His steps faltered and became rooted to the floor as he stared at the two of them. Words failed him as he looked from the woman to the child.
"She wanted to meet you."
He stood there like an idiot, unable to respond. His trusty and very wise assistant had taken one look at the most beautiful child she had ever seen and put two and two together.
Pushing back her chair, she came forward with a warm smile for the child. "Why don't we step into Mr. Tyrell's office? I'm sure I can rustle up a cup of hot chocolate and some cookies."
She looked at the mother, expression cooling for approval and was given a nod.
"Thank you." The little girl said politely, gaze swinging to her father.
"Mr. Tyrell?"
"Come this way." He finally found his voice, but it sounded a little rusty.
Sending his assistant a grateful look, he stepped back and allowed them to precede him. He did not know what to do next. Going to his desk, he turned to face them.
"Sit. Anywhere." He gestured vaguely towards the group of chairs in front of the desk.
They remained standing. So, he did as well.
"You're my daddy."
His eyes flew to the little girl and felt his heart melting and then thundering inside his chest. She had on a pretty pink sweater and was wearing a puffy pink jacket over it. Black leggings completed the outfit and adorable brown boots with pink hearts etched on the sides. He could conclude that pink was her favorite color.
Her dark brown curls were tamed and brushed back into a long tail. Gold knobs winked at her lobes. Her beauty dazzled him.
"Yes."
"Mama said you left before I was borned."
"Born." Her mother corrected her automatically.
"Yes." His eyes flew to Abigail, but she remained silent. Realizing he was on his own on this, he struggled to find the words. "I didn't know. I made a mistake."
He desperately wanted her approval and her love. "I was young and foolish back then and did pretty much what I wanted."
The little girl studied him out of hazel eyes he swore could see clear into his very soul. "You came back."
"Yes." His fingers flexed and he forced them to relax. "I know I don't deserve a chance, but I'm asking for one. I want to be a father to you."
Before she could answer, there was a discreet knock on the door. It was pushed open and Lilieth came in bearing a tray.
Ignoring the palpable tension in the room, she went to put the tray on the table next to the window. "I also found some pastries. Sugar treats, they're called." She smiled at the little girl andwinked. "Something your mother forbids, but I'm sure she will not disapprove just this once. I'll leave you to it then."
"Thank you."
The child's smile struck inside her heart like a lightning bolt and for that instant it was like looking at twin images. She had her father's smile. Lordy!
Shaking her head, Lilieth left the room, closing the doors behind her.
"Mama, may I?"
"Go ahead."
She started towards the table and then turned around. To the shock of the two adults, she raced over and wrapped her arms around her father's waist.
Kincaid's eyes flew to Abigail's as emotions tumbled inside him at a rate he could not control. Closing his eyes and hefting out a breath, he went on his knees and wrapped her around him. He was veering dangerously close to disgracing himself.
