Page 70 of A Play for Love

“He looks a lot like you,” she said. “But I see a lot of Nathan in him as well.”

The front door opened, and Nathan and Ella walked in.

CHAPTER25

Sofia

“Babe.” Nathan kissed me. “Rose.”

“Hello, Nathan.” She pursed her lips.

“Hi. You must be my Grandma Rose,” Ella walked over to her and extended her hand.” I’m Ella.”

“It’s nice to meet you, darling, but I am not your grandmother.”

“Yeah, you are. Sofia is my mom. Well, not my biological mom because she died in a car accident. But I met Sofia not too long after I was sent here to live with my dad, and she takes care of me like a mother, and I love her very much. So, if you’re her mom, that makes you my grandma.” She grinned.

“How old are you, little girl?”

“Seven.”

“Do you like ballet?” My mother’s brow raised.

“Are you kidding?” Ella spoke with excitement. “I love ballet. I saw Sofia perform in Swan Lake when I lived in New York.”

“You lived in New York?” my mother asked.

“Yeah. That’s where I’m originally from. Now, I live here with my dad, mom, brother, cousins, and uncles. We’re one big, gigantic family. Sofia teaches me ballet. Or she did until her studio burnt down.” Ella lowered her head.

“What?” My mother turned and looked at me.

The sliding door opened, and Conner walked in.

“Uncle Conner! Ella ran to him. “Look, my Grandma Rose is here.”

“Grandma Rose, it’s nice to meet you.” Conner walked over and extended his hand. “I’m Nathan’s brother, Conner.”

“Hello, Conner.”

“Do you mind?” He pointed to Nicholas. “I’m going to take this little guy and Ella to my house for a while.”

“But I haven’t had my snack yet,” Ella whined.

“Okay. I guess I’ll have to eat that cheeseburger happy meal I picked up on the way home.”

“You got a happy meal?” Ella’s face lit up. “Wait. I’m coming!”

“Ella, grab a bottle from the refrigerator and the diaper bag for your brother,” I shouted.

“Okay, Mom.”

“She’s an adorable child. She seems smart for her age.”

“You have no idea,” Nathan said.

“Your studio burnt down?” My mother stared at me.

“Yes. There was an explosion at the building next to mine.”

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