While they assembled the layers, Mercy considered her life, and just as she came to terms with falling in love with him, a soft knock sounded at the door.
"He's here, Maddie."
The light in her little eyes brightened. People said that a daughter's first crush was on her father, and Maddie was utterly smitten, but she couldn't blame her because Alex had a way of wheedling his way inside and settling in for the long haul.
She opened the door and found him holding a bag. "I brought burgers."
"Daddy!" Maddie wrapped her arms around his leg.
"Chicken fingers for you, young lady."
He looked up at Mercy and smiled, but there was something behind that smile that didn't feel quite right. She'd spent enough time with Alex to know when his expressions weren't his actual intent.
"Looks like we need to talk about something," she said.
He walked inside, dragging his leg with Maddie attached. "How did you know?"
Her stomach knotted. Anytime someone needed to talk, it wasn't good. "It's in your eyes. Your smile is radiant, but your eyes are dull."
He shook his head. "I don't know how your former husband got away with all he did."
"I wasn't as observant back then. I'm much more vigilant these days."
"Lucky me."
She assumed he was being sarcastic. "Is it something bad?" She had enough bad to last a lifetime.
"Not for me."
Her swallow was like shards of brittle glass slicing her throat. "But bad for me?" This was it; this was where he would tell her it was fun, but over.
"Let's eat, and then we'll talk."
She nodded, even though her stomach wouldn't be able to take food. He brought dinner, and she had to appreciate his thoughtfulness and Maddie's need to eat.
"Hey, Mads, let's set the table."
She let go of her father's leg and moved like an excited puppy to the kitchen.
Mercy took a step to follow.
"Hey," Alex said, reaching out to stop her. "It's not a bad thing, and it's not anything negative about us. I know your past experiences rule your present expectations. I'm not with anyone but you, and I don't want to be because you make me feel things I've never experienced before."
He lowered his lips to hers, and with a slow sensual kiss, he obliterated the fear and the fortress erected around her heart.
At the table, they enjoyed their meal with Mercy picking at her burger and Maddie using enough ketchup to meet her vitamin C requirements for the day.
Once done, Maddie went out back to play, and Mercy got a glass of wine because something told her she'd need it.
"Would you like one?" She raised the bottle of pinot grigio and lifted her chin.
"Sure."
Her heart stuttered because Alex never drank, and if this was a drinking moment, it was big.
She filled the glasses and led him to the patio table.
After a long drink, she straightened her shoulders. "Okay, spill."
Alex studied her for a few seconds, then sipped his wine. "I told you who my father was and what he did. He was an amazing guitarist and a member of one of the biggest bands of their time. The band got nominated for the Rock Music Hall of Fame."
"That's great."
"Yes, it is. While my father couldn't care less about awards, I think he'd find it funny that he had to wait until he was dead to get one." He shook his head. "Anyway, Pablo, the bass player, tracked me down and asked if I'd play at the ceremony."
Her heart swelled for him because music was important, and being there to watch his father get recognized for his contribution had to be validating to Alex.
"That's great. So, when do you leave?"
He gnawed at his lower lip. "So that's the thing. Although you renegotiated your pay, I need more from you, so we'll stick with the old rate. Besides, hasn't anyone told you not to negotiate down if you want to get ahead?"
"Although the money is nice, I refuse to be unfair."
"I'm asking for something big."
If leaving for a few days to honor his father is all he wanted, it was easy to give.
"I'll be happy to take care of Maddie. Just explain to her that you'll be back in a few days."
He brought his glass to his lips and paused. "Here's the thing. The ceremony kicks off a tour, and I told them I'd do that too."
"You what?" She held back her anger and kept her voice at an even keel.
"I said I'd do it."
"Because you assumed I'd watch Maddie, and of course I will, but shouldn't you have checked first?" She pushed her chair back to gain distance. "Oh, that's right. I don't have much of a life, so there was no risk of me being busy."
He reached for her hand, but she kept it out of reach. This wasn't a time to get lost in his touch.
"You have a daughter who needs you."
"It's a bucket list item. You of all people should understand that."
"I get it, but there are times you need to set your needs aside to make sure others come first. I thought you didn't want to be like your father?"
He crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm not like my father."
"No? I didn't know him, but from what I've heard, he would have chosen his career over you any day. I thought you wanted better for your daughter."
"She's not my daughter." He rubbed the scruff on his face. "I got the results back a while ago."
She stared at him. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because it didn't matter. I love Maddie, and I want to give her a better life. I'll be gone for about five weeks. How much can change?"
She stared at him for several seconds. "Are you kidding me? We've known each other for less time and look at what's changed in both
