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She turns and hugs me then holds out her arms to Taron. He slips the apron over his head then picks her up and carries her to my bedroom where she’ll take her bath before they read their nightly story.

I’m almost finished cleaning up when he returns. “She might look like me, but she acts just like her mamma.”

“I hope that’s a compliment.” I arch an eyebrow at him, and he gives me that panty-melting grin.

“It’s a compliment.” The ripple in his voice is too much.

> “I’m pretty tired tonight myself. I’m heading to bed now, too. Thanks for helping.” I’ve got to get out of here before I do something foolish like kiss him silly.

“Thanks for this.” He holds up the small pot of lip balm.

I do a little wave. “It’s your payment for helping.”

“I was thinking…” He pauses, sliding a hand in the front pocket of his jeans. “Maybe it’s time to tell her the truth?”

My stomach tightens, and I don’t know why the thought of telling Dove Taron’s her father makes me nervous. “Okay.”

He exhales a laugh. “I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels a little terrified at the prospect.”

“No!” Shaking my head, I try to fake confidence. “She’s going to be thrilled to know you’re her dad.”

“I’m already Mr. Mouseling, I guess.”

Stepping forward, I put my hand on his chest and look up into his pretty eyes. “You’re so good with her. She knows you love her. She loves you. It’ll be fine.”

“I guess the real question is when?”

Chewing my lip, I look up at the clock. “No time like the present?”

He holds out a hand, and I lead the way, going through the kitchen into the living room all the way back to my bedroom. The bathroom light is still on, but it’s quiet.

“Dove?” I peek in the bathroom, but she’s not in the tub. The water is run, but I don’t see her. “Where is she?”

Turning, I start to feel nervous, when I look up and see a little golden head on my pillow. Taron turns on the lamp at the side of my bed then laughs. Dove is sound asleep with Alice clutched to her side.

He squeezes her little foot gently. “Making cosmetics is hard work.”

“You should know.”

“I do know. I sat in this room with you many nights watching you do it.”

We’re standing at my door facing each other. The light from my bedside lamp is dim yellow. The house is quiet. Sawyer goes to bed early, and Leon hasn’t come home yet. It’s just the two of us, caught in this moment with our daughter asleep a few feet away.

“You’ve done a really good job with her. She’s so sweet and funny… and really smart.”

“Leon is partly responsible for that. He’s been testing how much she can learn since she started talking.”

His expression changes, and he looks toward the window. “He’s a good kid.”

I reach out and slide my hand into his. “We’ve all been through a lot.”

Closing his fingers around mine, he looks into my eyes. “I wish I could change what happened… I only want good things for you.”

My chest tightens, and I search his gaze. “I believe you.”

Lifting my hand, he presses his lips to the backs of my fingers. My eyes are fixed on the place where we touch, and so many emotions rush to the surface… self-preservation being one of them.

“We’d better get some sleep. I have to take those kits to Pine Hills tomorrow, and Dove has her Thanksgiving party at school.”