Chapter Forty Three
Celeste’s POV
“Thank you, Molly.” I blinked back tears and smiled at her. ‘Your parents are very lucky to have you as a daughter. You’re an angel.”
I wanted to scream.
My daughter couldn’t be lucky, could she? She hated my freaking guts.
But Molly looked up at me like she wholly believed what she’d said, and I hoped she was right. Hoped my daughter would come back to me.
“But they don’t have time for me.” Her voice was so small.
I tilted her chin up.
“Hey, they love you, honey.” I smiled warmly. “But if you’re ever bored or lonely, you’re welcome to visit me.”
Molly nodded, sniffling.
I crouched down and wrapped my arms around her. She squeezed me so tight that I felt comforted and wondered which of us needed the hug more.
We were smiling by the time we released each other.
Ryan crouched down, booping her nose. “Mols, the bathroom is through that door. You can go look at your hair in the mirror.”
He pursed his lips as she ambled away. “Her parents are extremely busy at work and seldom have time for her. I do what I can, but nothing can fill that hole.”
“I get it.” I tell him with a shake of my head. “Damien was the same–I felt like an only parent.”
He squeezed my shoulder, and I forced myself not to squirm.
“You did a great job in spite of that.‘
I stepped away from his touch. “I somehow doubt that.”
My life had revolved around Bonnie, but those days as an attentive housewife just made her resentful. Molly was kind and thoughtful. How did my daughter turn out to be her polar opposite?
“It’s so pretty!” Molly ran up and hugged my legs. “Thank you, Auntie Celeste!”
I smiled. “It’s a pleasure, honey.”
“Uncle Ry–Ry, please can I draw on the Wacom pad you gave me?” She asked, tugging on his sleeve.
He pulled it out of his satchel. “Sure thing, Mols. Go sit quietly on the sofa and come to me if you need anything.‘
“Thank you!” She said excitedly and headed for the sofa.
“You bought her that? The latest model costs nearly as much as my apartment’s rent.” I asked, mouth gaping.
He ran a hand through his hair and chuckled.
“Yeah, I didn’t actually buy it. A buddy from college was upgrading to the newer model and just gave it to me.”
“Wow, Uncle Ry–Ry’s friends are loaded.” I teased, finally feeling calm around him.
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Chapter Forty Three
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“Have we moved on to pet names already?” He gave me a dimpled smirk. “How do you feel about snookurns? Or love monkey because last night you-‘
Well, that was short–lived. My pulse stutters and I head for the workbench.
“Just Celeste is fine.” I said, tying my hair into a bun. “We should get to work.”
Over the past few months, we’d become a well–oiled machine, but things didn’t go as smoothly today. Every time our shoulders brushed, I lost my train of thought.
When Ryan rolled up his shirt sleeves and got to work smoldering a joint, my gaze was glued to the bulging muscles in his forearms. He smirked, cutting the flame and placing the air torch down.
“Oh, you’re finally done?” I stammered.
I grabbed the air torch and dropped it with a yelp. Quick as a flash, Ryan guided me to the bathroom sink and ran my hand under cool water.
“Celeste, you’re usually so careful.” His eyebrows creased with worry. “How did you forget your gloves?”
I wanted to tell him it was his fault, but really, it was mine. Ryan was just existing, and I was drooling over him like some kind of insatiable pervert.
“I think I’m just tired.” I shrugged.
“I guess I’m to blame, then.” He said, closing the tap. “I didn’t let you sleep much last night.”
I swallowed, looking anywhere besides his face. He opened the cabinet and fetched the first aid kit.
“Saw this when I was looking for the sewing kit.” Ryan winked.
He dug out a tube of ointment and carefully applied it to my burn, then blew, sending goosebumps racing up my
arm.
This man wouldn’t give me a damn break.
“Celeste, last night wasn’t a mistake.” Ryan said, thumb stroking my cheek. “At least not for me.”
My heart pounded painfully in my ears as his intense green eyes searched mine.
“I’m going to get something to eat.” I said, gently pushing his hand away.
When I opened the fridge, I fanned myself with the cool air
For the umpteenth time today, I cursed my lack of control last night.
I spotted a slice of chocolate mousse cake and brought it out with a spoon. My stomach was too knotted to eat, but if I knew kids, Molly would love this.
The moment she saw the cake, her face lit up.
“Is that for me?” She asked, wide eyes glued to the dessert.
I nodded, smiling widely as I sat beside her on the sofa.
“Thank you, Auntie Celeste!”
She had switched over from the Wacom to crayons, and her hands were smeared with colors. I held a spoonful of cake to her mouth and she opened wide.
Feeding Molly like this brought back fond memories of Bonnie–and the pain of losing her too.
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Chapter Forty Three
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“Guess what?” Grace asked excitedly as she stepped out of her office. “I just got off the phone with Celine Mars.”
“Has she placed another order already?” I asked eagerly.
“Even better. She’s so pleased with Rosemary’s work that she’s invited us to a private party tomorrow night!” Grace smiled, already assessing the business implications. It will be an amazing networking opportunity.”
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