Chapter 36

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows. For a moment, Andrew Lucas saw seventeen-year-old Susan Thompson standing in the golden rays.

She rose on tiptoe, cheeks flushed as she whispered in his ear, "Andrew, I want to be your bride someday."

His heart had pounded wildly as he pulled her close. "Susan, you're the only one I'll ever marry."

The memory receded like the tide, leaving only cold reality.

The girl who'd promised to be his bride had killed their child, crippled his leg, and walked straight into another man's arms.

"Andrew?" Nicole Capra tugged nervously at his sleeve. "If you're not ready yet—"

"We'll get engaged next week." His voice was glacial.

Nicole nearly jumped for joy. She leaned in for a kiss, but he deftly avoided her.

"I'll get the car." Andrew strode away, his posture rigid as a pine.

Nicole touched her burning cheeks. It didn't matter. Once she became Mrs. Lucas, she'd have all the time in the world to melt that icy exterior.

Meanwhile, Susan had just changed clothes when Ethan Sullivan cornered her at the door.

"Susan, there's this new Japanese place—"

"Mr. Sullivan." She took a step back. "There's something you should know."

She drew a deep breath. "I'm divorced. And I have a three-and-a-half-year-old son."

Ethan's smile froze.

Susan turned to leave, but he grabbed her wrist.

"So you're single now?" His eyes suddenly sparkled. "Perfect!"

Susan blinked.

"Boy or girl? What toys does he like?" Ethan was already pulling out his phone. "I'll order some right now!"

"Wait—"

"His name's Daniel, right?" Ethan steered her toward the parking lot. "What's his favorite food? I'll have my chef prepare it."

The barrage of questions left Susan dizzy.

Thirty minutes later, Ethan stood outside the hospital room clutching an armload of toys, nervously adjusting his tie.

"How do I look?"

Little Daniel studied the unfamiliar man from his bed.

"Mommy, who...?"

"I'm Uncle Ethan!" He bounded forward, presenting the toys like treasures. "Look what I brought you!"

Susan massaged her temples. The man's familiarity was downright shameless.

But when she saw Daniel's rare smile, something inside her softened.