Page 72 of Singing For His Kiss

“I think she did too.” And more. So much more.

If he imagined Hanna was instrumental in bringing Elizabeth into their lives, now he knew it in the form of his daughter’s words. To him, Madeline’s knowing was a clear blessing from his wife from Heaven. He cleared his throat and pushed away the heat pricking his eyes. He was going to find Elizabeth and tell her in no uncertain terms how he felt and what he wanted. He was going to lay it all on the line and bare his soul.

She would understand in no uncertain terms that she was no accident of fate. She was loved and wanted and needed and treasured. He would have to fight hard to overcome a lifetime of destruction. She was worth the fight of his lifetime.

“I think she was, too.”

“Why did you let her go from the party?”

He touched her nose with a fingertip, and she giggled. “Just because I let her go from the party doesn’t mean I’m letting her go from the house. I’m going to find Elizabeth and tell her how much we love her and we want her to stay.”

“Can you ask her to take me horse riding again?" Madeline said.

James stood and brushed his fingers over Madeline’s chubby cheek. “I will. Now, let’s find Mrs. D’llessio in this messy kitchen and get you set up buttering bread, OK?”

He went through the motions as quickly as possible, making sure Madeline was safe before he stalked upstairs to Elizabeth’s bedroom. His guests would have to finish the party without him. He had an urgent matter to attend to, one that made his mouth dry and heart pound, and there was no way he was going to be down here a minute longer than he had to.

---