Page 48 of Prospecting

“I take it she doesn’t have access to your funds,” Cade asked.

“She knows about them,” Tappn said. “I’ve explained the money to her. I have no idea what her mother tried to teach her, but she understands the different things we have to save for. Her mother winds her up.”

“She has a way about her,” Cade said. “When I’m on the call with Sheridan, it’s all nice and friendly. If I’m not directly in the picture, she asks where I am. If Sheridan says I’m below, Hazel will grill her, ask about how much money we have, when Sheridan will help them out more.”

“I’m not sure what we can do,” Tappn said. “We aren’t on the same ship as them. Louis comes over without her regularly. Mia does really well with him.”

“I’ve asked him,” Cade said. “Apparently the gambling started when Sheridan was sixteen. He thinks she introduced Mia to the bastard to pay off a gambling debt.”

“I won’t feel guilty about limiting Hazel’s access to Mia and Frannie. She’s starting to criticize Frannie,” Tappn said.

“What is there to criticize about her,” Cade said. “She’s not even two.”

“Exactly,” Tappn said. “Frannie is a happy little girl until Hazel shows up.”

“I’ll talk to Calli,” Cade said. “She’s got to have something which would put more distance between them.”

“Appreciated,” Tappn said. “Louis is a good man. He’s baffled on how to help her.”

“Maybe he can’t,” Cade said.

“Mia asked to talk to Sheridan,” Tappn said. “She’s showing growth.”

“Sheridan has missed her,” Cade said. “She’s a little suspicious but I’ll reassure her, she’s the one making the effort.”

Tappn looked off. “Mia’s calling so Sheridan can see Frannie,” he said.

“Stay in touch,” Cade said.

***

“It was good to talk to Sheridan,” Mia said as she lay Frannie down.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Tappn said as he pulled the blanket over Frannie.

“Tappn, can we go to bed,” Mia asked.

He wanted to make her run but she was too pregnant. “Is there something else you want to tell me,” Tappn asked.

“I have a name I like,” Mia said. “I wanted to tell you yesterday but then Mother contacted me.”

“She doesn’t like the name,” Tappn said.

“No,” Mia said. “But I do. It’s Ziaren.”

“It means sunshine,” Tappn said. “It’s lovely.”

“Do you like it,” Mia asked uncertainly.

“The mother always picks the name,” Tappn said. He considered how difficult decisions were for her. “My great grandmother was Ziaren.”

“Family names are important,” Mia said.

“Is this our daughter’s name,” Tappn asked her.

“Yes,” Mia said.

Smiling, Tappn said, “Take off your clothes.”

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