Page 70 of Silver Fox

“It was a closed adoption.”

“There are ways. I talked to Axel Wagner, and he’s going through legal loopholes. But if we find her parents, we won’t have to worry about all the what ifs.”

“What if they want Kensi back?” She glanced back at our daughter, rubbing her hands over her arms.

“They can’t have her back because she’s ours. From my experience, biological parents are happy to share medical information when it will help their children.”

“I don’t want Kensi confused.”

“She doesn’t have to know until she’s eighteen, or ready. When the time comes, we’ll tell her everything she wants to know. We’ll tell her everything we know.”

She released the tension from her shoulders and shook out her arms. “All right. If you think we should do it.”

“Thanks. Hey, I ordered a slide for the kids for this weekend, and—”

“Can I ask you something?” she interrupted, and I waited. “You and Laura… is it serious?”

“Yes. I’m in love with her.”

She nodded, and her face saddened.

“Tiff, you and the girls will always be important to me. That will never change. It’s the real thing with Laura and me. She loves the girls and treats them well.”

She let out a swoosh of air. “I’m happy for you. I’m not so happy for me because I obviously love you—”

“Tiff—”

“I can’t change what I can’t change, but I will be respectful. You mean too much to me to lose you, James, and you’re the best co-parent I could have asked for.”

Somewhere in my heart, there was a place where I did love this woman—just differently.

“Thanks.”

She waved the girls to come back. “Hope for Hope has asked me to decorate a new wing they’re adding. I have a meeting tomorrow.”

“That’s great. It should lead to new opportunities.”

“Nah, I’m good with the clients I have. Need time for my girls. You’ll let me know what you find about Kensi’s parents?”

“You’ll be the first to know.”

I hugged her and helped get the girls’ backpacks. I secured them in Tiffany’s pimped Hummer and grinned as they waved goodbye through the open window.

“Bye, Daddy.”

“See you this weekend to celebrate your super liver,” I called out as they drove away. The wind picked up a heap of leaves, blowing through the front yard. I returned to my computer and happily clicked the submit button on Kensi’s DNA history.

* * *

I spun a fork over a napkin. The front door opened, and the Youngs walked through the Marina’s entrance. I stood up from my chair to greet them, shaking their hands.

“Thank you for meeting me here.”

“Thank you for the flowers you sent,” Mrs. Young said. “I appreciate the gesture.” Her eyes were filled with worry and underlined with dark circles.

“These times can be hard on a family. Hopefully, they can bring a bit of sunshine to your home during these difficult times.”

Mrs. Young smiled. “They have. You’re very thoughtful. How is Laura doing?”

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