Page 87 of Hearts Aweigh
“No apologies necessary. We’ll split the blame fifty-fifty and leave it at that.”
He might have argued, but his daughter returned, plopped down on the couch, and curled up by the woman’s side.
“Be careful, Madeleine,” Spencer said. “Ms. O’Brien won’t want to be wrinkled when she leaves for her date.”
“Sorry.” Madeleine scooted away.
Abby glared at him. “Don’t worry, Maddie.” She placed an arm around her charge. “A hug from you is worth a million wrinkles.”
Madeleine relaxed against her. “Are you going away?”
“Yes, but I’ll be back.” She extended a finger. “I pinky-promise I’ll tuck you in bed. Okay?”
Madeleine hooked her finger with Abby’s. “Okay.”
The touching exchange roiled Spencer’s gut. How could he ever find someone else to treat his daughter with the same amount of love? There was no one better than Abby. And he’druined everything. Because of one ill-timed kiss, he’d driven away the perfect person to help him raise Madeleine.
Despite his diligent efforts, he’d turned out like his father. Hurting the people around him without realizing or caring.
God?Spencer slumped in his seat.How do I fix this mess?
The doorbell chimed, and Abby stood. “There’s my replacement. I figured this would be an excellent time for Maddie to spend time with her grandmother.”
She crossed the room and opened the door, but more than Daisy entered. The whole Shipper passel invaded his suite in a noisy, unrestrained herd.
Emily led the group. “Look at this living room.”
Gerry pulled her notebook and pen from her pocket. “Who knew they made cabins the size of airplane hangars?”
“This must be what heaven’s like.” Althea started to sing, “Glory, glory, hallelujah! Since I laid my burdens down.”
His mother ignored the suite and moved in a lithe, fluid motion to sit beside Madeleine.
“Grandma!” His daughter wrapped her arms around Daisy’s neck.
Abby stood behind them with an approving smile.
His mother cuddled Madeleine. “Hello, sugar. You look so pretty today.”
Spencer noted the lopsided bow on his daughter’s dress, purple sneakers, and a tuft of hair sticking out from her head, but Daisy made no attempt to fix it. He had countless memories of his mother straightening his jacket and smoothing his hair, advising him to behave with decorum. The difference between that woman and the one who sat before him was astonishing.
“Mercy!” Althea wandered to the eating area. “Come check out this kitchen, girls. It’s bigger than two of our cabins put together.”
The marble-topped island in the center held a platter with an assortment of fruits, cheeses, and pastries.
“Mmm-mmm.” Althea popped a strawberry in her mouth. “Where’s the bathroom? I bet the commode has a solid gold toilet seat.”
Abby swiped her phone from the end table. “Thanks for coming, ladies. I’m off to my date.”
“We’ll say a prayer.” Emily took a seat in the armchair near Daisy.
“Hold on a minute.” Spencer scrambled to his feet. “How long will you be gone?”
“I told you.” She headed for the front door. “Two hours.”
He checked his watch. “So you’ll be back at 8:06 p.m.?”
She hesitated with her hand on the knob. “Yes, sir. 8:06 exactly.” She winked at Maddie. “Later, alligator.” Then she was gone.
