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My throat tightened up a bit. “Is Michael your fiancé?”

Heather nodded. “Yes, and it’s one of the best boarding schools in the country.”

I wanted to say something about her luxurious clothes and jewelry, assuming the school would be expensive as well. I held my tongue for Addison’s sake, though. “Which boarding school?”

“Dickinson School,” Heather replied proudly.

I nodded, fully aware that it was one of the best schools in the country.

Heather leaned back, looking at her nails. “It’ll be a wonderful experience, Addison. Plus, it’ll give me time to do things that I’ve had on the back burner.”

“Mommy said that after the wedding, she and Michael need to spend time together. Without me.” Addison’s voice became incredibly sad, and I fought the urge to wrap my arms around her.

I had just met her, but what Heather was doing sounded cruel. I forced a smile and shrugged to my daughter. “Well, adults do need their alone time. But it’s also important that you be happy, Addison. You don’t sound happy about attending Dickinson School.”

Addison put her head down and shrugged her shoulders just like me.

Heather waved her hand in the air. “It’s a done deal, Richard. And Michael is going to be a wonderful stepfather to Addison. He went to boarding school and turned out very successful.”

She gave me the iciest stares I’d ever seen. That was the one moment I had a chance to tell her she didn't need the money she was looking for without Addison being aware, but I stopped myself.

We spent the rest of the lunch discussing everything Addison was doing at school. We talked about her hobbies, favorite cartoons, and how happy she was to finally meet me. “Michael wants me to learn horseback riding, but I’m afraid.”

“You have nothing to be afraid of,” Heather said in an icy tone.

“What if the horse bucks me off?” She looked up at Heather with her big, round eyes, and once again, my heart broke.

It was a genuine concern that even adults had.

“That is something to think about, Addison.” I turned my focus to Heather, whispering in her direction, so Addison didn't hear. “Especially since some adults end up paralyzed for life after horse riding accidents.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Heather said. “Michael and I ride horses all the time. There’s nothing to worry about.”

Addison changed the subject, and it seemed like she was a pro at it. That was disheartening for a girl her age. “Michael said that if I do good, that he won’t have to spend as much money on boarding school.”

“It sounds like Michael is trying to get you a scholarship,” I said.

Heather looked away while sipping her soda.

After lunch, all three of us walked outside.

“When can I see you again, Daddy?”

“I’ll have my lawyer contact yours,” Heather said, putting Addison’s hand in hers and walking away.

Addison looked back at me until they reached their car.

There was no doubt in my mind. Addison would become a regular part of my life, regardless of what Heather wanted.

13

Annie

Iwas at work, going through some paperwork and trying not to stare at my phone. I had texted Richard earlier in the day, but he still hadn’t gotten back to me. It was out of character for him, too. Ever since we first became friends, when Jake and Julianna started dating, he was always quick to reply. I could anticipate a reply within an hour at the latest.

The fact that he had grown distant after I opened up to him was unsettling.

I buried my face in my designs for yoga pants. Branching out into activewear seemed like a good idea to go along with my holistic health line of products. Having worn them for years, I understood the importance of making them breathable and moveable. Many of the yoga pants currently on the market cropped up, too often riding up in places no one wanted to admit.