She refocused on his daughter. “Yes, I did.”
“Did you play Aurora?”
“I did.”
“Gramp said you might have. Remember, Dad?”
“Yes.” Along with his grandfather’s assumption that if she had, she’d knocked the audience dead.
Hard to dispute the older man’s conclusion.
“I wish I could see you dance in a real ballet.” Isabel swirled a piece of pancake in the pool of syrup on her plate, her expression wistful.
“Well, if you ever come to New York, let me know and I’ll get you tickets.”
“Do you think we could go there sometime, Dad?”
“I doubt it, honey. New York is on the other side of the country.” And far away from Hope Harbor, in every respect.
Isabel’s face fell. “Shoot.”
“I’ll tell you what.” Devyn leaned closer to her. “Some night after rehearsal, if you and your grandfather can stay later, I’ll bring my toe shoes and do a couple of short dances for you. I exercise and do barre work almost every day at my sister’s house to keep my muscles in condition, but it would be good for me to do some real dancing too. How does that sound?”
“Awesome!” Isabel’s countenance brightened. “What’s your favorite ballet?”
As the two of them launched into an animated discussion while they continued to eat, he sat back and enjoyed the show.
Isabel’s new enthusiasm was no less than a miracle, as far as he was concerned. An answer to his prayers, for which he gave thanks daily.
Since the night she’d auditioned forOklahoma, she’d been more like her old self. He owed a huge debt to Gramp for suggesting they encourage her to try out. She was enjoying every minute of the experience.
He was also indebted to the woman across from him for going out of her way to make Isabel feel welcome. Much of the credit for thetransformation in his daughter was due to her. What little girl would be immune to the kindness and warmth that radiated from her?
For that matter, what lonely widower would, either?
She’d brought a breath of fresh air into both their lives.
The downside to that?
One day soon, she’d be gone.
And Isabel wasn’t the only one who was going to miss her.
As their meal wound down and Devyn signaled for the check, he quashed his sudden melancholy, straightened up, and inspected what was left of her breakfast.
One bite of pancake remained on her plate, and two meager forkfuls of food were left in her skillet.
Wow.
This woman was a serious eater.
“Surprised?”
He looked up to find her grinning at him. “The truth? Yes.”
“I can pack it away. However, this was a splurge breakfast. I doubt I’ll be hungry again for the rest of the day.” She handed her credit card to the server.
“I’m full too.” Isabel played with her last bite of pancake, then set her fork down. “I can’t eat any more.”
