I flew through the door of the Planters’ Inn and came to an abrupt stop on the walnut stained wide plank floor. Shit. Had I left the card with his room number at home when I went to shower before work? I opened my purse and half-heartedly checked the inner pockets even while I remembered laying the card down on my bedside table thinking I’d get it when I popped home to refresh my outfit and make up after girl’s night. Should I go home and get it or have a drink in the Peninsula Grill, the hotel restaurant, and call him?

“May I help you, miss?”

A uniformed bellhop or footman or whatever they called them here, appeared at my elbow.

My shoulders sagged. “No. I’m good. Thanks. I forgot my friend’s room number. I was hoping to surprise him.”

There was a squeal and running feet. “Josie!”

I turned just in time to catch Dauphine as she launched herself into my arms. “Whoa!” I laughed in surprise as I caught her and gathered her into a tight hug, lifting her off her feet. She clung and tried to wrap herself around me, and I staggered under her weight. “Whoa. Wow. You’re heavy!”

“Dauphine. Arrête. Descend!”

She slid down, but her arms didn’t let go. Over her head, Xavier stood in his blue jeans and white button down, his forefingers stuffed into his front pockets. “We came down for dinner,” he said. His teeth bit into his bottom lip. My heart swelled.

“You look nice,” he said, eyes sliding down my silky green top and white jeans. “Not that I don’t like your jogging outfit too.”

Under my hands, I felt a tremor. “Dauphine?” I looked down.

She shook her head and pressed her face into my belly, her shoulders shaking.

“Oh, honey.” I ran my hands over her hair and her shoulders. “I’m here.” Sinking down, I crouched and looked up at her, gently brushing her hair back from her wet cheeks. “Mermaid tears?” I asked with a smile.

“You came.” Her voice was tremulous, her lip quivering. “Papa said I couldn’t see you until tomorrow.”

I glanced behind her. “I was missing you both so much,” I said, looking right at him. “I couldn’t wait.”

Xavier’s eyes flickered and his throat bobbed, his chin dipping slightly.

I dragged my eyes from him and smiled back up at Dauphine. “Any chance I can join you both for dinner?”

“Oui! Papa, s’il te plait?” She turned to her father.

“Bien sûr, ma petite.” Then he caught my eye and held out his hand to me. “I would love nothing more.”