going off a note pinned to her chest. Lily is deaf.

Garrett puffed out a silent sigh of relief. Well, there you go then. Lily Staker wasn’t deaf.

Impatience tinged the woman’s voice. Mr. Staker, we didn’t just pull a name out of our hat to determine Lily’s identity. We’ve matched all the markers on the endangered child registry as well as a pretty darn good physical match.

Garrett froze, his head spinning as the certainty in the woman’s voice rang in his ears. Was it possible? How was it possible? Kansas had to be a thousand miles away from Phoenix. And how did she lose her hearing?

Questions flitted around his mind like hummingbirds, but he couldn’t catch them. The one that dwarfed all the others was the only one that really mattered.

What was he going to do about it?

The obvious answer was to contact his mother and make Lily her problem. But he’d never be able to do that to the kid.

Agent Ross continued. We feel very confident that this child is your niece.

His vision tunneled as his calendar for the next several months unfolded in his mind like a grid. He had way too many commitments to take on this kind of responsibility.

Mr. Staker?

He snapped back to the present. Agent Ross, I’m in China on business. I can’t just drop what I’m doing and hop on a plane to check out some kid I’ve never met who claims to be my dead niece. He whipped out his iPad and pulled up his scheduled meetings. It’s Tuesday evening here. Best case scenario, I could be in the States by Sunday. His mind raced. Making provision for someone else was a foreign concept to him. Do you have a place she can stay?

Lily is staying with one of the hospital’s sign interpreters, but that wasn’t meant to be a long term arrangement.

He swore the already cool tone on the other end of the line dropped several degrees. That’s too damn bad. As it appears you’re asking me to upend my entire life, Agent Ross, I hardly think a few additional days would be considered a long term arrangement.

Garrett stacked his hands behind his head, replaying the phone call in his mind. He’d been an ass. The woman was simply doing her job, but son of a bitch. Talk about coming out of left field. What the hell was he going to do with a five-year-old?

Chapter

Three

Garrett had reviewed the results of the DNA testing he’d requested. The girl he was about to meet was undeniably his sister’s daughter. He stepped through the restaurant doorway as the hostess appeared. Despite his qualms about meeting Lily, he was curious. His eyes adjusted to the muted lighting as he scanned the room. They landed on the small girl and the truth tackled him head-on. The DNA test had been an unnecessary formality. Lily was a spitting image of Gweneth when she was little.

The air left his lungs as questions he had no way to answer filled his head. Questions that, for now, didn’t matter because Lily was alive, and she was here. And his life had been irrevocably altered.

Waving off the hostess, he approached the table on wooden legs. Lily’s eyes widened as she tugged on the sleeve of the woman fussing with the bow on Lily’s dress. The woman whipped around, dark hair fanning out around her face. For the second time in as many minutes, he was blindsided. The most astonishing sky-blue eyes he’d ever seen were framed by a face that could only be described as stunning.

She stood, the top of her head almost reaching his chin, and extended