Page 5 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“Don’t shoot the messenger. As your friends, we’re bound to be worried. Me, especially. I’ve seen plenty of men your age in my clinic, Christian.”

“Hence the trip to Thailand. I promise I’ll grab a massage in the hotel spa, Doc.”

Andrew rolled his eyes but let it drop. They changed the topic to talk about their scheduled boys’ night, the evening of the Halloween party.

The afternoon flew by, and it was not long before they were parting company. The girls hugged while Christian and Andrew looked on.

“Thank you for suggesting today,” Christian said. “It’s been great to share this with her.”

“You’re welcome. I appreciate not being the only single parent on the block.”

Christian knew Andrew had done a lot with Star before Damian had reappeared and had appreciated the company. Now, she was married. He was happy to fill the gap.

Christian dropped Skylar back at Star and Damian’s, their weekend together over. They had spent their Saturday swimming in the apartment complex pool, followed by a Barbie movie Marathon with popcorn and chocolate. If only his employees could have seen him. His fierce, tyrant reputation would have been in tatters. The things he did for his daughter.

“Bye, Daddy. I love you,” Skylar said, wrapping her arms around his waist and squeezing him tight.

“I love you more, Princess.”

Skylar giggled as he squeezed her back before letting her run into the house.

“How was it?” Damian asked, leaning against the door.

“Manic,” Christian admitted. “But I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. I’ll order the photos when I get home and get them sent here.”

Damian smiled. Putting Skylar’s project together was going to fall to him. He was the chief scrapbooker, according to their daughter. “We’ll see you next week?” Damian said.

“You bet on it.”

Christian left, his heart heavy at leaving his daughter behind, but happy in the fact he knew the love she deserved surrounded her. He had no reason to complain. It was exactly what Lily wanted.

Chapter Four

Isabella

It was five AM when Isabella opened the door to the office. It was still dark outside. The air was calm, untouched by the day’s rush. She could enjoy the low hum of nature and the far-off sounds of the local wildlife. She stopped and inhaled deeply, closing her eyes and enjoying the sound of the monkeys and insects as they called to each other. Savouring the peace before the human population drowned them out. Admittedly, it was the perfect way to start the day.

A bead of moisture ran down her forehead. Today was going to be a scorcher. The temperature was already on the rise. Isabella stepped into the office, only to be blasted by the flash of cold air from the air conditioning unit. Had she left it on?

“How did it go?”

Isabella jumped, her hand flying to her chest before spinning towards the voice.

“God, you scared me.” Isabella dropped herself into her chair before spinning around to face May, her friend and business partner. “You’re up early.”

“You too,” May shot back. “I’m seven months pregnant. What’s your excuse?”

“A seven AM class at The Resort and Spa,” Isabella said. “Ananya called. She’s sick... again.”

A furrow appeared between May’s brows. Ananya was an amazing yoga instructor and was popular with their clients, but recently, she had become more and more unreliable. With May’s pregnancy in its final stages, they’d hoped to hold off having to make a decision. But despite the need for more interviews and staff training, they knew it was coming.

“Are you okay to cover?” May asked.

Isabella grinned. “More than you are.” Acknowledging her friend’s ever-expanding stomach. “Our guests want to skip this morning’s class in favour of a trip to the market.”

Which could not have been better timed.

Resting back in her chair, May folded her arms, making Isabella groan.

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