Page 82 of The Coffee Bar on Camellia Court

He didn't need her money to provide for Lena. Between his job and the support of his parents, Lena would have everything she needed. And if things continued with Juno... well, that was another layer of security for his daughter's future. It was a no-brainer.

"Absolutely," he said, nodding slowly. "I get primary custody, you don't pay child support. But I want everything signed, sealed, and delivered with our attorneysbeforeyou leave the country."

Melissa nodded, relief washing over her features. "Yes. Of course."

"And I need you to understand up front that Lena will not be leaving the country." He'd seen the Liam Neeson films and there was no way on God's green earth that he was sending his daughter around the globe without him. "And you have to agree to tell me where you'll be at all times when Lena is with you, and if you're going to be late picking her up or dropping her off, I need to know about itbeforeit happens."

"I understand," Melissa got in before he continued.

"No last-minute changes or disappearing acts. No ignoring my calls when you have her."

He could tell by her expression that she was beginning to get exasperated. "I get it, Alex. I'll do my best, I promise."

He opened his mouth to challenge her, then thought better of it. As someone who'd made promises and broken them, he understood only too well how important it was for someone to believe in him.

"I promise," she said again, sounding worried now that he might be having second thoughts.

Alex nodded. "Okay. Thank you. I'll hold you to it."

Melissa fidgeted in her seat for a few moments, then said, "I think it might be better if Melissa didn't come with me tonight. I'm heading up to Indianapolis tomorrow morning to see my doctor." She gingerly touched one corner of her mouth. "To get the all clear to travel," she expounded. "I was going to take her with me and spend a few nights up there, but I don't think that's such a good idea."

Neither did Alex, but he wasn't going to say so in case she changed her mind.

"When I get back from Indy, I'd like to have her with me at the resort for a few days, if you're okay with that. Daniel has a room for me there, since my allotted time is up at the condo."

Alex was fine with that. Lena would be just across the lake and a few days would feel like a party to her. Without Daniel there, Melissa could focus solely on Lena for some much needed mother/daughter time.

"I'll be leaving in a week from now. I've already booked my flight." She held up a finger. "Only one ticket, don't worry." She pushed her chair back a little, like she was preparing to leave. "I'll ask my attorney to have everything drawn up by the time I get back in a few days."

"Sounds like a plan," Alex said, his tender heart aching for this lost woman. He cleared his throat, suddenly realizing that he had some things he needed to say to her. "Melissa, thank you. Thank you for trusting me with Lena."

Melissa started to shake her head dismissively, but he held up a hand to stop her.

"This was not an easy decision for you. I can tell. But to me, it shows how much you love our daughter."

Melissa's eyes glistened and she blinked rapidly, but Alex wasn't finished yet.

"I also want to ask your forgiveness."

"For what?" she asked, bemused.

"For what happened between us. For what I did to you all those years ago. I wasn't in a good place back then, and I treated you badly."

Melissa frowned. "That's not how I remember it. You've always been very sweet, Alex."

Now it was his turn to shake his head. "That's not true. I've been selfish and self-serving, and I took advantage of you, and it's past time I took responsibility for my behavior. I'm glad for Lena, Melissa, but I'm sorry I wasn't an honorable man with you. You deserved better. You still do."

Melissa looked away, but not before he saw the tears that trickled from the corners of her eyes. Finally, she whispered, "Thank you."

Alex crossed to the counter and grabbed a roll of paper towels off the counter. He handed them to her and she grimaced. "Sorry," he said. "It's all I've got. A little rough, I know."

Melissa tore one off and gingerly dabbed under her eyes. Then she took a deep breath and asked, "Would you be okay if I took her out for an early dinner right now? There's a little Italian place not too far from here and Lena loves their prosciutto and chicken involtini there."

Involtini? He'd have to look that up if it was something Lena loved.

Melissa grinned at him. "It's essentially a mini stuffed meat roll. It'd be a perfect place for a date night if you ever want to take her out."

"Thank you." Alex was touched by her suggestion. "I'll keep that in mind. Involtini. Got it."

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