“Great. In fact, all the children did really well.”

Silence fell between them.

“How about you? Group must be helping you out—you walked into the school.” No point in pretending she didn’t know.

He nodded. “Not just group. I have a therapist, too.”

She couldn’t hide her surprise. “A therapist and group? You’ll be a new man, Daniel Bliant.”

“Not that new,” he spoke softly.

“Well, I’m really happy for you.”

He side-eyed her as they pulled up to a small house. “Thanks.”

The yard was tidy, and there was a small porch with a swing. On the swing sat a beautiful blonde woman with a bundle in her arms. Annika immediately knew who the woman was and where they were, but she couldn’t imagine why Daniel had brought her here.

Daniel got out of the car and came around to open Annika’s door. He offered his hand, and Annika took it as she got out, but she could not read his face. He waved to the woman, keeping hold of Annika’s hand.

“That’s Sheila.” Daniel’s voice was soft in her ear as he nodded in the direction of the swing.

Annika nodded as she walked with him, though she tried to ignore how good it felt to hold his hand. They approached the porch, and Daniel dropped her hand as he approached Sheila. Sheila stood and held her bundle out to him. Annika’s heart nearly stopped when she realized what was happening.

“Is that a baby?” There was no hiding her smile or her astonishment as she looked from Daniel to Sheila. “Oh—hi, I’m Annika.” She held out her hand to Sheila.

Sheila nodded, a warm smile filling her face. “I know. Nice to finally meet you.” She side-eyed Daniel. “You got him?”

Daniel nodded. Sheila stepped back. “I’ll just be inside.” She squeezed Daniel’s shoulder and went into the house.

Daniel beamed at Annika. “This is Aaron. My godson.” He stepped closer to her so she could see. “This is who I wanted you to meet.”

She covered her mouth with her hands even as joyful tears blurred her vision. “You’re holding Sheila’s baby.” She shook her head. “And you voluntarily walked into that school building.”

“I am. And I did.” He looked at her with a mixture of pride and apprehension as he rocked slightly, keeping the baby calm.

“Wait—did you say godson? As in you agreed to be his godfather?” Her heart rate quickened. He was looking at her with those eyes and that smile and he was bouncing a baby. Was there really anything sexier than that?

“Yes.”

“Oh, Daniel.” She started to throw her arms around him, but stopped, awkwardly freezing mid-almost-hug. “I’m so proud of you—for getting help.” She dropped her arms.