Page 8 of A Play for Love

I looked down for a moment and sighed. “She has.”

“I know this is difficult, but you must do what’s best for your daughter. Attending school here isn’t what’s best for her at this stage. She’s already outgrown us, and it’s time for her to move on.”

“She’s made friends here,” I said.

“She can continue to see her friends and make new friends at Oak Crest.”

“Friends who are twice her age? I don’t think so.”

“If you feel strongly about Oak Crest, hiring someone to homeschool Ella is the other option. But I don’t think that’s a good idea. She needs to interact with other kids who are at her level. Listen. Talk with Ella about this and schedule an appointment to tour Oak Crest. Let her sit in on some of the classes and see what she thinks.”

“We’ll do that,” Sofia said as she stood up. “Thank you for speaking to us about this. Nathan?”

“Yes. Thank you.” I extended my hand. “We’ll talk to Ella and let you know.”

Sofia and I walked out of the office and headed to my car. I was silent because I was still absorbing everything.

“We have to do what’s best for her, Nathan.”

“I know. It’s just—I don’t know, babe. I’m scared. How can I send my little girl into a teenage war zone?”

“I think you’re overthinking this, Nathan. We’ll talk to Ella later and get her thoughts. Let’s go to the Beverly Hills Hotel, get our wedding date situated, and then I’ll take your stress away.” A beautiful smile graced her face as I pulled out of the school’s parking lot.

* * *

“Dr. Kind.” Mr. Russo smiled as he extended his hand. “Miss Finnegan, it’s nice to see you again.” He shook Sofia’s hand. “Please, have a seat. I assume you want to book our Crystal Gardens and Ballroom for your wedding?”

“Yes, Mr. Russo,” I said.

“Excellent. Let me ask you something. How many more of you will be getting married?”

“There’s only one more in our family: my brother Christian.”

“How exciting. We are truly honored to host all of the Kind weddings here. So, tell me. What date have you picked?”

“That’s the thing,” Sofia spoke. “We’re just winging it and seeing your available dates.”

“Okay. Let’s see.” He typed away on his computer. “Next year, correct?”

“Yes,” Nathan said. “The earlier in the year, the better.” I glanced at Sofia and winked.

“Oh, dear. We are booking out for next September.”

“That’s a whole year,” I said.

“Well, couples normally plan their weddings a year or two in advance, Dr. Kind. In fact, I had a couple in here last week that booked us for 2026.”

“That’s ridiculous,” I said.

His office door opened, and an older woman stepped in.

“Excuse me, Mr. Russo. I don’t mean to interrupt, but I can’t get into the calendar since you’re in it. We had a cancellation, so can you make sure to cancel the date while you’re in there?” She handed him a post-it note.

“Why did they cancel? Do they realize they aren’t getting their deposit back?”

“They broke up. That’s all the former bride said.”

“Very well.” He sighed. “You don’t happen to want to get married on November 18th, do you?”

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