laimed, his round eyes shining with joy, his smile str

er son, a deep sense of pride and gratitude overwhelmed her. He was her light, the beacon th

tomorrow afternoon," she replied softly, her voice b

o pack his tiny suitcase, his little feet pounding against the

ather's cruel expulsion. She hadn't come back lightly. She was returning only because she had to. The necessity was one she hadn't anticipated, yet now, she had to face it. Could she confront the

rections, their voices blending into a constant hum. Sienna wheeled a trolley through the crowds,

fectly tailored suits approached them w

respectful. "Old Madam Eleanor Blackwell has sent us.

he had hoped it wouldn't come to this, but

her tone polite but firm. "But I've already arranged my own t

lance, a flicker of hesit

en us specific instructions to ensu

se, convey my gratitude to Madam Blackwell, bu

heel and moved toward the exit. One of the men di

ice on the other end

ien. Miss Tillman has

he studied the departing scene from the terminal. His gaze fixed on her, the woman who, from af

imple attire of a white blouse and pants. Her demeanor was understated, yet unden

features so sharp and defined that they hinted at the man he would

wild, but he couldn't shake the odd,

e boy's jacket, her movements tender and affect

but wonder. It would certainly

from the curb, but Damien's mind remained fixed on the

or Blackwell listened attentively as her

or's voice wavered sli

a father for the child. It appears

Poor girl. To raise a child on her own at such a

d saved her and Damien from a vicious attack years ago. Amelia had sacrificed

ion unreadable, but his gaze sharp. Elean

leanor asked a quiet

her at the airport. Sh

e's just a child-about four or five, I think. A

omfort, though he masked it quickly. "We don't need to take this any

way to truly honor Amelia is to take care of her daughter. You will marry her, Da

If that's what you want... I'll do it," he said, tho

son already curled up asleep, his tiny form wrapped in a blanket. Th

f her stepsister, her father's cold rejection-rushed in on her like a t

raising Elliot alone and carving out a career in design. Now, with the offer she had acc

the phone as she stared

Would he sti

he phone down, whispering t

rang. The number on the screen made her stomach chu