"Then why are you so defensive?"
"It might be because you're saying that I'm still hung up on him after all these years. He means nothing to me."
She stopped, realizing how angry she sounded.
Trying to steady her breathing, Abby ran a hand through her hair and stared at the city skyline, gathering her thoughts. The silence stretched comfortably between the twins, filled only by the muted hum of traffic from below. She wanted to say more, but the words tangled in her throat, mixing regret and hope.
Finally, she whispered, "I just want Zoe to be happy. I need to learn how to let go, even if it scares me."
He rubbed her shoulders soothingly. "It's going to take some time."
*****
Cade was euphoric. He had his daughter with him. He had seen the way her mother looked when she was leaving and regretted that she was finding it difficult to accept that he was going to be in the child's life.
Zoe was a treasure. He received compliments from staff members on her beauty. It was hard to believe she was in fact four. She was much smarter and very curious.
She asked questions and her love for books warmed his heart.
She also had no problem tucking her small hand into his as they toured the place.
She was content to sit outside with Lilieth when he had a meeting he could not get out of. They had lunch inside the little dining room he had also repaired. She was vivacious and so full of life, it sent tingles inside his heart.
Her mother had done a very good job bringing her up. She was polite and well behaved. Her smile was a mirror image of his.
Somehow, his sister got word that she was there and marched right over.
They were sitting on the sofa next to the expanse of glass that overlooked the harbor when she rushed in, eyes zeroing on Zoe.
Lilieth came in behind her, a stony expression on her face. "I tried to stop her from rushing in."
"It's fine. No one can."
"Hi." His irritation melted away at the look on her face. "I'm your aunt Kat."
Zoe giggled. "Like a kitty cat?"
Katherine felt her heart melting. "Something like that, except my Kat is spelt with a K. It's actually Katherine." She came forward and stood in front of them.
"You look like my daddy." Zoe said curiously.
Kat's eyes flew to her brother's and saw the emotions warring on his face.
"That I do. And you look like him."
She nodded.
"Daddy said I have grandparents, an uncle and another aunt."
"Who cannot wait to see you." Kat crouched down and took the small hands in hers. "It's so nice to meet you."
"It's nice to meet you too."
"May I give you a hug?"
Instead of answering, Zoe simply slid off the sofa and into her arms. Kat closed her arms around her and met her brother's eyes.
"Thank you." She whispered, inhaling the scent of baby powder and hot chocolate. "Okay, what're we doing?"
