But there’s none of that.
There’s only peace.
Understanding.
As if he already knows.
Before I can process that, Presley looks up, her eyes brimming with excitement. She’s out of her chair in an instant, racing toward me.
“I’ve missed you!” she cries, throwing her arms around my waist.
I suck in a startled breath, my hands hovering for a second before I wrap them around her small body as my gaze flies to Hayden, a thousand questions on the tip of my tongue, the most pressing being when Presley started talking.
He stands, lifting Jemmy from his high chair. The little boy points a chubby finger at me. “Ro-Ro! Ro-Ro!”
“She’s been talking for about a month,” he explains as he smiles down at his daughter. “Now I can’t get her to stop.”
Marissa looks between us, confused. “I’m sorry. Do you…already know each other?”
Hayden’s gaze never leaves mine. “We do.”
“Oh.” She blinks. “Well. Then you don’t really need me anymore.”
He finally glances her way. “Thank you.”
“Of course, Dr. Lawrence. Good to see you again.”
“You, as well.”
Emily clears her throat dramatically. “And I’m going to grab a drink so you two can…talk.” She thrusts her hand out at Hayden. “I’m Emily, by the way.”
“Hayden.”
“I know.” She winks before slipping away.
“Come on, Jemmy,” Danielle says, reaching for the little boy in Hayden’s arms. “Let’s give Daddy and Ro-Ro some privacy.” She squeezes my bicep, tears shining in her eyes. “It’s wonderful to see you again, dear.”
“You, too.”
“Are you going to do crush business?” Presley asks, her voice carrying through the room.
A chuckle rumbles from Hayden’s throat, and I can’t help but join in.
God, I’ve missed these people.
“We’ll see.” He winks. “Go with Grandma.”
“Kiss-kiss. Kiss-kiss,” Jemmy says as Danielle leads them back to the table.
And then I’m alone with Hayden for the first time since I walked away.
The noise of the gala fades into a dull hum, the world narrowing to the space between us.
“Did you…” My voice shakes. “Did you know I?—”
“That you have Cora’s heart?” he finishes gently. “I figured it out.”
Everything inside me goes still. “How?”
