“Cupcakes!” Dahlia suddenly said. “Mommy, please?”
Corinne glanced at Martin and then at her daughter.
Martin nearly laughed when he found both Pete and Dad looking like they were pleading for Corinne to say yes to cupcakes.
“Just one, okay?” Corinne lifted a finger.
Martin noticed that the bracelet was gone. In its place was a watch. He didn’t know what that meant, and he didn’t ask.
“Why don’t we grandpas take the kids for a few minutes while you two catch up?” Dad said.
Thank you, Dad.
Corinne looked reluctant to let go of the stroller.
“We’re just going around the corner,” Pete said. “I’ll text you as soon as Liam wakes up.”
“Right away?”
“Instantly.”
“Okay.”
Pete put Dahlia down. “Can you hold Grandpa MacMuscles’s hand?”
Dahlia shook her head.
“I’ll push the stroller,” Dad said. “You hold her hand.”
And off they went.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Martin and Corinne were alone in the cavernous garage.
“What is this place?” Corinne looked around. “Look at all those cars.”
She was good at breaking the ice.
“These are my dad’s cars,” Martin said. “Want a mini tour?”
Corinne pointed. “That’s your Shelby.”
“It belongs to Dad now.”
Corinne looked squarely at Martin. “You shouldn’t have.”
Martin sighed. “Angelina told you.”
“I would’ve found out eventually. They’re not your kids. Save money for your own kids.”
“They’reyourkids. They matter to you.”
“I don’t need your help, Martin.” She sniffled. “Because of me, you were in danger on the island.”
Martin reached for her shoulder. She didn’t brush his hand away.
“We’re survivors, remember?” He reminded her. “Not victims.”