Page 126 of A Convenient Secret

Chapter 25

Declan

“Good morning.” Lily comes to the kitchen, looking like a ghost, her voice raspy. “You slept like the dead beside Zoya when I came to find you.”

“Good morning.” I peek behind her into the room beyond. Coast is clear, so I kiss her crown. “Yeah, I can’t believe I slept in there all night. Sorry.”

“It’s okay.” She starts the coffee machine. Is she just sleepy, or is something off?

I lean beside her, tucking the messy hair behind her ear. I need to touch her all the time; it’s like my next breath depends on it. “Zoya was overexcited about the recital, so it took a while to calm her down.”

“I didn’t sleep much.” She reaches for her portable cup and fills it withcoffee.

“Are you still worried about that article? It’s been taken down.”

She opens her mouth to say something.

“I’m weady.” Zoya barrels into the room. “Good mowning, Lily.”

My daughter wraps her arms around Lily’s legs.

For the first time in ages, I feel like this is a real home. All thanks to the woman in front of me.

She has secrets, and we need to discuss how we will announce this relationship to the kids and everyone else. But there is no doubt in my mind I want her by my side.

I want to shout it from the rooftops, but my kids were abandoned before, so a carefully thought-out plan is a must. I can’t throw a curveball into their lives, especially not now when things are going so well.

“Good morning, sweetheart. Are you excited about your camp?” Lily bends to kiss Zoya.

“It’s an outdoor activities camp; what is exciting about that?” Zach enters, scowling.

“You can survive some fresh air for three days,” I say.

“Besides, today is your first real piano lesson,” Lily reminds him.

That gets us an almost smile out of him. “Perhaps I should stay home and practice. Outdoor camp just sounds dirty.”

Zoya rolls her eyes. “Jeez, bwo, live a little.” She takes Lily’s hand. “Let’s go.”

“Go call the elevator while I put the cover on my coffee.” Lily frees herself from Zoya’s clutches, and the twins leave the kitchen.

“I guess my daughter now speaks like a true New Yorker.” I snort and kiss Lily’s cheek. “What did my mom want yesterday? You were awfully quiet on the ride home.”

“She just wanted to confirm some details about the kids’ schedule.” She busies herself with her mug, missing the ridges to screw the cap on.

“Let me.” I take it from her and fix the lid on. A blush covers her cheeks. God, she’s adorable. “Here you go. I’ll see you at one.”

“At one?”

“The luncheon for my mother’s charity? Did you forget?”

“You really want me to go with you?”

“Of course.”

“But people would—”

“I don’t care about that. Saar and Celeste are coming too. I don’t want to go to these tedious functions alone anymore.”