Chapter Sixty Eight

I settled into the chair on the deck with a relieved groan. Gracie was asleep, I was clean, and Maya was resting. I had tried repeatedly to get Gracie to say “Dada” again so Maya could hear it, but she chose to remain silent.

“Honestly, Maya. She said it.”

She patted my cheek. “I believe you.”

I knew without a doubt, she was lying. But Gracie had said it while she was reaching for me. Or it may have been duh, but I was certain it was Dada.

The house was quiet, the sun beginning to set, and I was enjoying a hard-earned beer and sandwich. The water in the pool shimmered in the evening light, and I decided I’d have a dip once I finished eating.

I had spoken to Michael, and he told me the contract had been signed. I laughed at his description of me striding back into the boardroom with Gracie strapped to my chest, and a bottle in my hand, determined to finish

my presentation. “Not a sight I ever thought I’d see when it came to you, Alex. I almost fell off my chair.”

I had to agree with hi