Delia honestly didn’t know. She hoped not. “I don’t think so, but I’ve never met him. I just need to get Anna back home where she belongs.”
“Yes. Go on ahead.” Miss Darby gestured at the stairs. “I’ll wait here for the marshal and Mr. . . .”
She trailed off with a question in her voice.
“Foster,” Delia said. “He works at the Hannan Hotel. I’m his wife.”
“Yes,” Miss Darby said with recognition. “Of course.”
Delia didn’t wait a moment longer. She raced up the steps and down the hall until she found the room number Miss Darby had given her. She knocked on the door and called Anna’s name.
“It’s Delia,” she said. “Please let me in.”
The door opened right away, and Anna flung her arms around Delia. Her eyes were rimmed in red, as if she’d been crying. Delia held the little girl tightly.
“Are you all right? He didn’t hurt you, did he?” she asked, horrified that she’d even have to ask that question.
Anna backed up a little, swiping at her eyes. “No. But you’re here. He said you didn’t want me anymore. Neither you nor Papa.”
Delia felt as if someone had sliced her heart in two. She took hold of both Anna’s arms and looked the girl in the eyes. “That isn’t true. We love you so much, both of us. Your papa was so afraid when we couldn’t find you. He’s out looking for you with the marshal right now.”
Anna’s chin trembled, as if she was going to start crying again. Delia wrapped her arms around the girl, tugging her against her chest.
“I willalwayslove you,” she said. “I might not be the mother you had, and I don’t want to take her place. But I love you like a mother. I promise you that I always will.”
Anna clung to her, and Delia held on to her for everything she was worth. Finally, she pulled away. “We have to find your father and let him know that you’re safe. We can collect your things later.”
Anna nodded and let Delia take her hand. Delia shut the door to the room and led Anna down the hallway.
“Sir!” Miss Darby’s voice carried up from the entryway. “You aren’t allowed on the second floor.Sir!”
Delia turned the corner to the landing, hoping Max had finally arrived and was ignoring Miss Darby’s pleas.
But instead, she ran right into a different man. A stranger, older and frowning, with silver hair and a neat suit.
“Pardon me,” she said as Anna shrunk back, trying to pull Delia with her.
“Let go of my granddaughter,” he said in a harsh voice. “Now.”
Delia swallowed and tightened her grip on Anna’s hand. Every instinct told her to run, but she planted her feet, looked him right in his steel gray eyes, and said, “No. My daughter is coming home with me and her father.”
Chapter Eighteen
MAX PAUSED ON THE STAIRSat the sound of Delia’s voice.
