Page 7 of Ardently Yours

If you’d feel more comfortable relocating back to New York, I’d be happy to help you find a place to live. I know you and Steve originally planned to make your home here.

As for baby girl names, I’m certain my offering will go into the discard pile, but I’ve always liked the name Bronwyn. It means “white raven.” If she ends up with Steve’s fair hair, it may be fitting.

Sincerely, Arden McRae III

March 15, 1995

Dear Mr. McRae,

I’d like to formally present Miss Bronwyn Elizabeth Miller. (See attached photo.) She was eighteen inches long and weighed six pounds, two ounces. She definitely inherited her father’s hair. She also has his dimple. She’s too young to smile, but there’s a certain scrunchy face she makes when she’s cranky that shows it, anyway.

Steve’s parents lost the lease on their video rental store and ended up selling their house and moving out of town the month before she was born. I’m glad they left. I don’t trust John not to be a jerk to Bronwyn as she gets older.

My baby is small, but healthy and beautiful. I’m grateful and overwhelmed.

The birth went well. No complications. I invested the money the way you suggested, though I’ve decided to set as much of it as I can aside for Bronnie when she gets older.

Thank you for your recommendations. They were very helpful.

Thank you, also, for your offer to help me relocate, but I can’t leave Blackwater. My family is here. I live with my parents, and I don’t know what I’d do without them.

Jeremy Polford has been acting really intense recently. We think he figured out about the private investigator. Mom said he followed her around the grocery store just staring at her like a creep three days ago. Mom, being Mom, whipped him the bird. We didn’t tell Dad because we were worried he’d do something stupid that would get him arrested. Now that the investigation is over, I’m sure everything will go back to normal.

Sincerely, Charlotte Miller

March 15, 1995

Dear Ms. Miller,

Congratulations on the birth of your baby girl. I’m guessing from the photo she has a very healthy set of lungs on her.

I understand your need to remain near your support system. I remember well how exhausting those early days can be. Thank you for letting me know about Polford. I’m certain you’re right, but please be careful.

If you don’t mind, I’d love to hear how you and little Bronwyn are faring from time to time.

As always, I’m here if you need me,

Arden McRae III

You Get What You Give

Arden

Ihit send onmy reply to Charlotte Miller, push back from the mahogany desk in my home office, and glance toward Reese where he leans against a bookcase.

He lifts a dark eyebrow. “Well?”

“She gave birth to a healthy girl.”

The corners of his lips lift, then his brow furrows. “Sucks that Steve wasn’t there.”

We lapse into grief-loaded silence.

Reese is the first to push through it. “Cute kid?”

I hesitate. “She will be, I’m sure.”

Reese chokes. “Did you just call a baby ugly?”

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