Her first and only

Loving and marrying Savannah Carrington came naturally to Edward Talbot. Thanks to his political ambitions, losing his stunning wife was all too easy, as well. Co-parenting their young daughter has been the silver lining in their divorce. Then Savannah surprisingly accepts Edward’s invitation to visit his family’s Bahamian bed-and-breakfast, and the sultry tropical breezes begin to rekindle their deep, passionate connection.

He’s always been the man of her dreams—sexy, confident and charismatic. Savannah and little Chloe just needed more than Edward could give. With a successful new career in fashion design, she’s ready to move overseas. Yet from the Caribbean to London, Edward is in hot pursuit, reminding her how good they can be together. The stakes are higher than ever. And it may take the threat of losing everything to see just how wonderful love’s rewards can truly be...

“He’s young and foolish,” she resolved.

“Yes! He’s going to learn the hard way what it means to lose someone he loves. He’ll regret it for the rest of his life.”

“You sound like an authority on the matter.”

“I am.” He looked at her. “I lost you.”

For a brief, uncomfortable moment, she was silent and he wished she would say something.

“I think we both sort of lost each other,” she finally said.

His fingertips brushed against her face and he moved closer, waiting for her to stop him but she didn’t. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pulled her into his chest. His nose gently touched hers, and then his lips kissed hers. She wrapped her arms around his waist, caressing his back. As the waves from the ocean crashed against the shore, his tongue danced against her mint-flavored mouth.

He still loved her. He knew it, and so did the universe.

Dear Reader,

This is definitely a story about second chances and falling in love all over again. Edward is strong and arrogant, and Savannah is his complete opposite. But together they make one another whole. She’s always given in to Edward’s plans and taken a backseat to his political endeavors. However, she’s not giving in to Edward this time—it’s her time to shine.

This time, she’s doing what makes her happy for a change. She needs to travel to London to finally make things right with her mother—the woman who abandoned her as a child. And she doesn’t expect anyone to understand, but if you grow up without a parent in your life, you understand that there’s a void that needs to be filled.

Their breakup was hard, but there’s no doubt the two are still in love. Anyone could see that, but it isn’t until they make love on the beach in the Caribbean that the two figure it out. I hope you will enjoy Edward and Savannah’s sweet love story. You’ll also fall in love with Savannah’s eccentric mom, Nyle—her shenanigans will keep you on your toes. Edward and Savannah’s sweet little girl, Chloe, gives them all a reason to live and love. She’s the glue that holds them all together.

Nyle blew it with Savannah once upon a time, but Chloe is her second chance, and she has no intentions of blowing it again.

I hope you continue to love the Talbots and make them your favorite family.

Visit my website at monica-richardson.com or email me at monica@monica-richardson.com.

Happy reading!

Monica Richardson

Second Chance Seduction
Monica Richardson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

MONICA RICHARDSON writes adult romances set in Florida and the Caribbean. Under the name Monica McKayhan, she wrote the Indigo Summer young adult series. Indigo Summer hit the Essence and Black Issues Book Review bestseller lists, and the series also received a film option. Monica’s YA books have garnered accolades and industry recognition, including several American Library Association (ALA) placements on the Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers and the Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults annual lists.

This is dedicated to my readers who have fallen in love with the Talbot family.

Acknowledgments

To my readers who give me the energy to continue to write great stories. I’m glad that you enjoy the Talbot family. This is for you!

To my family in the Bahamas—visiting with you and talking to you about my history has made the research and writing of this Talbot series a complete joy, especially Cameron and Raquel...you two have really helped me to pull my research together!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Copyright

Chapter 1

Edward stood across the room from her and admired long, lean legs, a round butt and perfectly exhibited breasts. Her hair was short and sassy, not long and flowing as when they were together. She smiled at the gentleman in front of her and then pushed her bangs out of her face. Edward was in awe of her for a moment. This wasn’t the woman he remembered. No, this lady was self-assured and sexy—not the timid young woman that he once knew.

She finally looked his way and gave a nod of acknowledgment. It was her idea that they meet at her downtown office instead of her West Palm Beach home. He noticed that she was becoming increasingly uncomfortable with him visiting her space, even if it was for a good reason. The last few times, she’d suggested that they meet at a park or a restaurant to facilitate the exchange. Things had become much more impersonal, against his wishes.

She gave him a smile and headed his way. The smile, he remembered. It was genuine and wholesome—not to mention gorgeous. She led the way, and he followed her to a beautiful office with art that adorned the walls. The walls were painted in warm hues of orange—Savannah’s favorite color. He immediately recognized the portrait of the colorful Eiffel Tower, an urban piece that they’d picked up when they honeymooned in Paris. He sat in the leather wingback chair and stared at the woman who sat across from him. He picked up the framed photograph from her desk—the one of their daughter, Chloe. His girls, as he used to call them.

“I talked to my mother the other day.”

“Really?” He leaned back in the chair and glanced at Savannah’s face. Tried to read her expression at the mention of her mother.

“Yes.” Her face was blank.

It seemed that she was trying to shield her emotions from him, but he knew her all too well. He knew that her relationship with her mother had been strained and was the reason for many years of inner turmoil for Savannah.

“What was that conversation like?” he asked.

“It was long and—” a subtle little smile appeared in the corner of her mouth “—and genuine, actually.”

“Really?” He was surprised.

“I’d like to go to London and spend some time with her.”

“Okay, that’s nice. A week or so?”

“Maybe longer.”

“What about your job?”

Savannah exhaled and leaned her head against the back of the leather chair. “They’re downsizing. Letting some people go. This is actually my last few weeks here.”

“Savannah, I’m sorry.” Edward crossed his leg over the other one. “What will you do? Have you been putting your résumé out there?”

“I’d like to look for a job while I’m in London.”

“You’re thinking of relocating there?”

She nodded a yes.

“What about Chloe?”

“She would go, too,” she stated matter-of-factly. Like it was the most normal thing in the world to take a man’s child clear across the world.

He took in a deep breath, gathering himself before he spoke again. But he could feel his anger boiling. His daughter meant the world to him, and he couldn’t imagine her living in another state, let alone another country. He couldn’t fathom the thought. Wouldn’t. No. It was out of the question.

“You’re not moving to London with Chloe.” He was calm, but emphatic.

“Not right away, I know.”

“Not at all!”

“You’re being unreasonable, Edward.”

He sat up in the chair. “How do you propose I see my daughter if you take her to England, Savannah? Are you going to fly her here for my weekend visits? And what about Christmas and summer breaks?”

He’d already found it difficult to manage a week without seeing Chloe’s little face. He couldn’t even imagine not seeing her for longer than that.

“We’ll figure something out.”

“We’ll figure something out?” he asked. “She’s just as much my daughter as she is yours, and I won’t allow it.”

“You’re telling me what you won’t allow? What gives you the right?”

“I have rights when it comes to my daughter. And I will exercise them if I need to.”

“Are you threatening me?”

He stood. Headed toward the door. “It’s not a threat, Savannah. It’s a promise.”

Their marriage had ended in divorce after a short eighteen months. It was the one thing that Edward had failed at. He’d excelled in college and breezed through law school. He’d run for mayor, and lost—but had landed a position on the West Palm Beach City Commission. A place where he could actually make a difference for the people in his community. However, the mayoral campaign had robbed him of his marriage. A newlywed with a pregnant wife at home, he’d gotten too caught up in his career. Not to mention he’d spent too much time with his beautiful campaign manager. Although he’d never cheated on Savannah with Quinn, the closeness of their relationship had caused more of a disturbance than his new marriage could take.

One of the best things about Edward’s marriage to Savannah, though, had been their daughter, Chloe. He needed his daughter like the air he breathed. He needed to see her every single day. They’d become the best of friends. In her five years of life, he was astounded at the things that she knew. He didn’t want to miss one single moment of her life. But now Savannah threatened to take it all away. He wouldn’t allow her to do it. Couldn’t.

“What do you want from me, Edward? Do you want me to put my life...my career on hold again?”

“This is not about your career, or mine for that matter. This is about our daughter. If you want to go to London to make amends with your mother and build a new career, that’s fine. But don’t take Chloe away from me. She’s all I have.”

“I couldn’t leave her here. I won’t,” she said. “This is something I have to do, Edward. I’m sorry.”

It seemed that he’d been dismissed.

“Get yourself a good lawyer, Savannah,” he spat, and then stormed out of her office.

He needed air.

He walked briskly and managed to make it to the parking garage, loosened his tie and pulled a set of keys from his pocket. He collapsed into the driver’s seat of his sedan and sat there for a moment. Listened while Omar Sosa’s Afro-Cuban rhythms soothed his senses. He hated fighting with Savannah, but it seemed more frequent lately. Not long ago, they’d debated over which private school to send Chloe to and which curriculum would be better suited for her. They’d argued about whether to place her in a karate class or ballet. A week ago they’d argued about something as simple as Chloe’s bob haircut. He thought she was too young for such a grown-up style. She was a kindergartner, for Christ’s sake. He’d been active in every decision about his daughter, but not the one where Savannah planned to take her thousands of miles away. It seemed unfair.

He pulled out onto Clematis Street and breezed through the yellow light. His heart ached. He scrolled through the address book on his phone and looked for Jack Wesley’s phone number. He didn’t want to involve his attorney—in fact he’d only said it to get Savannah’s attention—but he needed to know what his rights were regarding his daughter.

“JW!” Edward exclaimed. “How the hell are you?”

“I’m making it,” Jack said. “Trying my best to keep a good law practice and maintain a happy marriage all at the same time.”

“Well, I can’t help you in that area, bro. I failed tremendously at my marriage.”

“You failed because you didn’t put in the effort. Savannah was a good woman.”

“All of that is neither here nor there.”

“Do you miss her?” Jack asked.

“What? Of course not,” Edward lied. He would never let his friend know that he regretted every moment since Savannah left. “She has her life and I have mine.”

“Right,” a skeptical Jack said.

“I didn’t call you to talk about my failed marriage to Savannah. I need some advice regarding Chloe.”

“What about Chloe?”

“Savannah’s trying to take her to London...to live! Can you believe that?” Edward asked. “I need to know what my rights are.”

“Have you had lunch already?”

“Not yet.”

“Meet me at the little chicken and waffles spot on Okeechobee in thirty minutes.”

“Bro, fried chicken and waffles? How about something a little healthier?”

“You’re still on that kick,” Jack stated. He sighed. “Have you completely given up meat?”

“No, of course not. I’ve traded red meat and pork for chicken, fish and tofu. I’m just eating healthier, man, that’s all.”

“I see. You choose, then.”

“Darbster. Dixie Highway.”

“Do they have anything that resembles meat?”

“Tofu.” Edward laughed.

“Ah, man.”

“Keep an open mind,” said Edward. “I’ll meet you there in thirty minutes.”

Edward hit the end button on his phone. Turned up the volume on his music. He was anxious to speak with Jack. Surely he would receive some good advice from his old friend. Jack would tell him exactly how to go about keeping his daughter in the country. He felt better already, less helpless. Cocky, even.

* * *

He slid into the booth at the restaurant and gave the menu a quick scan. He already knew what he wanted—it was a place that he frequented often. He ordered his usual meal and then ordered something for Jack.

“And bring two glasses of water, please,” he said to the female server.

He raised his hand when he saw Jack walk through the door. His friend looked worn, as though he needed a vacation. He removed his suit jacket and slid into the booth across from Edward. Gave him a strong slap of the hands and a handshake.

“Good to see you.”

“Likewise.” Edward grinned. “I took the liberty of ordering for you.”

“And why would you do that?”

“Because I know this isn’t your kind of place,” Edward said, “but you’ll be thanking me later.”

“You think so?”

“I know so.”

Soon the server arrived with two piping-hot plates of food and set them down in front of the men. Jack frowned at the sight of his.

“Don’t knock it until you try it,” said Edward.

“I’ll try to keep an open mind.”

“Good,” Edward said, and then went on to explain what transpired at Savannah’s office earlier.

“You overreacted, bro.” Jack frowned as he picked over his meal. He pushed the tofu aside and managed to get the vegetables into his mouth. “But you do have rights regarding your daughter. The question is, are you up for a fight with Savannah?”

“I can’t let her take Chloe away without a fight.”

“Perhaps you two can work something out without involving the courts. Summer is approaching. Maybe you can convince her to let Chloe spend the summer with you. You’d deliver her to London safe and sound in the fall, just before school starts. Maybe you can get her again around Christmastime or spring break.”

“That won’t work,” Edward said emphatically. “I need to see her at least once a week. And besides, we have a custody plan that says I get her every week. She can’t just wake up one morning and decide she wants to move to the other side of the earth.”

“Well, if you’re not in agreement with the move, then Savannah must file a petition for relocation with the court. The family court judge will take into consideration what’s in the best interest of the child. Stuff like how Chloe’s relationship with you will be impacted if she takes her away. Also, how the move will impact her mental, physical and emotional development.”

“Okay.”

“And whether or not the relationship with you can be preserved...kind of like the arrangement that I suggested in the beginning.”

“Can’t be preserved,” Edward said.

“Then once she files, we have a short deadline to object to the move,” Jack said. “I’ll get the paperwork started as soon as I return to my office so we’ll be ready.”

“You’re a lifesaver, man.” Edward smiled. Exhaled.

“We’ll have to contend with a court hearing. Maybe even a trial, if it goes that far.” Jack sipped on his ice water. “Are you up for that?”

“What choice do I have?” Edward said. “I’m up for it if she is. She started this whole thing.”

“I’m just asking, because I know it’s been a long, hard road for you and Savannah in the past. I was just wondering if you’re willing to go down that road again.”

“I don’t want to fight with Savannah again. It was a painful time.”

“I remember. I was right there with you.”

“Yes, you were. You’ve been a great friend.”

“I just hate to see you go through that again. And you two have finally gotten this co-parenting thing down.”

“Right. We have.”

“You’ve made it through some tough times. Not to mention that whole bogus engagement thing Savannah had with her corny boss.” Jack grinned. “If you can make it through that, you can make it through anything.”

“Don’t remind me of that fool.”

Jack laughed. “You were so jealous.”

“I wasn’t jealous!”

“You were beyond jealous. I knew then that you were still in love with that woman.”

“What?” Edward denied Jack’s claims. “I’m not in love with her. I do love her in a family sort of way...kind of like I love my sisters.”

“Yeah, I don’t think you love Savannah like you love your sisters.” Jack laughed. “But if that’s your story...”

“That’s my story.” Edward laughed, too. “And I’m sticking with it.”

“Maybe you should just move to London, too,” Jack said.

“Go to hell!” said Edward.

“I’m only kidding, bro. I know this is a serious situation for you.” Jack wiped his mouth with a cloth napkin. “Let me see what we can work out. Perhaps we won’t have to go to court at all.”

“That would be great.”

Savannah had surprised him with the divorce. She’d claimed that she needed to get away and had gone to Georgia for a lengthy visit with her father. After several long weeks, instead of returning to their home in Florida as Edward had anticipated, Savannah had decided to stay in Georgia with her father. Soon she’d had Edward served and completely caught him off guard. And if divorcing him wasn’t enough, she asked for alimony and child support. She wanted the family home and asked that he continue to pay the mortgage until she was gainfully employed. He wouldn’t be blindsided by her again.

In fact, when he was done reading Savannah her rights, she wouldn’t know what hit her.

Chapter 2

Savannah was young when she married Edward. Her pregnancy had been difficult, and Edward had insisted that she stay home with Chloe for her first two years.

“I’ll take care of us,” he’d said.

“What about my career? My goals?” she’d argued. “I have dreams, too.”

“Give me time. When I’m mayor, you can go back to work.”

It was too much for Savannah. She’d become invisible to him. He’d stopped coming home at a decent hour. She was alone more times than not, and she’d become lonely. She’d even suspected that Edward and his campaign manager, Quinn, were more than friends. She’d cried too many tears. Begged Edward for a reprieve.

“I can’t focus when you’re on my back all the time,” he’d complained.

Finally, her father convinced her to come to Georgia for a visit. “You and the baby,” he’d said. “That way you can figure things out.”

Savannah, Georgia, had been her home for most of her life. She was named after the city with cobblestone streets and Spanish moss hanging from ancient trees. Her father, a decorated officer in the military, had retired there—it was his home. He’d met Savannah’s mother while stationed in Germany. Nyle Carrington had taken the train from London to Germany for a weekend getaway with girlfriends, and returned to her home in London engaged to a US soldier. They dated for a short time, and soon, Frank Carrington’s wife-to-be was pregnant with their new bundle of joy. When Savannah was two, her father’s tour of duty was over, and the couple moved to his home in Georgia. Nyle found life difficult in the States, and soon returned to London, leaving Frank behind to raise their toddler alone. She sent cards and gifts for birthdays and Christmas, and occasionally she returned for short visits. Each visit, she’d promise to stay. She’d fill Savannah’s head with stories of her home in London and promises that the next time she came, she’d take Savannah back to London with her. Instead, Savannah would awaken the next morning or return from school, only to find her mother gone again. By the time Savannah reached puberty, she’d given up any hope of having a normal relationship with her mother. She’d resolved that Nyle would never be a part of her life. And once she was an adult, she’d cut off all communication with her.

Until now.

Nyle was aging and needed Savannah in her life. She was remorseful and admitted that she hadn’t been the best mother. She wanted to meet her only grandchild and realized the importance of having Savannah and Chloe in her life now. Savannah by all rights could’ve turned her back on the woman who’d abandoned her, but the truth was, she needed Nyle, too. Her life had been incomplete for so long, and she was ready to be a whole person. She wanted Chloe to know her grandmother and to learn about the history and her family in London. She needed to give their relationship a chance.

Conversations with her mother had become more frequent. They talked every day the way mothers and daughters were supposed to. They experienced moments that Savannah had only dreamed of in the past. They talked about Savannah and Chloe coming for a long visit—maybe even permanently. With Savannah’s company downsizing, it seemed like the opportune time.

Nyle invited her to share her flat until she found her own place. Savannah would leave Chloe in Florida with Edward until the school year ended. She’d go there and get settled before coming back for her daughter. She was an experienced designer and already had an interview lined up with a prominent company. Her plans seemed perfect, flawless. And the anticipation of reuniting with her mother was all that mattered now. It was important to her, and she couldn’t see why Edward didn’t understand. He knew the history of her relationship with Nyle. They’d had plenty of conversations about it. She’d cried on his shoulder more times than she cared to remember, and he’d comforted her, given her encouragement. Loved her all the more. She expected him to be the one person who understood this burning desire. But instead, he was the one giving her grief.

“Have you had lunch?” Jarrod walked into her office as he often did, without knocking, and plopped his medium frame down in the chair opposite her desk. He studied her with those light brown eyes and gave her that bright smile that she loved so much. He was nicely built with dark curly hair and a strong physique that he worked for at the gym too many times a week, in her opinion. He was always sharply dressed.

“No time,” she said.

“You have to eat,” said Jarrod. “Why don’t we go grab a bite?”

“I can’t. I have a ton of work to finish up here.”

“I’m giving you permission to take a lunch break.” Jarrod laughed. “I’m the boss. And frankly, you’re a workaholic.”

“I have a meeting with a buyer this afternoon, and I want to be prepared.”

“I appreciate your commitment to this company, Savannah. Even in the wake of my selling it.”

“I love my job.”

“And you’re damn good at it.” He smiled. “Which reminds me. I just got off the phone with an old colleague of mine, Herman Mason. His company specializes in women’s fashion. One of the largest in England. I got you an interview.”

“Are you kidding? Herman Mason?”

“I told him you were my best fashion designer, and he’s very interested in meeting with you when you arrive in London,” he said.

“Jarrod! I don’t know what to say.”

“Say that you won’t embarrass me. Show him what you got.” He smiled. “It’s the least I can do, considering I can’t keep you around here.”

“I appreciate it. More than you know.”

Jarrod became more comfortable in his seat. “I heard the commotion that went on...earlier...with your ex. Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine.”

“You need me to rough him up a little bit? Teach him a lesson?” Jarrod grinned at his own joke.

Savannah laughed inside. She knew that Jarrod could never stand up to Edward. Not physically. Not otherwise. The two were very different. When she met Jarrod, she wanted something so different from Edward that she’d gone to the other extreme. Jarrod was doting, gave her all the attention she wanted and needed—and sometimes more than she wanted. He wasn’t afraid to share his feelings. Edward was a man’s man. He would never admit to anything, and was hardly ever available to her. The two were like night and day. Both were gentlemen and loving, but Edward would rough Jarrod up if given half a chance.

“That won’t be necessary. Edward’s harmless.”

“I know you still have a thing...for him...”

“Don’t start, Jarrod. Please.”

“It’s why we didn’t work out, isn’t it?”

“We didn’t work out because we just weren’t meant to be.” Savannah kept the conversation light. She knew that the tone had the potential to change—fast. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. You’re a great friend.”

Jarrod stood, headed toward the door. A slight smile danced in the corner of his mouth. “So I’ve been placed back into the friend bucket.”

Savannah laughed. “Yes.”

“Anything for you and Chloe.”

Jarrod disappeared before Savannah could say another word. She did appreciate him, in spite of the fact that their whirlwind fling hadn’t lasted. He was the first man she’d dated after the divorce. He’d romanced her and given her all the attention that a woman desired from a man—the attention that she’d desired from Edward. He’d even fallen in love with Chloe, and would’ve made a wonderful stepfather. When he’d asked Savannah for her hand in marriage, it seemed the only logical next step—except for the fact that she didn’t love him. She thought he was a nice catch, a successful man any woman would be happy to have. But she didn’t feel for him the things that he felt for her. He didn’t care if she didn’t love him—he wanted her anyway. She would grow to love him, he’d told her.

“Love is overrated anyway,” he’d insisted. “People put too much emphasis on it. Successful marriages aren’t built on love, they’re built on commitment.”

That way of thinking didn’t sit well with Savannah. She needed love, and she wouldn’t settle for anything less. He was devastated when she broke off the engagement, but it didn’t stop him from trying to change her mind every chance he got.

Jarrod knew fashion inside and out. He’d been in the business a long time and had taught Savannah much of what she knew. His company had taken the industry by storm. But suddenly it was on a downward slope. Sales had fallen and the business was suffering. He needed to downsize, and as much as he wanted to retain Savannah, he couldn’t afford to keep her. Soon Jarrod’s Fashions would be owned by someone else.

Savannah shut the door to her office to avoid any other interruptions. She took a seat at her drafting table, her sketches scattered about. She thought of Edward. Wanted to call and smooth things over with him. Her decision to go to London hadn’t been meant to hurt him. She wanted him to understand her need to connect with her mother. They’d come a long way since the divorce. They’d become more than just co-parents—they were friends. And she didn’t want to jeopardize their friendship. But it was her time. He’d always come first in their marriage—his career, his feelings, his everything. It was the thing that had torn them apart. She’d taken a backseat for long enough. Now it was her time to do the things that made her happy.

She’d already anticipated that Edward might not be amenable to her idea of relocating with Chloe. Her income wasn’t as adequate as Edward’s and she didn’t have attorney friends to assist her. She’d already done her research and learned that there were forms that needed to be filed whether Edward agreed or disagreed with the move. So she’d already downloaded the necessary forms for both scenarios. She’d hoped that they could come to an agreement and that the decision would be consensual. However, Edward had been all but tolerable. The news was sudden, and he needed time to absorb it. Soon, he would see that he’d overreacted. But if not, she would take him to court.

Chapter 3

Edward sat sunk back in the leather seat of his car and watched as youngsters hopped into their parents’ vehicles. The petals of a plumeria flower rested against the leather seat, right next to a plastic bag filled with Laffy Taffy, Nerds, Milk Duds and Skittles. He watched for Chloe. Expected her to rush to his car as she had every single Friday afternoon—her thick ponytails would be flying in different directions, the plaid skirt that she wore would be twisted in the back, and she’d offer him the biggest snaggletoothed smile that he loved so much.

Surely she remembered it was Friday. And not just any Friday, but the one on which her favorite movie came out at the theaters. They would smuggle the bag of candy into the auditorium in her backpack. They would order a large bucket of popcorn and a large Coke to share, and they would sit in the middle of the theater. Not too close to the screen, but not too far in the back. Right in the center.

Miss Jennings marched out of the school, a row of kindergartners following close behind. Edward sat straight up in his seat. He didn’t want to be caught slouching as he scanned the row of children in search of his daughter. When he saw her, he smiled. Her ponytails flew in opposite directions, just as he’d suspected. She rushed to the car when she spotted him, Miss Jennings following close behind. Chloe pulled on the door handle and hopped inside. Miss Jennings stuck her head inside.

“Hello, Mr. Talbot.” She gave him that same flirty smile that she always gave him.

The first time he saw the smile, he thought he was mistaken. Thought it was innocent until the time she gave him a raise of the eyebrows followed by a slip of her phone number during a parent-teacher conference. He never called. Feared that it would be a conflict of interest, dating his daughter’s teacher. Not to mention, she wasn’t his type.

He’d dated a few women after the divorce. Freda was the attractive psychologist that he’d met at a conference. She was the total package—beautiful, smart, independent. A nice catch, but she was too bossy. She wanted to dress him and mold him into what she wanted him to be, and he wasn’t that type of man. He had his own agenda. Miranda was conservative and laid-back, accommodating. Too accommodating for his taste. She was the total package, too—beautiful, smart, independent—but there was no mystery. He’d managed to find something wrong with every woman he dated.

“Hello, Miss Jennings.” Edward was cordial.

“Her homework is in her backpack,” she said.

“Thanks.”

“Have a great weekend, Chloe. I’ll see you on Monday.”

“Bye, Miss Jennings!” Chloe exclaimed before shutting her door. “Hi, Daddy!”

“Hello, Princess.” He tapped the side of his face until she leaned over and kissed it.

“How was school?”

“Awesome!”

“For you, madam.” He handed her the single yellow flower.

She smelled it and then stuck it into her hair. “It’s pretty, Daddy. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“You got the goods.” She grinned wickedly as she peeked into the plastic bag filled with candy. She fastened her seat belt.

He knew that he shouldn’t let her ride in the front seat. She was supposed to be buckled up in her car seat in the back, but some days he made an exception. And this was one of them.

“I got the goods.” Edward smiled as he pulled out of the school’s parking lot.

Chloe stuffed the bag of candy into her backpack. “What time does the movie start?”

“Four o’clock,” he said. “If we hurry, we can make it before the previews are over.”

“Cool.” She toyed with his stereo until she found her favorite satellite radio station. She sang along with Katy Perry.

* * *

The theater was crowded. It seemed that every child in America had shown up for the premiere of the movie. Edward purchased tickets and then the two made a beeline for the concession stand. He held on to Chloe’s hand.

“How’s your mommy doing?” he asked as they stood in line.

“She’s fine,” said Chloe. “She misses you.”

“Really? How do you know?”

“She talks about you all the time.”

“Really,” he asked, and tried to seem unfazed by her remarks. But he couldn’t help prying. “Like what?”

“I don’t know, Daddy. Just saying stuff like ‘your daddy and I used to listen to this type of music’ or ‘your daddy really likes this kind of food.’”

“I see,” said Edward.

“Do you still love her?”

“I will always love your mom. And you. We’re always going to be family.”

“Even when we move to London?”

“Your mom talked to you about London?”

“She said we’re going to live with her mother, Nyle.”

“How do you feel about that?”

“I don’t want to go, Daddy. Please don’t make me go. If we go there, I won’t get to spend the weekends with you anymore.”

“Don’t worry, baby. You’re not going anywhere.” Edward kissed Chloe’s hand. “I’ll make sure of it.”

He intended to speak with Savannah about filling his daughter’s head with her fantasies of moving away. As soon as the movie was over he’d confront her.

* * *

At home, Edward poured himself a glass of Merlot and began to prepare a vegetarian Caribbean meal for two. Being reared in the Bahamas, he’d learned his way around a kitchen. Growing up in a large family with three sisters and a mother who could cook, he was spoiled. Never had to worry about cooking. But after marrying Savannah, he was forced to become a great cook, considering his wife could barely boil water. He would call home to his mother in the Bahamas and she’d equip him with her recipes.

After his father’s heart attack scare, Edward had become obsessed with his diet—only feasting on fish and chicken and incorporating more vegetables into his diet. He insisted on healthy eating in order to prevent heart disease and other ailments that bad eating caused. He needed to be healthy for his daughter, and he wouldn’t compromise that. He visited the gym every other morning, if for nothing more than a run on the treadmill.

“You think you can break up the broccoli?” Edward asked Chloe.

“I can do it.” She stood on a step stool in front of the kitchen’s island with the granite top.

“Good!” He pulled her ponytail. “You do the broccoli and I’ll cut up the peppers and onions.”

He headed into the living room and tuned the stereo to his Afro-Cuban playlist. He could hear his phone ringing in the kitchen.

“Daddy, it’s Mommy!” Chloe called from the kitchen.

He grabbed it from the granite countertop and answered it. “Hello.”

“Hi.” Savannah’s voice was sweet in Edward’s ear. “What’s Chloe doing?”

“She’s preparing vegetables for our dinner,” Edward said. “We’re making a vegetarian gumbo.”

“Yum. You always were a great cook,” said Savannah. “The movie was great, I hope.”

“It was fantastic,” Edward said. “Your daughter fell asleep midway through, but I enjoyed it.”

Chloe laughed, and so did Savannah.

“She’s so bad at movies.”

“The worst.” Edward laughed. “Would you like to speak with her?”

“I actually called to speak with you. I’d like to talk to you about London.”

“There’s nothing more to talk about.” Edward was calm for Chloe’s sake.

“I would really like your blessing, Edward. I would hope that we could come to an agreement about it.”

“That won’t happen,” he said, and then smiled at Chloe, who was listening intently. Edward stepped outside onto the back deck where he could speak freely. “I haven’t changed my position on this, Savannah.”

“Would you really deny me the opportunity to connect with my mother? You of all people know how important this is for me.”

“Then you should go to London and connect with your mother. But leave Chloe.”

“I can’t leave my child, Edward. You know I would never leave her.”

“Then you won’t be going. Because she’s not going!” He was adamant. “I would never agree to that.”

Savannah was quiet for a moment. “Then I don’t have a choice. I’ll have to petition the courts. I don’t want to, Edward, but you’re leaving me no choice.”

“Do what you have to do, Savannah. But know that I will fight this.”

“I know that you already have your bulldogs lined up,” she said, referring to Edward’s lawyer friends.

“I’ve already consulted with counsel. Yes.”

“Fine.”

“And just so you know, Chloe doesn’t want to move to London. Have you considered that?”

“You’ve been talking to her about it?”

“She brought it up,” he said. “Apparently you’ve been filling her head with this bullshit.”

“How dare you discuss this with her without me.”

“You’ve created this, Savannah! So deal with it.”

“I will!” she yelled and hung up.

Edward stood on the deck for a moment, trying to gather himself before going back inside. If Savannah was looking for a fight, she’d surely found one.

After dinner, he tucked Chloe into her bed.

“Are you mad at Mommy?”

“No, sweetheart. I’m not mad at your mommy,” he lied. The truth was, he was furious with his ex-wife. “Now get some sleep. You’re in charge of the pancakes in the morning.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you.”

“Good night, Daddy.”

“Good night, baby.” He kissed her forehead.

He poured himself another glass of Merlot and plopped down on his leather sofa. Turned on CNN to find out the latest goings-on in the world. He leaned his head against the tan leather and thought of Chloe. He didn’t know what he would do if a judge found that she’d be better off in another country. He wouldn’t survive without her, and thinking about it took his breath away. He blocked it from his mind. Thought about work instead, and before long his eyes grew heavy. He gave in to the fatigue.

* * *

When he pulled up in front of Savannah’s home on Sunday afternoon, his emotions got the best of him. Usually, she’d suggested that the drop-off take place somewhere else, but this time she wanted him to drop Chloe at home. In the past, when he’d dropped Chloe off there after his weekend, he would at least walk her to the door. Occasionally, Savannah would invite him inside for a cup of coffee and a quick chat. But today he wasn’t in the mood to stand on her doorstep, and even less in the mood for a conversation with her. He sat in the driver’s seat of the car, leaned over and kissed his daughter.

“I love you, sweetheart,” he said.

“Love you, too, Daddy. You’re not coming in?”

“No, not today, baby. I’ll wait here until you go inside.”

Chloe hopped out of the sedan and skipped to the front door of the two-story traditional brick home. The home that he and Savannah had shared before the divorce. The one that he still made mortgage payments on. She rang the doorbell and within seconds Savannah appeared in the doorway. She took Chloe’s backpack and gave her a strong hug. She glanced toward the car, as if waiting for Edward to step out of the car or at least wave. He refused to do either of the two, and as a result she ignored him, too. She grabbed Chloe’s hand and went inside, shutting the door behind her.

He sat there for a moment. Part of him hoped she’d return and at least beg him to come inside, start a fight or something. He needed to engage with her, even if it was negatively. With a long sigh, he slowly pulled away from the curb. They’d reached an impasse. And the only logical move was to allow the courts to make a decision. They’d been down this road before, allowing the system to decide the fate of their family. They had vowed never to do that again, to allow a third party to come into their lives and make decisions for them. They were educated and reasonable, and fully capable of deciding what was best for Chloe. However, they had broken yet another promise. They had all but started a war.

Chapter 4

Savannah sat in the third row of the auditorium, a wide grin on her face as Chloe glided across the stage, dancing on her toes to “Für Elise.” She’d been practicing the routine for months, forcing Savannah to watch as she stumbled over her own feet too many times. But tonight she was graceful and poised, and she beamed with pride. Savannah lifted her phone into the air as she recorded the event. The seat next to her was empty. She’d saved it for Edward in the event that he made it on time. She hadn’t spoken with him in days. It was obvious that he was still bitter about their last encounter.

She looked around the auditorium and then took a quick glance at the door. She searched for him and finally spotted him standing at the back of the auditorium, his tall frame leaning against the wall. She always thought that Edward was a handsome man with a wonderfully built physique, light brown skin, a nicely trimmed goatee and a Bahamian accent that drove women wild. His tie was loosened a bit, and he looked exhausted. It appeared that he’d made it there in the knick of time, just moments before Chloe’s performance. Their eyes connected and she smiled, gave a subtle wave. He nodded a hello. She pointed at the empty seat next to her, but he kept his eyes focused on the stage—pretended not to see the gesture. Edward could be stubborn. And so could she.

After the recital, she searched for him again, but he was nowhere in sight. She couldn’t believe that he would leave without saying goodbye to Chloe, or at least letting her know that he’d been there. A light breeze brushed across the palm trees as she and Chloe stepped out into the night air. Edward stood near the door, waiting for them outside. Savannah exhaled. She was glad he was still there. When Chloe spotted him, she rushed over to him.

“Daddy!”

He lifted her into his arms and kissed her cheek. “Hey, sweetheart.”

“Did you see? I didn’t make any mistakes.”

“You did good.”

“Hello, Edward.” Savannah gave him another warm smile.

“Savannah.” He was cold.

They walked toward Savannah’s car as Chloe filled his ears with everything that had gone on over the course of her day.

“Sweetie, why don’t you sit in the car and wait for Mommy? Let me have a word with Daddy,” Savannah said.

“Okay.”

Savannah unlocked the door, got inside, started the engine and turned on the air-conditioning. Chloe hopped into the backseat and snapped the seat belt around her booster seat. Savannah got out and shut the door behind her.

“About the other day—” she began.

“Don’t even worry about it. It’s okay,” he interrupted.

“Edward, I don’t know how to fix this.”

“What are your plans, Savannah? Are you moving to London or aren’t you?”

“I am.”

“Then what is there to fix?”

“I’m not trying to hurt you. I’m just trying to do something for me for a change.”

“Without regard for your daughter...or me,” Edward argued. “Doesn’t it concern you at all that she’ll be so far away from her father? You women are all the same. You want a man to step up to the plate and be a good father, but then you won’t let him.”

“Don’t try to make this about all women or send me on a guilt trip.”

“If you’re feeling guilty, then maybe it’s your own conscience.” He walked toward the rear of her car and beckoned for Chloe to let her window down. “Good night, sweetheart. I’ll see you this weekend.”

“Good night, Daddy.”

He walked past Savannah and headed for his car. “Good night, Savannah. Drive safe.”

She stood there. She’d been dismissed, and she didn’t like it one bit.

* * *

She drove home, her heart beating fast. Edward had a way of getting under her skin. She glanced into the backseat, gave Chloe a warm smile. Didn’t want her daughter to notice that she was uneasy or angry. She bought Chloe a Happy Meal from McDonald’s and headed home.

When she stepped into the house, it felt stuffy from the Florida heat. She walked across the shiny hardwood into the kitchen and opened a window to let in some fresh air. She loved the home. She and Edward had it built to their own specifications. The hardwood had to be raisin-colored, and the ceilings had to be yea high. Edward had been very specific about the dimensions of the backyard and the square footage of his man cave. Almost immediately after the divorce, his man cave had been transformed into her home office. She’d painted the walls a soft pink as a tribute to her heartache.

Chloe rushed upstairs to her room and Savannah pulled the last load of laundry from the dryer.

“Chloe!” Savannah called. “Chloe, come and get your sneakers off the stairs, please.”

The phone rang as she made it halfway upstairs. She headed back downstairs to the kitchen to grab her phone. “Chloe! Your shoes.”

“Mommy, can I have an ice cream, too?” Chloe stood in the doorway of the kitchen.

“Give me a minute,” she said and picked up the telephone receiver. “Hello.”

“Savannah,” the caller whimpered on the other end.

“Nyle?” Savannah dropped the basket of clothes onto the tile floor. “What’s wrong?”

“They put me out.”

“Who?”

“My landlord. Put me right out onto the street. I have nowhere to go.”

“What? Why would they do that?”

“I don’t know, Savannah. Times have been hard. I missed a couple of payments. All I know is that all of my stuff is out on the street, and I have nowhere to go.”

“What about Aunt Frances? Why don’t you go there?”

“We don’t get along very well. I’ve burnt my bridges with her. She won’t let me stay.”

“Maybe I can talk to her.”

“I don’t know, Savannah,” said Nyle. “When are you moving here?”

“I’m working on it.” Savannah sighed. “I need some time to wrap things up here.”

“I’ll be homeless by the time you get here.”

“Maybe you can just come here for a while. I’ll send you a ticket.” Savannah thought that was a perfect idea. It would resolve her problems with Edward, and at the same time give Nyle a place to go.

“I can’t. I have to live in London. It’s my home,” Nyle said. “It’s why your father and I...our marriage didn’t survive. He wanted me to live in the US.”

“He wanted you to live in the US because it’s where he was...where your child was.”

“I know you blame me for leaving you, sweetheart. But he wouldn’t allow me to take you.”

Nyle’s story suddenly sounded eerily familiar. Edward was giving her the same resistance that her father had given Nyle. Only Nyle was willing to leave without her daughter. Savannah wouldn’t make that sacrifice. She wouldn’t leave without Chloe. Of that, she was certain. She would fight him.

“I can send you money to help you get into a place. It’s the best I can do.”

“I just need a deposit and first month. After that, I can make it on my own. And I promise to pay you back as soon as you get here. I promise.”

“I’ll wire you some funds in the morning,” Savannah said. “Do you have somewhere to go until then?”

“I’ll see if my neighbor will let me crash on her couch for the night.”

“Good. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, Nyle.”

“Kiss Chloe for me,” she said.

“I will.”

“I can’t wait to meet her,” Nyle said. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

She was gone, just as she had always been during Savannah’s life. She felt the emptiness and yearned for her mother’s presence. Leaving Florida would tear her and Edward apart, but she needed to be in London—to right the wrongs of her past. She needed it like the air she breathed.

Chloe stood in front of her, sneakers in hand. She grabbed her daughter’s face in her hands and kissed her forehead.

“Are you okay, Mommy?”

“I’m fine, baby.”

She was all but fine.

Chapter 5

Edward leaned back in his chair as he was winding down his call. He spun around and gazed out the window at the view of the marina from his office. He quickly jotted down a few notes and then looked up. Quinn was standing in his doorway. He held his finger up to her and she gave him a smile. He admired her curves in the dress she wore. She was a beautiful woman with a five-foot frame, dark flawless skin, braids and the deepest of dimples.

Quinn had been his biggest fan, the cheerleader who supported his every venture.

He finished his call and then hung up.

“What’s up?” he asked.

“We’re all headed over to Bailey’s for a drink. It’s Martin’s birthday. The big four-o. Can you believe he’s that old?”

“Doesn’t look a day over thirty-nine,” Edward teased.

“You’re coming, right?”

“I’m gonna pass. I have a lot to finish up here,” said Edward. “And not really in a celebratory mood.”

“Really? Why?”

“Just not feeling up to it today.”

“You want to talk about it?”

“Not really. No.”

“If you don’t want to talk about it, then you have to at least come have a drink. It would be rude not to.” Quinn smiled. “Come on, dude. I’m not taking no for an answer. Leave your car and I’ll drive.”

Edward contemplated her offer. The truth was, he needed to unwind. The entire work week had been trying. He was grateful for Friday, although his Monday morning hadn’t gone well at all. He hated fighting with Savannah. He felt as if he needed to protect her, yet he was always hurting her. He was stuck in a hard place. He wanted her to be happy, but not at the cost of losing his daughter. She was all he had. Sure, he’d graduated from one of the most prestigious law schools in the country, Harvard. He’d been at the top of his class. He had practiced law at one of the top law firms and had almost won the mayor’s office. He had a gratifying career as a council member and soon he’d make a decision to run for the senate. And although he’d failed at being a husband to Savannah, with fatherhood he’d been given a second chance to make things right. He wouldn’t gamble with that.

“Fine. Give me like twenty minutes to wrap things up,” he said.

“I’ll meet you in the lobby in thirty.”

Quinn had loved Edward from the moment they’d started working on his mayoral campaign. And he knew it. She had placed her own career on hold to support his. A paralegal in the prosecutor’s office, she’d always been ambitious. It didn’t surprise him one bit when she landed a job in the mayor’s office. He knew that she loved him, but he never acted on it. He also knew that he would never love her the way she wanted him to. Not the way he loved Savannah. He would never commit to her. Not even sexually. He felt that a sexual relationship with Quinn, even after his divorce from Savannah, would violate everything he loved and honored. His reluctance only made her try harder, and having Edward in her life and her bed had always been her one ambition. But he kept things at arm’s length. He enjoyed her friendship and never gave her any reason to think there would be anything more. In fact he’d always told her that he loved their friendship just the way it was; didn’t want to tarnish it. He’d always made it clear that he wasn’t interested in her that way, and he respected her too much to give her false hope.

His six-foot-two frame sank into the passenger’s seat of her Mercedes coupe. He moved his seat all the way back and reclined. “Please drive the speed limit today,” he warned.

“Excuse me. I always drive the speed limit.” Quinn smiled and adjusted the volume on her music.

“And no rap today...”

Before he could finish his sentence, Nicki Minaj’s vocals permeated the car. Obscenities drifted into the air as Quinn let the convertible top down and pulled out of the parking garage.

“Buckle up,” she said and then zoomed down Okeechobee Boulevard.

When they stepped into the bar, their colleagues had already snagged a table near the window. John Palmer raised his glass into the air to get their attention. The birthday boy was on the dance floor with a tall, sexy woman. Dollar bills were pinned to his shirt. Quinn took a seat at the table and Edward made his way to the bar, where he ordered a round of drinks for his colleagues. At the table he began to feel the music and bob his head.

“We should dance.” Quinn leaned in and tried to speak over the music.

“If it isn’t Edward Talbot,” Martin interrupted.

“Happy birthday.” Edward gave him a strong handshake, ignoring Quinn’s offer. “What are you, like fifty now?”

“Minus ten, bro,” said Martin. “And I’m sensitive about it, so no jokes.”

“You should be glad to see another year,” Edward said. “What are you drinking?”

“Vodka tonic. And not the cheap stuff. I want top-shelf.” Martin laughed.

“You got it.”

“I’m glad you came out to celebrate with me. I feel pretty honored,” Martin said. “Take a walk with me to the bar.”

Edward excused himself and followed Martin to the bar. “What’s up?”

“The election year is fast approaching. What are you doing about the Florida Senate race? Are you running or what?”

“I’m still undecided.”

“You should run. You can win this,” said Martin. “You should’ve won mayor. No doubt you were the most viable candidate.”

“I appreciate that, but I’m happy in my current position.”

“Should you decide to run, I’m willing to invest in your campaign. I’m there for you, like you were for me when I ran for city commissioner.”

The mayoral campaign had cost Edward his marriage. He’d been gun-shy about running for any office higher than the one he held as city commissioner. His current position as city commissioner required less of his time and allowed him to spend more quality time with Chloe. He liked it that way.

“I appreciate the support,” said Edward, “and should I decide to run, you’ll be one of the first to know.”

Edward’s phone vibrated in his pocket and he pulled it out, looked at the display. Savannah was calling. He was happy to see her smiling face on the screen of his phone, because she certainly hadn’t been smiling when he saw her in person. She’d had a change of heart, he hoped. Perhaps she was feeling a bit of sorrow—much as he was feeling about their last interaction. A reprieve was exactly what they needed.

“Excuse me, Martin. I need to take this,” he said and then walked as far away from the music as he could get. He answered the phone. “Hello.”

“Edward?” the sweet voice on the other end asked.

He could barely hear and decided to step outside the bar. He stood on the patio. “Hello. Savannah?”

“Edward, I’m at St. Mary’s with Chloe.”

“Oh my God! What happened?”

“Her asthma again. She was running a pretty high fever when I picked her up from school. She’s been complaining of chest pains. So I brought her to the emergency room.”

“Has she seen the doctor?”

“Not yet. We’re waiting.”

“I’m on my way,” Edward said before hanging up.

Unfortunately, Chloe had battled with asthma for most of her life. It usually flared up in the spring when pollen was high in Florida. She suffered so much and so often that it broke his heart. And every incident and flare-up became more serious than the one before, and it devastated him that he couldn’t fix it. He was her father, her protector, and he couldn’t protect her from her illness.

As soon as he hung up the phone, it dawned on him that he hadn’t driven. He found Quinn and appealed to her to drive him back to his car.

“The hospital is closer,” Quinn said. “I’ll just take you there.”

Edward wanted to protest. The last thing he wanted to do was show up at St. Mary’s with a woman Savannah had accused him of seeing for years. But Quinn had been correct. The hospital was a closer drive, and he needed to get to Chloe as quickly as possible. He hopped into the passenger seat of Quinn’s convertible and she drove him to the hospital. She pulled into an empty space in the parking lot.

“Do you need for me to wait for you? Or come inside?”

“No. I’ll be fine.”

“You want me to come back and pick you up?”

“No, I’ll manage. It will probably be late. I’ll just grab a taxi.”

“You sure?”

“Absolutely. I’ll be fine.” He opened the car door. “Thanks a lot for driving me.”

“Call me if you need me,” she said.

Edward walked into the emergency waiting room. When he didn’t see Savannah and Chloe, he inquired at the front desk and was informed that she’d just gone back to see the doctor. He was allowed to join them. Savannah looked frantic and defeated, but her eyes lit up when she saw Edward. He went straight for Chloe and kissed her forehead.

“Hi, Daddy,” she weakly said.

“What’s going on with my favorite girl?” he asked.

He’d always called Savannah his favorite girl, too. He hoped the comment would get under her skin.

“I don’t feel good,” Chloe whined.

Savannah cleared her throat. “The doctor thinks it might be asthmatic bronchitis. They’re going to do a test called Spirometry test, which will measure her lung function.”

He nodded and acknowledged her statement, but didn’t really look her in the eyes; he was too embarrassed about their last conversation and still a bit angry. He took note of how beautiful she looked in her two-piece blue business suit, but tried to keep his attention focused on his daughter.

Hours passed before they received the results of Chloe’s Spirometry test that confirmed that she indeed had asthmatic bronchitis. The doctor handed Savannah a prescription and gave Edward a strong handshake. They were given instructions on how to care for Chloe and then sent on their way. It was late, and Edward felt exhausted as they took the silver elevator down to the first floor.

“Where’d you park?” Savannah asked.

“I actually left my car at the office. I caught a ride over from the bar with a coworker. We were celebrating Martin’s birthday,” said Edward. “I’ll just grab a taxi.”

“Do you need a ride?” Savannah asked.

“Would you mind?”

“No. Not at all.” She pulled her keys from her purse. Held them in her hand. “I’m right out front.”

“I don’t want to take you out of your way, so you can just drop me off at home. I’ll take a taxi into the office in the morning,” Edward said. “Besides, you need to get this one home as soon as possible. Get her to bed.”

“We have to fill her prescriptions first.”

Edward climbed into the passenger seat of Savannah’s practical four-door sedan. It was one that she’d purchased after their breakup. He’d offered her the family SUV after they’d parted, but Savannah had complained that she wanted something a little more economical.

“That Lincoln Navigator, although very nice, is a gas guzzler. I want something that gets good gas mileage—a nice little Toyota or something.” She was the levelheaded one and way more practical than Edward. She’d kept him grounded. It was what he loved about her.

They’d traded the Navigator for a fully loaded Toyota.

She toyed with the buttons on the stereo until she found something mellow. She seemed nervous. She and Edward had become friends and co-parents for Chloe over the years, but it had been a long time since they shared such a small space together. He tried to lighten the mood by commenting on her music.

“What is it we’re listening to?’ he asked, and then switched to a hip-hop station.

“Who listens to that?”

“Normal people.” He smiled and then looked out the window.

They stopped by the drugstore, and soon Savannah pulled up in front of Edward’s home. Waited for him to step out of the car.

“Daddy, I’m hungry. Can you make me your special soup?” Chloe asked before her father exited the car. “It’ll make me feel much better.”

Edward gave Savannah a knowing grin. “It’s really late, baby. Mommy can grab you some soup on the way home.”

“Please, Daddy,” Chloe sang. “I want your soup.”

“What do you think?” Edward asked Savannah.

“I don’t know.” Savannah was hesitant.

“Please, Mommy,” said Chloe.

“She’s pretty convincing,” Savannah stated, and put the car in Park. “I guess it’ll be okay. Your soup is pretty easy to make.”

“I have all of the ingredients here,” Edward said. “I just need you to cut up the papaya for me. If you don’t mind.”

She’d always helped Edward prepare his papaya soup—a Bahamian recipe that he’d prepared on many occasions. It was Chloe’s favorite, and Savannah’s, too.

“Okay, Chloe.” Savannah sighed. “But then we’re going home and getting you medicated and in bed.”

Edward stepped out of the car first and opened the back door for Chloe to hop out. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around him. He carried her to the front door. Savannah locked up the car and followed. Something inside Edward felt joy that they were staying. Maybe he would have an opportunity to talk to Savannah about London again, and this time he’d convince her to stay or at least consider leaving Chloe with him.

Chapter 6

Savannah chopped the papaya while Edward sautéed onions and melted butter in a saucepan. Caribbean music drifted through the air. She could count on one hand the number of times she’d entered Edward’s home, and never past the living room. She’d picked Chloe up from there a few times and was always careful not to invade his space. In particular, she didn’t want to run across a loose earring or a pair of women’s panties. She usually stayed in her place.

“Care for a glass of wine?” Edward asked Savannah.

“Sure.”

He turned the fire down low and then opened a bottle of Riesling. Poured two glasses and handed one to Savannah. After cutting the papaya, she took a seat at the kitchen’s island and sipped on wine. She watched as Edward combined the ingredients of his soup together. As it simmered, he took a seat across from her.

“Aside from Chloe’s trip to the ER, how was your day?” he asked.

“It was going pretty smoothly,” she said. “It changed everything when I found out that my baby was sick.”

“I know what you mean. My heart sank when I got your phone call.”

“I knew you’d want to know that she was sick.”

“Thank you for calling me.”

“I’ll always let you know what’s going on with her. You’re her father, and I know that you love her.”

“I love her very much.”

“How was your day?” Savannah changed the subject before Edward brought up the move.

“It was a pretty good end to the work week.”

“So it’s Martin’s birthday.” Savannah smiled. “I like Martin. He’s a good man.”

“He is a good man,” said Edward. “He offered to help with my campaign should I decide to run for the senate.”

“Are you considering it?”

“Somewhat.”

“That’s good.” Savannah took a long sip of her wine. “Why the hesitation?”

“Chloe, of course,” he said matter-of-factly. “I’m aware that a campaign might take up too much of my time, and I want to make sure she’s my priority.”

Savannah wanted to say that with Chloe moving to London, he’d have more time on his hands to pursue his political ambitions, but she avoided any conversation about London. The mood was very casual and friendly. She didn’t want to bring up anything that would start an argument. Instead of responding, she just nodded.

“I’m not keeping you from anything, am I?” he asked. “Did you have plans tonight?”

“Yeah, Chloe and I had plans to watch Sofia the First for the umpteenth time. Then I planned on watching her fall asleep and I’d be watching it by myself.” Savannah laughed.

“Yeah, I’ve seen Sofia the First more times than I’m willing to admit. And I also won’t admit that I actually liked it.” Edward laughed and then went to the stove, stirred his soup. “I think it’s ready.”

Edward pulled three ceramic bowls from the shelf. Ladled soup into each one. He placed a bowl in front of Savannah. “Taste.”

Savannah took the spoon and scooped a spoonful into her mouth. Closed her eyes. “Mmm. Just as I remember.”

Edward grabbed a spoon, put it into her bowl as if it were a perfectly normal thing to do and tasted the soup. “Not bad.”

“I’ll go get Chloe.” Savannah put down her spoon. She hopped down from the bar-height island stool and went into the den.

Chloe lounged on the sofa and was sound asleep. She considered waking her, but decided against it. Her daughter seemed too peaceful. She walked back into the kitchen where Edward was already enjoying a bowl of papaya soup.

“She’s asleep, huh?”

“Yes. And I didn’t want to wake her.”

“Let her sleep,” he said. “Sit down and enjoy your soup.”

Savannah did as Edward suggested. The two of them ate soup and enjoyed light conversation. When they were done, they cleaned the kitchen together.

“It’s late. We should probably get going,” Savannah said.

“Yes, it is late, and I don’t like the idea of you two driving around West Palm Beach at this hour. Why don’t I tuck Chloe into her bed, and the two of you just spend the night? Go home in the morning.” Edward suggested.

Savannah wanted to protest. Not because she didn’t want to stay, but she needed Edward to know that she wasn’t the passive young girl that he remembered from before. She had changed. She was a strong woman now, with a mind of her own, and she wouldn’t give in to his every whim.

“No, we’re going to go.” She stood her ground.

“Do you really want to load Chloe into the car and then unload her when you get home?” he asked. “She’s asleep, and not to mention she’s sick.”

He had a point.

Savannah exhaled. “I suppose it would be easier to stay here, get a good night’s sleep.”

“I have fresh bedding and could prepare the guest room for you.”

Initially, Savannah thought the evening would be awkward, considering she and Edward were in the middle of a battle. Not to mention, she’d just filed a petition to take Chloe out of the country. The papers would arrive at his office on Monday. She contemplated the drive home and decided that spending the night would be a wiser choice.

“Fine,” she said.

Edward carried Chloe to her bedroom, and Savannah followed. She found pajamas in the chest of drawers and undressed Chloe, while Edward disappeared down the hall to prepare the guest room for her. She tucked her daughter beneath the covers, kissed her. Edward stepped back into the room, pulled the covers up to Chloe’s chin.

“Good night, sweetheart,” he said.

“Good night, Daddy.”

“You missed the soup,” he told her.

“I’m sorry, Daddy, but I was really sleepy,” she said.

“Well, get some sleep, and we’ll have breakfast in the morning.”

“Are you spending the night, too, Mommy?”

“Yes.” Savannah gave her daughter a warm smile. “I’ll be in the room right down the hall if you need me. Okay?”

“In Daddy’s room?”

Savannah glanced over at Edward, who had a light smile in the corner of his mouth. “No, baby, in the guest room.”

“Okay,” said Chloe. “Good night, Mommy.”

“Good night, baby. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Savannah stood, kissed Chloe and followed Edward to the door.

Edward turned off the light and pulled the door, leaving it cracked a little.

“You can sleep in Daddy’s room if you want,” Edward teased.

“No thanks,” Savannah said, and playfully rolled her eyes.

“Your bed is ready, then...whenever you’re ready for it,” he said. “Can I get you a T-shirt or something to sleep in?”

“Sure. That would be nice.”

Edward disappeared into his bedroom and returned with his favorite Harvard T-shirt.

“Thanks. I remember this shirt. It’s a little faded,” she teased.

“It’s gotten a lot of use,” he smiled. “You should feel honored that I let you wear it.”

“I do. Nobody’s ever been allowed to touch this shirt. I wasn’t even allowed to wash it with the other laundry back in the day.” She giggled, took the shirt and headed toward the guest bathroom to put it on.

“That’s right! And you should handle it with care,” he said.

“I will.” She gave him a wink before popping into bathroom.

In the small powder room, she took a curious peek into the medicine cabinet. She wasn’t sure what she was looking for, but felt the need to be nosy. Wondered if she’d find an extra toothbrush or evidence that someone had been there for any length of time and left something behind. It was exactly what she’d avoided before, but suddenly her curiosity got the best of her. The cabinet was virtually empty, with the exception of a small bottle of Tylenol. She grabbed a washcloth from the linen closet and washed her face, then stared at her reflection in the mirror for a moment. Her day had been long, and her evening with Chloe at the emergency room had been trying. Spending the night at Edward’s place wasn’t the norm, but the thought of driving home after her rough day had been an exhausting thought. She was grateful for his offer, but wouldn’t get too comfortable. She just needed to get through the night, and then she’d be on her way in the morning.

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