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“No harm done. She’s a beautiful child.”

“And she’s a handful. You know what, I just thought of something. There’s an older woman who lives across the street. She was here before we moved in. I think her name is Mrs. Hines or something like that. She keeps to herself and rarely comes out of the house so not a lot of people know too much about her. I say hello when I see her, but that’s about it.”

“Mrs. Hines! That’s the name of the sitter who used to watch us!” London turned to look at Matt, excitement rushing through her veins.

“Do you think she’ll be home?” Matt asked.

“She hardly goes anywhere. She has a daughter Carol or something like that who comes to visit with her two bad ass children occasionally. Shonda plays with them when they’re here. That’s probably where she’s starting to pick up this attitude,” Shirley mused rubbing her chin.

“Thank you so much. You’ve been a big help to us.” Matt shook hands with the woman, and London gave her a hug.

“Thank you so much for letting us see the house. It really meant a lot to me.”

“No problem. This house has given us many happy memories. I hope it brings as much joy to the next family.”

“You’re moving?” London asked.

“Yes, we’re house hunting. We’re having a baby at the end of the year, and this is only a two bedroom so we’ll need the space.”Shirley led them back outside and waved them off. “I wish you both luck in your search. I’ll pray for you.”

“We should go and see Mrs. Hines. I remember her. She used to watch me and Paris.” London was about to cross the street when Matt grabbed her arm and pulled her back just in time for a car to speed by.

“Watch where you’re going! Are you trying to get yourself killed? If you are, try not to do it when I’m around,” he barked.

“And what does it matter to you anyway? I bet you can’t wait to get rid of me. You’ve been nothing but cold and nasty to me since last night and all because you’re a big coward!”

An incredulous look crossed his face. “I’m a coward for not wanting to be used which is exactly what you did?”

“Don’t give me that. I told you I loved you and I’m not a liar. I’m sorry you let your insecurities get in the way, but it’s how I feel and I’m not going to stop feeling it just because you can’t handle it. No matter what happened in your past, it’s time to get over it. I don’t deserve to be treated like this and will not be.”

His face went bright red. “You admitted that you gave me your virginity to break your betrothal. How’s that supposed to make me feel?”

London rolled her eyes, tired of hearing it. “And how do you think it feels to have my love thrown back in my face? One of the reasons I fell for you, Matt Taylor, was because you were sweet and kind to me when you didn’t have to be. Plus the fact that my heart beats fast whenever you’re near and you consume my every thought. I thought you were different from all the men on Thibius, but you’re just like them, all about yourself. Fine, don’t love me back, but I want you to know the only person who’s made you a victim is you!”

London made sure to look both ways before she crossed the street this time, her righteous indignation carrying her to the other side of the street. She didn’t even look to see if he wasfollowing her. If he didn’t believe she really loved him that was his problem and not hers. Why’d she have to fall for a guy with so many issues anyway?

When she rang the doorbell to Mrs. Hines’ house, no one answered. She tried again. Still no answer. “She’s got to be home,” she whispered.

“If she hasn’t answered by now, she’s probably not home,” Matt said at her elbow. She didn’t turn to face him not wanting to look into his face in case she started crying.

“We’ve come so far.”

“I know. But maybe we can go to dinner and when we come back she’ll be here.”

“If you’re looking for Addie, she’s not there. She was taken to the hospital last night complaining about chest pains. They’re keeping her under observation last time I heard.” A lady watering her yard called over to them.

“Which hospital is she at?”

“The one in Wilmington. It’s only about twenty miles away. You get back on the main road, and you can’t miss all the signs.”

Matt nodded in the neighbor’s direction. “Thank you very much.”

“I feel like we keep hitting one dead end after another.”

“I know how you feel. Let’s get something to eat and then head over to the hospital. We can try a pizza place this time,” Matt suggested.

“I’m not really hungry. I just want to get to the hospital to find out information on my sister. The sooner this is over you can get me out of your life right?”

“London—” he began, but she cut him off.