“For the most part.” The corners of Cecily’s mouth twisted. “It’s all so unfair, but at the same time, I always thought my dad was dead or didn’t want me. Getting him now is better than never having him.”
“You are wise beyond your years.” She dropped a kiss on her daughter’s head. “If you need to talk about it, come to me. No more secrets, I promise.”
“Who knows?” Cecily shot her a mischievous smirk. “Maybe you’ll get back together with him after all this time and we can be a family.”
Serena choked on her breath. For all her maturity, Cecily was still only a child. She’d made the statement in a joking manner, but Serena saw the wistfulness in her eyes and wouldn’t give her false hope. “That’s not going to happen. Lucas will be a part of your life from now on, but that’s it.”
They began the walk to the car. “Why not? It would be just like a romance novel.”
“What books have you been reading, missy?” She pressed a button on her key fob and the doors unlocked with a beep.
“None that you wouldn’t approve of.”
The vague answer made Serena think she needed to randomly skim Cecily’s book selections to ensure that they were age appropriate. “I hope not.”
From the passenger seat, Cecily jerked her head. “His name is Lucas? Is that where my middle name came from?”
“Yes.”
“What’s he like?”
The similarities and order of Lucas’s and Cecily’s questioned made her smile. “A lot like you, but not so much into reading. At least he wasn’t back then.”
“What does he look like? Do you think he’s hot?”
“Cecily!” She started the car and put it into gear. “That’s hardly appropriate to ask.”
“I’m not asking for me. I want to know what you think.” That mischievous spark in Cecily’s eyes grew brighter.
“He’s not ugly.” She darted a glance toward Cecily before focusing on the road. “But appearance should have no bearing on one’s acceptance of another. You know that.”
“But if you’re attracted to him, there’s a higher chance you’ll end up together.”
She sighed. “You’ll always be the tie between me and your father, but there will never be a romance. This situation is difficult enough. Please, don’t get your hopes up for a love match or you’ll be highly disappointed.”
“You should date more.” Cecily unwrapped a piece of gum and popped it in her mouth.
“And you should mind your own business.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
They made it home, and Serena parked. “Go inside while I make the call.”
Cecily blew a bubble and let it pop. “Can’t I stay?”
“No,” she said in a tone that meant business. “I promise I’ll be in as soon as I have an answer.”
“Okay,” Cecily answered in a near pout. She got out of the passenger seat and waited on the front porch, staring at the car.
Serena had to laugh. No one ever claimed Cecily wasn’t stubborn. Her humor died when she reached for her phone. Her fingers trembled to the point it became difficult to hold the device.
“Hello?”
Her heart thudded against her chest. “Lucas? It’s Serena.”
“Hi.” His guarded greeting held the same level of unease she felt.
“I told Cecily this morning.”
