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show you.” He unbuttoned his cuff as he crossed the room to a table. Alex rolled up his sleeve, sat in a chair and laid his arm on the table where Lexie could see.
    “The scar is so big.” Lexie’s voice was tiny as she trailed her small fingers along her father’s arm. “Does it hurt?” Wide-eyed, she looked up into Alex’s face.
    Penny hadn’t been able to resist. She’d crept down the stairs and now stood just behind Alex, close enough to see the wide, wicked scar.
    “Sometimes,” he said. “When I’m tired or it’s raining.”
    Lexie turned his arm over to see the other side. “The hole is bigger here. Did the bullet go all the way through?”
    “And into my side. I was sick for a long time. When my arm finally healed, it just didn’t work very well.”
    Lexie studied him. “Do people make fun of you because you’re different? They do it all the time to Jann.”
    Penny caught her breath.
    All three of them turned to look at her.
    Alex met her gaze before he turned back to Jann. “Yes, they do,” he said, his voice low. “But that doesn’t stop me from doing my best, from being the best I can.”
    Lexie nodded. “There’s so many things Jann’s good at. I tell him that all the time, but he doesn’t believe me.”
    “Aw, Lexie…I’m not.”
    “You are! You’re strong and…and…”
    “You’re the best kind of friend to Lexie,” Alex said.
    Startled, Jann looked at Alex, his blue eyes wide. Then a ghost of a smile flitted over his lips. “Yeah,” he said ducking his head. “I guess I am.”
    They were all silent until a pan clattered in the kitchen where Inga was working.
    Alex lifted his arm and folded down his shirt. “It’s getting late. I have a function to attend tonight, but first thing tomorrow, I’ll be back to start my new duties.”
    “Jann, I’m sure your mother could use some help,” Penny said. “And Lexie, your dolls are scattered all over the hall…again.”
    “OK, Mommy. Will you really be back tomorrow, Mr. Alex? I know you don’t want to play with them, but I can show you my favorite doll.”
    “Count on it.” Reaching across the space, he tugged on her braid.
    Penny knew his words were meant for her as much as Lexie. She took a slow, controlled breath.
    Alex picked up his coat from the table as Lexie clattered up the stairs. He watched her all the way up before he turned to back to Penny. “Thank you,” he said again, his tone low. “She’s….”
    “A handful,” Penny tried to forestall the look that had undone her before.
    He laughed. “Yes. I have no doubt.” He picked up his hat and held it in his hands. “I hope you see, Penny. Our worlds are not so different. We want the same things, care about the same things.”
    The late afternoon sun fell through the windows, casting long shadows throughout the room. One ray of golden light fell on Alex, bringing highlights to his hair and his handsome face. That small smile flitted over his lips.
    Penny felt herself slipping, sliding into an abyss of wanting and needing him. She turned away. “Thanks for saying what you did to Jann. And thank you,” she hesitated. “Thank you for honoring my wishes and not telling Lexie you’re her father.”
    “I won’t keep quiet for long, Penny. She deserves to know.”
    Penny couldn’t deny it. Watching her daughter’s face this afternoon had convinced her.
    Lexie deserved time with her father. She deserved Alex.
    Penny gave a small, wry laugh.
    “What?” Alex asked when she offered no explanation.
    “You.” She shook her head. “It’s you. Somehow you always manage to sweep in like a knight in shining armor and make life bigger, better, and brighter.”
    He sent her a full, dazzling smile that made her heart flip. “It’s nice to know you notice.”
    “Oh, I notice, especially when you’re gone.”
    “I’m not going anywhere.”
    “You’ve said that both times I’ve lost you, Alex.”
    He nodded, conceding her point. “But I’m here now.