Page 85 of Tango

“More than I thought she would.”

“She’s tough.”

“She is.”

“I think it’s time we had a chat.” He eyed me. “Daniel had the same one with me when I was chasin’ after Lexi, and I feel it’s only right I do the same with you.”

“I’m listening.”

“This place,” he waved around, “is pretty amazing, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.” I looked out at the lake and nodded. “Sure is.”

“It’s a blessing.” He patted the pup’s head and rubbed his hands to show the doughnut was gone, and Tripper immediately settled at his feet. “But not everyone who comes to live at Shadows can make it work, no matter how much we want it for them.” I let his words sink in because they were true. “I hate that she is, but Lexi needs to be our reminder that this life is hard, unpredictable, and unfair sometimes for our wives and children. We get to come and go without a thought, but they give up a lot to be here. They’re under constant surveillance even when they aren’t here.”

“That’s true.”

“All I’m saying is, be careful falling in love,” he whispered. “This place isn’t for everyone. No matter how much they love you and promise they’re fine, they might not be. This place can eat away at them and corrode their love.”

We sat in silence for a bit as I chewed my lip and he ruffled Tripper’s ears.

“Any suggestions?” I knew Ivy was open with me, and she seemed to share with the other women. My thoughts were that she would be happy here, but Keith had just been through it in the worst way. Any advice he could offer, I’d gladly take and use.

“Check in often, make time for her, not just at the house, but take her out, to town or wherever. Make sure you keep in touch with the other wives and be open with them. Ask them if they can connect with her. Don’t get lax about that as time goes by. Lexi sealed herself off from them all, even Cat. That was a huge red flag, as they were the closest. But most of all,” he looked at me again, “see it before it’s too late. I hid from it. I didn’t want to see it.” He turned to look out at the lake. “Because I knew it was over.” I felt instantly cold at that. It washed through me as I saw the pain on his face.

We sat in silence again as I mulled it all over. I wanted Ivy to be happy. She deserved the world, and I intended to give it to her. No matter what it took. I couldn’t imagine how it felt for Keith to get that call about Lexi, and I never wanted to.

“I’m sorry, Keith.”

He let out a deep breath and licked his lips. “So am I.” He sipped his coffee, and we both settled in and watched the frozen lake in silence.

Ivy

“Oh, Ivy,” June cooed from the doorway of the hotel, “you look gorgeous.” I ran my hands down my dress and smiled at the fabric. I really did like this dress. A lot had happened over the past few days, and my head still spun with it all. “Just wait until your mother sees you.”

“Thanks, June. Would you mind?”

“Of course.” She helped me fasten the chain that held a small locket that had once belonged to my grandmother.

“Have you seen Ty yet?”

“Handsome as ever.” She winked. “You two will make the perfect pair.”

“Ty in a tux? Yes, please.” I laughed. “Zack’s here too?” I lifted a brow at her in the mirror and saw her blush.

“Of course. He’s running around making sure everyone’s well looked after.” She pressed her lips together in a tight smile like she couldn’t hold it in anymore. “Things are getting a little more serious than I ever expected.”

“I’ve been told that happens.” I grinned at her as she tried to regain her composure. I took one last look in the mirror.

“Ivy, actually, I wanted to have a quick word with you about something?” I stood immediately and studied her face. “It’s Doc. I think he might just need a little Ivy.”

“Of course.” I followed her out of my room and across the hall to my uncle’s room. She knocked lightly and opened the door with a keycard. Doc stood in front of the window, looking outside.

“I’ll leave you to it,” she whispered, and I slipped inside my uncle’s room. “Penny for your thoughts?”

He turned, and his gaze fell over my dress. “Well, look at you,” he whispered lovingly. “My goodness, my little lady. I’m reminded of the time you and Alison dressed up for one of those fancy parties you dreamed of attending.”

“Hardly,” I laughed, “but I’m pleased you remember.”

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