The hours flew by while they discussed case after case. She loved working with him. Dakota was brilliant and hardworking, but with each case they reviewed, he grew more and more frustrated.
Tap-Tap-Tap.
Providence wasn’t sure what she’d heard, the sound was so quiet.
“Come in,” he barked.
The door opened and Sammy peeked inside. When she locked eyes with Providence, hers lit up. “Daddy, Mrs. Morris wanted me to tell you she’s starting dinner.” She grinned at Providence. “And she said that there’s plenty to share for Provi.”
Providence returned the child’s smile. She was being so respectful and she was so happy to see her daddy.
Dakota’s expression softened. The knot between his brows vanished and his smile was filled with love. “Hi, sweetheart.” He pushed out of the chair, walked around the desk, and lifted her into his arms.
“Daddy, can Provi stay?”
“Why don’t you ask her?”
“Provi, can you have chicken with us?”
Providence didn’t want to impose, yet, as she stared from the child to her dad, she didn’t want to leave. Going home to an empty condo would only magnify her deep-seated loneliness. She rose. “I would love to. I’ll wash up and see if I can help Mrs. Morris.” She turned to Dakota. “Thanks for your efforts today.”
“We made zero progress.” She couldn’t miss the annoyance in his voice.
“Not true. Narrowing the scope of possibilities is progress.”
“Daddy, put me down.”
Dakota set her on the ground and she scampered over to Providence. “I made you a picture.”
“You did? I would love to see it.”
Together, they headed into the kitchen, leaving Dakota in his office. Sammy pulled the artwork off the island and handed it to her. “It’s from our movie night! That’s me and you and Daddy.”
Providence admired the picture. “It’s so beautiful. You are very good at coloring. Thank you so much, Sammy. Can I hug you?”
“Uh-huh.”
Providence knelt down and gathered her in. When Sammy wrapped her delicate arms around her, her heart squeezed. When the hug ended, she asked Miranda if she could help with dinner.
“I’m all set,” Miranda replied. “I’ve got my system.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
Providence turned to Sammy. “I hear you have some very special dolls.”
She beamed. “Uh-huh.”
“I would love to meet them.”
The child gasped. “Really?”
Sammy led the way into the family room and plunked down beside her toy box. Providence joined her. One by one, the child introduced her to her dolls. The joy on Sammy’s face, and the tender way she cared for each of them, touched Providence.
Sammy scooted a little closer and held out a doll. “This is Miss Lady. She’s my favorite.”
After taking her, Providence admired her. “She’s beautiful. I love her outfit.”
