Page 43 of Seal of Approval

“That’s crap. Who is the review from?”

“I can’t tell. Mr R is all it says.”

“Does it say what date he toured?”

Ethan shook his head. He clicked on the reviewer’s name. There were no other reviews. And he had no posts about other places he visited.

“Are you responding?”

“I thought about it, but I wouldn’t want to antagonise Mr R.” Ethan took hold of my arm and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Don’t worry about it. Every other review is glowing.”

I nodded. It was disappointing but what could we do? Apologise online for something that wasn’t true?

“Jasmine.” His voice was commanding yet soft.

I made eye contact with him, and my stomach lifted as if a buoy in the ocean. Gosh, his hazel eyes were beautiful. More green than brown. Jack’s conversation reeled around my brain. I broke eye contact. I was not lost in Ethan’s eyes.

He squeezed my arm again. “A low review gives legitimacy to all the others.”

“How do you figure?”

“No one’s perfect.”

“Yeah, but?—”

Heavy footsteps sounded on the stairs before the screen door opened, and Max stepped inside. The buoy was punctured, and my stomach plummeted. His eyes narrowed as he glanced between us. I stood up straight.

“Hi, Jasmine. Ethan.” His voice hardened on Ethan’s name.

“Max,” I said, not moving.

What was he doing here? How did he know we were in the office? I glanced out the window, trying not to make it obvious. The kids weren’t on the beach. Hopefully, Jay was entertaining them inside.

Ethan stayed seated.

“I’ve brought gifts for Bailey and Rose. Can I see them?”

I glanced at his hands. A teddy and fishing rod.

I clenched my hands. “I told you that my solicitor would contact you. She sent a letter last week.”

His jaw stiffened. “It’s been five years. Surely they’re ready by now.”

“Surely, you want to do it the right way.” My voice was tinged with sarcasm. “After all, it’s been five years.”

There went the tic in his jaw.

Ethan touched my leg. It was subtle, but I got the hint loud.

I took a deep breath. What would Ethan say? Then I did my best Ethan impression. “I’m sorry you drove all this way, Max. I think it’s important for the children that we go through the correct processes.”

“Important for the children or for you?”

“Both, actually. It’s my job to keep them safe.”

He took a step forward. Ethan shifted in his seat but didn’t get up.

“I’m their father.” Max glanced at Ethan. Although his face was placid, his message was clear.

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