“Come in. ”
The door opened, and there he was. Seven years. Seven years since I’d last seen Nate Cooper, the boy who had been the heartthrob of York University, the boy who had secretly dated a 160-pound girl like me.
Everyone thought he was brilliant and pure, cold as snow. They had no idea what he was really like. “Let me see the case file,” he said, glancing at the paperwork. He didn’t recognize me.
Luckily, he didn’t. Seven years ago I was Clara, the heavy girl. Now I’m Emma, ninety pounds lighter, with a daughter and a new name. The world had changed me, and I had changed myself.
But seeing him again made my heart race in ways I thought I had buried for good. “Be careful with her. She needs surgery soon,” Nate said to my mother. “The cost isn’t low.
You should have known about that. ”
“Yes. ”
I listened from the hallway, my stomach knotting. Olivia’s surgery was exactly why I was here, why I had to stay calm, why I couldn’t let my past destroy everything I had worked for.
“Go back and prepare,” he said. “All right. ”
He didn’t look at me twice. I was just another patient’s mother, another face in his busy hospital.
That was what I needed. That was what Olivia needed. But the universe, it seemed, had other plans. “We’ll have a class reunion on the twentieth,” my phone buzzed with a message from an old classmate.
“Will you come? ”
“I’ll see if I have time then,” I typed back. “Ah, busy man. Don’t brush me off again.
Only you and that fat girl are always absent. Speaking of Clara, do you remember her? She’s that fat girl. After graduation, no one heard from her anymore.
You still there? ”
“Yeah. Hey, I’ll go if I have time. ”
Seven years.
I put down my phone and let out a breath. My mother had been the one to treat me today. She knew my story, all of it—the weight gain, the bullying, the secret romance, the pregnancy, the loss. She had helped me reinvent myself, helped me become Emma Harvey instead of Clara Wade.
“Mom, is it the doctor who treated me today? ” Olivia asked when I got home. “Yes, that’s him. ”
“He looks just like Dad’s picture in your wallet.
”
My chest tightened. “Olivia, that wasn’t your dad. He just looks a little like your dad. Your dad went far away.
”
“Remember, if anyone asks you, tell them your dad is Vance Fuller. Got it? ”
“Got it. ”
Two years ago, Olivia had needed a father for preschool.
Vance had needed a family to give his sick dad peace of mind. We married for convenience and divorced as soon as his father passed. It was a clean arrangement, no strings, no broken hearts. “Come on, Olivia.
Grandma is waiting for us at home. ”
But the past has a way of following you, no matter where you run. The next day, I went back to work. My boss, Mrs.
Scott, had given me a chance when no one else would. She was kind to me, and I was loyal to her. “Miss Harvey has such terrible taste,” one of my colleagues muttered as I walked by. “If she doesn’t want this version of my design draft, I’m quitting for good.
”
“Emma, could it be that they chose here for the class reunion? ”
I froze. The restaurant where we had been asked to help with an event was the same place my old classmates had chosen for their reunion. “Emma, what’s the matter?
”
“Nothing,” I said, forcing a smile. “Let’s go. ”
Even if old classmates saw me, they shouldn’t recognize me now. I was thinner, sharper, a completely different person.
Or so I believed. The reunion was in full swing by the time I passed by. I overheard my old classmates talking. “Nate, do you have a girlfriend?
Doctors are always busy. ”
“I heard you’re a heart surgeon. Is the work usually busy? ”
Then someone else said, “Everyone’s here except for Clara.
No one has her contact info. I’ll send her a package. ”
“Clara, that chubby one. I remember when she ran laps back then.
She was panting like a pig. ”
“Clara, I heard she might be dead. ”
“Dead? How could it be?
”
“No wonder she never came to any reunions or replied to messages. Six years ago, I was in the hospital. I saw her there late at night with a swollen stomach for treatment. It looked like some kind of tumor.
She was pale as a ghost. Poor thing. ”
“A tumor? Isn’t Nate a doctor right here?
Nate, is that terminal? ”
I saw Nate stand up. “There’s an emergency. I have to go now.
”
“Hey, don’t go. Both Clara and Nate went to your ex-university. They had a secret relationship for three years there. ”
“Impossible.
She’s a fatty. How could Nate be that desperate? ”
“You must be lying. ”
“Clara was so ugly.
How could Nate have fallen for her? ”
“She was heavy, sure, but not really ugly. It’s true. My sister went to Rex too.
It was actually pretty well-known back then. Anyway, Clara’s dead now. Sorry. ”
Nate’s face was unreadable as he left.
But I saw him stop near the entrance, looking at something in his hand—his cufflinks, the same ones he always wore. “Nate. Is the world really this small? ” I whispered to myself.
“Your cufflink,” a waitress said, handing it to him. “We have no connection at all anymore. And it’s best if we never have one again. ”
I said the words quietly, to no one but myself.
Back home, I tried to shake the feeling of his eyes on me. “Emma, you’re back. It’s fresh. Come and have some,” Sophie, my mother, called out.
“Sophie, I just finished eating. ”
“Look at you. You’re so skinny now. Other people might think I’m being unkind to you.
”
“All right, then. ”
“Emma, Olivia’s illness can’t wait. The surgery must be done soon. Here, take this money.
”
“Sophie, my project is almost finished. Then there’ll be a bonus. I did the math. It’ll be enough for the surgery.
”
“You could just pay me back when you have it, right? ”
“Thank you, Sophie. ”
“We’re friends, right? ”
That’s what I had with Sophie—friendship, care, the support I had never gotten from my own family.
My uncle had taken me in after my parents’ accident, but he had only ever seen me as a burden, someone to be used and discarded. It was because of that uncle that everything had fallen apart. Seven years ago, when I was pregnant, my uncle had been furious. He thought I was a disgrace, a burden he had to carry.
When my body started to fail, when the pregnancy became dangerous, he refused to take me to the hospital until it was almost too late. The baby—my baby—had died. I never forgave him for it. I never forgave myself either.
The next few days were a blur of work and worry. Nate kept showing up at the hospital, at the school, everywhere Olivia and I went. He asked about my husband. He asked if we’d ever met before.
He studied my face like he was trying to solve a puzzle. I kept my distance. I had to. Then Olivia needed surgery.
The same hospital. The same doctor. Nate walked into the waiting room while I was holding back tears. “Olivia, how’s she doing?
” he asked. “It’s just a minor soft tissue injury to the knee. Nothing serious. Here’s my business card.
If you need anything, feel free to contact me. ”
I took the card, not meeting his eyes. “Have we ever met before? ” he asked.
“You must have forgotten because you’re too busy. My daughter was your patient, so we’ve seen you before. ”
“I didn’t mean that meeting. I’m not that forgetful, Miss Harvey.
”
Olivia pulled at my sleeve. “Mom, Potato is still in the car of that doctor who looks like that. ”
“Potato? That’s right.
The puppy. Olivia, I can buy you another dog. ”
“Okay, then it’s not potato anymore. ”
Later that night, I got a call from an unknown number.
“Hello. Are you looking for Nate? ”
“Sorry, wrong number. ”
“No, it’s him.
He’s taking a shower. I’ll have him call you back shortly. ”
A woman. He was with a woman.
Of course he was. That was Nate, always surrounded by admirers, always moving from one to the next. Then the woman said, “Is that his girlfriend? ”
I hung up.
True. Whether in high school or college, women always flocked around him. Back then, if I hadn’t threatened him with his niece’s situation, he’d never have dated me. That was our whole relationship, wasn’t it?
Built on blackmail, kept alive by misunderstanding, destroyed by my own insecurities. The next day, Nate called back. “Easy. You’re being so rough,” I heard him say, muffled.
“Calling me while having sex with another woman? It’s me, Dr. Cooper. Did my daughter’s dog go with you in your car?
”
“Oh, got it here. ”
“Dr. Cooper, are you free tomorrow? We could pick a spot.
My daughter really loves that dog. ”
“Next week, I’m heading to Stressa tomorrow. I’ll contact you then. ”
“Okay, goodbye then.
”
“Hey, what’s her name? I need to save your contact. ”
“Emma Harvey. ”
“Your female patient.
She sounds pretty gentle. Is she single? ”
I could almost hear the other woman snort. “Sherry?
Since when are you this nosy? ”
“Oh, come on. I’m just looking out for you. Tell me, is she pretty?
”
“Ugly. ”
“Yeah, right. By the way, you’re acting. I know.
She’s really gorgeous. ”
“Hey, if she’s your type, just go for it. Save mom from nagging you. ”
“She is married with a six-year-old kid.
Still want to set us up? ”
“Ah, what about Kathy Moss? She’s from the famous Moss family. ”
“Not interested.
”
“Then what’s your type? ”
“Big chest, long legs, fair skin. Oh, and not too skinny. 170 pounds ideally.
”
“You even got the exact number. ”
I remembered that number. I had weighed exactly that when we were together. The next day, I was in the office when my colleague Lucy Ann looked up.
“Hey, Emma, heard the news. Miss Moss is dating someone. His family is loaded. One of the top in the city.
”
“Emma, you’re so pretty. When will you go snag a rich CEO? ”
“My daughter’s six. Besides, I’m not pretty.
When I was a teen, taking hormone drugs made me gain weight. From high school to college, I felt inferior. It’s too deeply ingrained in me. ”
“Who cares if you have a kid?
Beauty is really a rare asset these days. Have you even looked in a mirror? If I were a man, I’d be head over heels for you. ”
I changed the subject.
“Hey, Emma. I’ll be busy at noon. Can you deliver this for me? Take this to the cardiac surgery department at Zark Hospital.
Miss Moss wants to give it to her boyfriend. She’s in a meeting now. Do me a favor. ”
Cardiac surgery.
That was Nate’s department. “Miss Moss’s boyfriend is named Cooper,” Lucy said with a wink and winked. I walked into his office holding the delivery box. “Come in,” he said, not looking up.
Then he saw me. “Dr. Cooper. Your girlfriend, Miss Moss, asked me to deliver this.
”
He raised an eyebrow. “My girlfriend? Why don’t I know it? ”
“Miss Moss is my superior.
The whole company knows she’s dating someone. ”
“Do me a favor, Miss Harvey. ”
Before he could finish, a woman—Evelyn Moss—burst into the room. “What are you two doing?
”
“Miss Owen, it’s off the clock. What I’m doing is none of your concern. ”
“Nate, did you refuse me because of this woman? What’s good about her?
Her family goes way back. I’m clearly a better match. ”
“Get out. ”
Evelyn slammed the door behind her, and I found myself in Nate’s arms—an awkward accident that he didn’t seem eager to end.
“Miss Harvey, how long do you plan to stay in my arms? ”
“Dr. Cooper, watch your mouth. ”
“Why does this woman feel so familiar to me?
I’ve never even met her. ”
“Get in,” he said later, opening his car door. “No need. ”
“Don’t you want the dog?
If you don’t, I’ll throw that chubby dog away. ”
“You wouldn’t. ”
“Try me. ”
So I got in.
The golden retriever curled up on the seat between us. “Hey, a golden. Seven years ago, I saved a golden, too. Could it be the same one?
”
I kept my face neutral. “Isn’t he cute? Where was it from? ”
“Nate, the dorm rules say no dogs.
Could you keep it in your place? ” I remembered asking him that, seven years ago. “I don’t like dogs,” he had said then. But he had kept the dog anyway.
He had let me visit it, had even let the dog stay at his place when I begged. “Sorry, little guy. ”
“Wait a moment. Didn’t Nate actually take that puppy in seven years ago, but he said he didn’t like dogs?
”
I caught myself before I spoke the thought aloud. “Huh? I bought too much of this,” he said, holding a bag of dog food. “How much?
I’ll pay you back. ”
“Fine. Add me on chat and transfer it. ”
“Other women would jump at the chance to get my number.
”
“Have we met before? ”
“I brought my daughter to get examined once. ”
“I wasn’t asking about that time. ”
“No, we’ve never met before.
I was just asking casually. ”
“Harvey, why are you so nervous? ”
“Dr. Cooper, your behavior is really flippant.
”
“I’m outside the elevator. Am I flippant? ”
I pressed the button and hurried out. “Did he recognize me?
Probably not in this state. Even my best friend didn’t recognize me when she first saw me. ”
Days passed. The design project was stressful, and Miss Moss had made it clear she didn’t like me.
“I told you the client wants dark elements. Look at what you drew. ”
“But the client also wanted elegant style and natural vibe. The dot elements last time was already a mess.
Adding dark elements now is just way too weird. ”
“Forget old rules and listen to the client. Can’t you understand plain words? ”
“Sorry, Miss Kathy.
I’ll go and redo it now. ”
“You’re useless. ”
“Emma, don’t take it hard,” Lucy whispered. “Kathy got this job through her grandpa, not through hard work.
I heard her designing grades were awful. ”
“It’s okay. Hasn’t she yelled at me plenty? The bullying I faced at school for being fat and poor was way worse than that.
”
Then one day, Nate showed up at my office. “Emma, there’s the garden event today. Shall we go together? ”
“Sure.
”
Olivia came with us, and somehow, so did Nate’s nephew, Reuben. While the kids played, Nate pulled out his phone. “Uncle Nate, can you take a photo of me and Emma? ”
“Sure, but only if you take one of Emma and me, too.
”
“What’s wrong with Nate today? Didn’t he say I disturbed him last week? ”
“Deal,” Reuben said. “After you.
Hey, come here. Olivia, come on. Three, two, one. ”
We posed for the photo, and then Nate swapped places with Reuben.
“Emma and my uncle’s contact so he can send you our photos,” Reuben said, holding out Olivia’s phone. “Wait, is that a problem? ”
“No,” I said. “Just surprised I finally have a photo with him.
We had three years in college, but not a single photo. ”
Wait. I said that out loud. I was barely aware of it until I saw Nate’s expression shift.
Then, at a table of cupcakes, Reuben reached for one. “Can you finish all these? ”
“They’re also for Emma and Olivia. ”
“I’ll do it.
”
“Wait, there’s peanut butter in this. Emma and Olivia are allergic to it,” Reuben warned. “What did you say? ”
“What’s wrong?
”
“There are peanuts in the salad. I’m allergic to them. ”
“Clara is allergic to peanuts. Emma is too,” Nate muttered.
“Uncle Nate, what’s wrong? ”
“Clara. Clara. Clara.
”
I turned away, grabbing Olivia’s hand. “Olivia, come on, we’re leaving. ”
“Mom, why are you crying? ”
“Why isn’t she reacting?
Could it be she really isn’t Clara? ”
Later, at the hospital, he called me in for an examination. “Emma, how tall are you? ”
“5’7”.
“No, that’s wrong. People don’t grow taller. Clara was only 5’6. She isn’t her.
”
“Why are you asking that? ”
“Nothing. Let’s go. ”
I almost told him the truth.
“I used to be 5’6, but I grew an inch after pregnancy. ”
But I couldn’t. Not yet. Sophie kept pushing me to consider a new relationship.
“Emma, you’re back. And this is Nicholas Fuller. He teaches junior high history. He’s twenty-seven, same age as you.
”
“Hello. ”
“Hello. Thank you for today. ”
“Uh, don’t mention it.
If anything else comes up at home, feel free to call. ”
“All right. Don’t worry. We’ll definitely have to trouble you again.
”
“No problem, ma’am. I’ll be here when you need me. ”
“Emma. His family is open-minded about second marriages.
You’re still so young now. You should think about settling down now. Nicholas seems like a good guy and has a decent job, too. ”
“Okay, got it.
”
But I couldn’t think about Nicholas. All I could think about was the way Nate had looked at me, the way he was slowly, piece by piece, putting together a puzzle I had spent seven years trying to scatter. Then came Reuben’s birthday party. “Happy birthday, Reuben,” I said, handing him a gift.
“Thank you, Emma. ”
I watched the Coopers from across the room, trying to stay invisible. But then I saw Nate’s mother staring at Olivia. “Why does this little girl look exactly like Nate when he was young?
” she whispered to her husband. “Mom, look at this little girl. She’s almost a younger copy of him. ”
“Impossible.
I’m not so lucky to get such a heaven-sent adorable grandchild. ”
“Honey, don’t you think she looks like Nate, too? Even though she’s a girl, her expressions and looks are just like Nate when he was little. ”
I grabbed Olivia’s hand.
“Olivia, let’s go home. ”
“Okay. ”
“Relax. There’s a fireworks show tonight.
”
“It’s too late. I’ll drive you home later. ”
“Olivia, tell me if you want to see the fireworks or not. ”
“Mommy, I want to see the fireworks!
”
“Then you’re staying. ”
“Okay. ”
Nate’s mother approached Olivia. “What’s your name?
”
“I’m Olivia. ”
“Olivia. What a sweet name. ”
“Mrs.
Cooper. I’m Emma Harvey. This is my daughter. ”
“Olivia, would you like some cake?
Here, take it. So adorable. Have fun. ”
“Mom, that’s some skill.
You’re the best. Now we can know the truth. Whether she’s your niece, running a DNA test will tell us the truth,” I heard Nate’s sister whisper to her mother. “I’ve actually dreamed about a woman showing up with a child, pointing at Nate, saying it’s his child, then they should marry.
”
“Mom, that’s quite the dream you had. I always wake up laughing whenever I have that dream. I just wish it would come true. ”
Panic hit me.
They couldn’t do a DNA test. They couldn’t find out about Olivia. I had to get her away. I turned to leave, but a waiter crashed into me, spilling a drink down my dress.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Are you okay? ”
“I’m fine.
”
“Do you have any spare clothes? Miss, please follow me to the second-floor restroom. ”
“Okay. ”
Nate appeared.
“What’s happening? ”
“It’s fine. I’ll just change and leave. ”
“Stop looking.
”
“What? ”
“Are you going out like that? You’re with me. ”
He led me up the stairs to a private room.
“Wait here a minute. I’ll be right back. ”
He returned carrying a dress. “Here.
You change first. Call me when you’re done. ”
“How did he know this is the size for me? He knew just by looking.
This dress is expensive. That’s my monthly salary. ”
“I’m done. ”
“Does the size fit?
”
“Yes. ”
“I knew it would. ”
“This dress costs eight thousand. Let me pay you back.
”
“Hey, should I give you a ride? ”
“No need. I called a female driver this time. ”
“Okay.
”
“Mom, don’t you like Dr. Cooper? ” Olivia asked on the way home. “Don’t I?
I loved him with all my heart once, but he considered me as nothing but a mistake and a joke. ”
“I’m just having fun. I’m going abroad next month. ”
I said it just like he had said it to me seven years ago.
“I don’t like him. Olivia, Dr. Cooper is just your doctor. After your surgery, let’s leave McVale.
Okay? ”
“Okay. Olivia, do you like Dr. Cooper?
”
“If mom doesn’t like him, I don’t like him either. ”
The next few weeks were a maze of running errands, dodging questions, and trying to keep Olivia safe. One evening, while I was working late, a male colleague stopped me. “Miss, working this late?
”
“I’m almost done. ”
“Are you married? ”
“I am. ”
“You’re so pretty.
Doesn’t your husband worry? He should be picking you up. ”
“It’s not that late. ”
“If you were my wife, I wouldn’t let you work out this late.
”
I started to feel uneasy. “I’m driving. ”
“Is your husband abroad? Your file says so.
”
“I’m leaving. ”
“Hey, don’t be so cold. I’m just being friendly. ”
I got in my car, hands shaking.
I sent a quick message to Nate, asking him to call me. I knew it was reckless, but I couldn’t think of anyone else. A few minutes later, my phone rang. “Hey honey, don’t blow my cover,” I answered.
“Yeah, I’m driving. You’re not home yet? ”
“Yeah, almost. I’ll be home soon.
Can you pick me up? Uh, we could grab a bite at a dumpling place by the gate. ”
“I just got a shift off, too. Wait for me.
”
“Drive safe. ”
“Your honey will wait for you at the gate, miss,” the man said, his voice turning cold. “It’s warm in my car. Why not take off your coat?
”
I was gone before he could say another word. “She’s so scared that she forgot she doesn’t eat shrimp,” I whispered to myself. Nate came to pick me up. “Thank you.
”
“No problem. ”
“Try to avoid remote places at night,” he said. “I’m stepping out for a smoke. ”
I watched him light a cigarette and make a call.
“Hey, Greg. I just sent you a license plate number. Help me look into it. That driver is probably a repeat offender.
”
“Nate, don’t hang up. This won’t take long. Got it. Nate, I got him.
The guy was in jail for rape convictions. After release, he used ride-hailing apps to harass female passengers. Teach him a lesson. It’s best if he never walks again.
Understood. ”
He was taking care of me. He had no idea who I was, and still, he was taking care of me. “Are you and your husband on the outs?
” he asked. “No, we’re doing great. ”
“Then why did you call me for help? ”
“He’s abroad.
The time difference makes it difficult. ”
“But what if you couldn’t reach me tonight? ”
“Tonight, I didn’t expect this. I’ll be more careful.
”
“Your husband is a researcher making a million dollars a year. Yet, he let his wife work so late for cash. And he didn’t even return when his mother or daughter got sick. Emma, are you his wife or his unpaid nanny?
”
“Dr. Cooper, this is my private life, and I have my career. I was too impulsive tonight disturbing you, but still thank you. ”
“Emma, you’ve already disturbed me.
”
“It won’t happen again. ”
I clutched my chest as I drove home. “Nate, I should have stayed away from you. But why?
I still wish so badly just to see you from afar. ”
Then everything unraveled. Nate found the photo. “Olivia, where did you get this photo?
”
“It’s mom’s graduation photo. ”
“What? Graduation? ”
“Yeah.
”
“Where’s your mom in it? ”
“Right here. ”
“Dr. Cooper, what’s wrong?
Are you crying? ”
“Did your mom ever tell you about who he was? ”
“Mom said he just looks like you, but he is my dad, so he’s not you. ”
“Olivia, I am your daddy.
Seven years ago, that day at the hotel, we had our last night together. The dates add up. ”
“Daddy? No.
Mommy said Dr. Cooper just looks a lot like daddy. But you aren’t daddy. ”
“Olivia, be a good girl and wait for me.
”
He came to my office the next day. “Emma, I’m asking one last time. Did you know me before? ”
“We’re just doctor and patient.
”
“I won’t force a kiss in front of our child, but if you don’t come clean, I’ll take her for a DNA test tomorrow. ”
“You wouldn’t. ”
“Why did you leave me seven years ago? ”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.
”
“Olivia said it’s you in this photo, and this one here is her dad who looks like me. Kids don’t lie. ”
He held out the photo, and I felt my carefully constructed world collapse. “You’re thinner, and you’ve got more guts.
”
“Let go. ”
“Running without explaining. Do you know how I’ve been living these seven years? ”
“I’m Emma Harvey.
I don’t know you. ”
“Clara, why won’t you admit it to me? ”
“Let me go. If you don’t, I’ll call the police.
”
“Call them then. I’ve lost you once already. I won’t lose you again. ”
Then his mother walked in, holding a folder.
“Exactly. I can’t lose my dear granddaughter either. ”
“Mom, why are you—? ”
“Olivia came over last week.
We all thought she looked just like you did as a boy. So I kept a hair of hers and did a test. Clara, this evidence is clear. Won’t you admit it?
You’re allergic to peanuts. So is Emma. ”
“I’m not the same height as her. ”
“As a doctor, I know about this.
It’s normal to grow a bit after giving birth. ”
“What are you doing, Clara? I said hurtful things to you seven years ago, but I wasn’t sure about my true feelings for you at the time. When Christina framed you, my mother was about to do surgery.
I didn’t want her to worry. So I told you to cover it. I meant to have Christina clarify things after the surgery, but you set that condition. I was worried that clarifying would end our deal.
Clara, I’ve fallen for you long ago. Can you please give me another chance? Whether you’re Clara or Emma, Olivia needs a father. ”
“Mom, forgive daddy.
Okay. I always see you crying at night with that photo. If you don’t leave me, I’ll have Christina post a clarification tomorrow. I’ll get the principal to send it to our old classmates and clear your name.
”
“Really? ”
“Oh, and we’ll include an invitation. ”
“An invitation? What do you mean?
”
“The wedding date is your choice. No, the whole wedding plan is for you to decide. Whatever you want. Just tell me.
I’ll handle it. ”
“Yeah, Clara. Our whole family’s been waiting for this moment. Look at Nate.
He has a daughter with you. Of course, he needs to make things official. ”
“That’s right, Clara. My brother never forgot about you these years, and he has never been with any other woman.
I really like you, too. If you marry into our family, we’ll all treat you as our true family. ”
I looked at his mother, his sister, and then at him. I thought about all the nights I had cried over this man, all the years I had spent hiding from my past, all the pain I had carried alone.
And then I looked at Olivia, who was watching me with hopeful, innocent eyes. “Today feels like a dream to me. Nate says he loves me, and his family is not as bad as in those dramas. ”
“Mom, please give daddy another chance.
All the kids at kindergarten asked me why I don’t have a dad. ”
I put my hand in his. “Your mom and sister are both here. ”
“Mom, I’m leaving right now.
Take Olivia with you. ”
“Got it. Let’s go. ”
As he led me out, he leaned in close, his voice warm and teasing in my ear.
“Can I make it up to you physically? ”
“In your dreams. ”
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