When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,45

everything okay?”

“Yeah.” I stroked Bridget’s hair. “Everything is fine.”

Everything was fine with me, but maybe not for this little girl. Kids her age would jump at the chance to talk about their mother, but she’d brushed off my question. It was probably a sensitive subject.

My heart hurt for her. I told myself not to get too involved when I was going to be a temporary fixture in her life, but I needed to be aware so I could be sensitive to her situation.

After I hung up, I slept next to Bridget as promised. I wished for her to dream nothing but unicorns, rainbows, and all the sparkling things.

Chapter Nineteen — Welcome Home Lee

As Bridget and I were coming down the stairs together to eat dinner, the front door opened.

“Papa?” Bridget rushed ahead of me, her feet thudding down the stairs.

Under the crystal chandelier, down on his knees, Leonardo wrapped Bridget in his arms as he stood, giving her tons of rapid kisses on her head. He twirled her and brought her down. Her sweet laughter rang in the air.

I counted the days in my head. Lee had come home a day earlier than expected.

“The meeting went well, so I came home a day early. Unless you want me to go back.” He turned sideways, reaching for the door.

“No.” Bridget yanked on his arm, and then she was swinging from his flexed arm.

I laughed as I hit the bottom step. So much love between them. I was seeing a whole different side of him—more playful and down to earth. Not the businessman I had met in the cab. Even his attire was causal—jeans and a black T-shirt.

The door opened and Phillip walked in with Leonardo’s briefcase and suitcase. “I’ll put them in your room, sir.”

“Phillip. It’s fine. I can do it. Just leave it there.”

“Very well, sir. Goodnight.” He tipped his head to me and walked out.

I cleared my throat and smiled. “Well since you’re home early, I guess that means I can go home. Dinner is already set on the table.” I waited for Leonardo to confirm, but he didn’t say a word.

“No,” Bridget protested, catching me off guard. “Can Kate stay for dinner?”

Leonardo raked his hair back. “Of course, but only if she wants to.”

Bridget jumped up and down as she begged. “Please, please, please.”

I didn’t know what to do. I felt like I was intruding. Leonardo hadn’t asked me to stay, Bridget had. I didn’t want him to feel uncomfortable. After days away, he had come home to relax, not to entertain. However, the plea in Bridget’s eyes could not be denied.

Eat dinner and leave. Simple.

“Sure. I’ll stay for dinner. I didn’t make anything special. Bridget wanted tacos, and it was on Mona’s approved list.”

“I love tacos” Leonardo said, and then turned to his daughter. “I think Bridget knew I was coming home.” He tapped her nose with love in his expression.

“Yup. I guess so.” She bobbed on her heels and giggled. “Let’s eat.” Bridget grabbed my hand and then her father’s, and pulled us toward the dining room.

While Bridget and I settled in our chairs, Leonardo set his phone down on the table and strolled to the kitchen.

“Go ahead and eat,” Leonardo said, opening the fridge. “I’m going to pour some wine. Would you like some, Miss Summers?”

“Please call me Kate. And yes, thank you.” I placed a tortilla on my plate and scooped some spiced chicken.

He came back with two glasses filled with red wine. He handed me mine and sat across from me.

“Thank you.” I took a sip, savoring the rich, fruity notes and cool sensation down my throat.

He tapped Bridget on top of her head. “So what did you do while I was gone?”

“You already know. I told you everything on the phone.” Bridget lightly slapped her forehead with a roll of her eyes. She picked up her hard-shell taco and nibbled the end.

“Geesh, already starting at age four.” Leonardo shook his head, smiling, and lifted a tortilla onto his plate.

“I’m going to be five soon.” Bridget held up her hand to me. “I’m going to have a party in four weeks and Papa said I could invite anyone I want.”

“I bet it’s going to be a unicorn theme.” I scooped up some guacamole and layered it on top of the spiced chicken.

Bridget’s lips parted in surprise. “How did you know?”

“Because that’s the theme I would have.”

“Papa.” She clutched his shirt and shook him. “Kate loves unicorns as much as I do.”

“She does? That’s