He was silent so long, I thought he was mentally listing all the reasons that was impossible, but I was wrong.

“Then maybe I can help you,” he said.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

The day after I returned from Costa Rica I finally met Ike, a gorgeous specimen of the nearly-fifty crowd. He was sandy-haired, with broad shoulders and chest, and a terrific smile. Since we were having dinner on the water, he was wearing a bright tropical shirt that looked great with Sophie’s chartreuse sundress. Best of all, when he looked at Sophie, his expression said he’d won the grand prize in a once-in-a-lifetime giveaway.

“Teo’s coming tonight?” Sophie asked after introductions were finished.

“He’s meeting us there.” Teo had gone ahead to choose the perfect table. He had his reasons.

In addition to being a hunk, Ike was brave enough to teach middle school and obviously liked kids. “Does Bismarck need a walk before we go? Mind if the girls show me your neighborhood?”

“Perfect. I still have to get ready, and my mother’s not going to be here for another half hour.”

Theoretically Mom was coming to babysit, but she was really coming to grill me about the trip. I wasn’t looking forward to our conversation.

Holly and Noelle took to Ike immediately, and by the time they left, they were chatting happily, Holly in charge of the route and Noelle clutching his hand.

Sophie followed me upstairs and flopped on my bed. “Something’s cooking, isn’t it?”

“Yep, at my favorite restaurant. My favorite noisy restaurant.” I looked down at the jeans I’d been in since returning from Costa Rica. “I’m taking a quick shower. Be back in five.”

When I returned in my robe and clean underwear, Sophie looked up from her lap. “Ike gave his phone to Holly so she could document their tour. The video’s adorable.”

“Maybe I’ll send it to Bryce.”

In a conversation that morning, I’d given Sophie a quick overview of the trip, and the things Ex had told us. Now she looked sympathetic. “Something tells me you won’t be saving it for your sister.”

I dug through the closet. I hadn’t done laundry since my return, but I found a denim skirt and knit shirt, both clean and unwrinkled, my only standards.

“How much evidence will I need before I feel sure Ex was telling the truth, or at least most of it?” I asked when I emerged, clothed if not zipped or buttoned.

“Loyalty’s a hard habit to break.”

“As much as Teo loves his own family, I’m not sure he understands. He’s trying to help me put Wendy and everything she’s done behind me, but he still thinks like a cop. He always will.”

“Let this play out, Ryan. That’s all you can do.”

The front door slammed, and Bismarck woofed to tell us he was back.

“Gram’s here!” Holly shouted up the steps.

“Oh, joy.” I finished dressing and combed my hair.

“You can think about what to tell her over dinner,” Sophie said.