A flicker of hurt passed through Mansfield Ellington''s eyes, but it quickly gave way to understanding. He knew exactly where Eleanor''s heart stood. A woman who''d endured the pain of a broken marriage wasn''t about to open herself up to someone new so easily.


    Let alone the fact that Eleanor was raising a child on her own-she had so much more to consider than just herself.


    Mansfield looked up at her, his expression earnest. "Really, there''s no pressure. We can just be friends. Even if we only ever stay friends, I''d still count myself lucky—I mean, having you as a friend is a blessing all on its own.”


    Eleanor''s breath caught at his words.


    He smiled again, warm and unbothered. "If I meet someone great in the future, sure, I''ll try dating. And I''ll go to those blind dates my parents arrange, too. But you? I''m not letting go of you as a friend."


    He continued, "And you don''t owe me anything. All this time we''ve spent together? It''s just work. You''re going to the research center, and as a Major General, it''s my job to take care of you. That''s professional duty, not a personal favor. Please, don''t feel like you have to repay me. The only thing that matters is that you and Evelyn are happy."


    Faced with Mansfield''s openness and sincerity, Eleanor felt her eyes sting. He was the kind of friend worth having.


    But-


    "Thank you for understanding," Eleanor said, her voice a little hoarse. It was all she could say.


    Mansfield''s lips quirked upward. "Hey, having a scientist from the medical field as a friend-if I ever run into trouble-"


    Eleanor cut him off, her tone deadpan. "If you keep talking like that, we might have to stop being friends."


    He burst outughing. "All right, all right, I''ll stop."


    The tension melted away, and they turned their attention to ordering lunch.


    Evelyn''s little ssmate had to leave, so she returned to her seat and began eating quietly.


    Anyone watching Eleanor look at her daughter could see it inly: Evelyn was the center of her world.


    That was the greatness of a mother.


    She had money, looks, and talent, but she wasn''t out chasing after excitement or the next new thing. She wasmitted steadfastly so-to being the best mother she could be.


    Even when someone as remarkable as Mansfield Ellington was interested in her. After lunch, Mansfield drove them home. Eventually, it was time to say goodbye. "I''m heading back to the base," he said with a smile. "Next time I''m in town, it''ll probably be for the holidays."


    "Goodbye, Mr. Ellington!" Evelyn waved her tiny hand.


    He knelt down and ruffled her hair. "Remember to eat well and listen to your mom."


    "I will!" Evelyn replied, her voice bright.


    Eleanor gave him a gentle nod. "Take care on your way back."


    "See you," Mansfield said, waving as he got into his car and drove off.


    Watching him leave, Eleanor was filled with a pang of guilt. Even though he''d insisted all he''d done this week was work-rted, she couldn''t help but feel deeply grateful.


    Just then, Joslyn heard Princess whining and opened the door to check. She saw only Eleanor and her daughter and couldn''t hide her surprise. "You''re back, ma''am!"


    Then Joslyn hesitated, ncing behind her. "Isn''t Mr. Ellingtoning in for a bit?"


    "He''s gone," Eleanor said, stepping into the yard.


    Joslyn paused, a bit thrown. So she and Mr. Ellington weren''t what she''d imagined after all? Just friends?


    The next morning, Eleanor brought her daughter to school. As they reached the gate, they ran into Gina Quinn. She must have heard her granddaughter was back and hade early to wait.


    "Grandma!" Evelyn''s sharp eyes spotted her at once.


    Gina hadn''t seen her granddaughter for over two weeks. Now, her eyes grew misty as she knelt to look Evelyn over. "How have you been, sweetheart?" "I''m really happy, Grandma."


    Nearby, a father hoisted his daughter onto his shoulders. The little girlughed with delight, catching Evelyn''s attention.


    Evelyn stared, wide-eyed, at the girl perched high on her dad''s shoulders, lost in thought.


    Gina saw it all—the longing in Evelyn''s eyes—and her heart ached. There were words she''d been holding in for so long, and now she had to say them to Eleanor. Evelyn waved at her mother and grandmother. "Mom, Grandma, I''m going in now!"


    They watched as her small figure disappeared into the school building. Gina turned to Eleanor, trying to smile. "She''s grown taller again, hasn''t she?"


    But Eleanor could sense Gina had something else on her mind. "If there''s something you want to say, please say it."


    Taking a deep breath, Gina''s voice trembled. "Eleanor, I know Ian hurt you, and you''ve suffered all these years." Her eyes filled with tears. "But Evelyn is still so young. She needs a real family, a whole one."


    Eleanor''s face turned cold. “Evelyn and I are happy together."


    "I know, I know," Gina said quickly, desperate. "But did you see how she looked at that other little girl with her dad? It broke my heart."


    Gina''s eyes pleaded. “Eleanor, I really believen still loves you. I think he regrets the divorce. For Evelyn''s sake, can''t you two try again?"


    Eleanor almostughed. Regret?n, with all his pride, would regret?


    "Eleanor, marriage is all aboutpromise—"


    Eleanor cut her off sharply. "I spent six years sacrificing everything, Gina. What else do you think I have left topromise?"


    Gina was left speechless.


    Just then, a gentle male voice called out, "Eleanor."


    She turned to see Xavier standing behind her, rxed in a crisp shirt, smiling


    warmly. He nodded politely to Gina. "Good morning, ma''am."


    He turned to Eleanor. "My car''s in the shop. Would you mind giving me a ride?"


    "Of course, no problem," Eleanor replied.


    She headed for her car, Xavier following. She slid into the driver''s seat while he took the passenger side, and together they drove off.


    Gina stood there in stunned silence, covering her mouth with her hand as realization dawned.


    Could Xavier be interested in Eleanor?


    How could that be?


    Just yesterday, Mrs. Vaughn had invited her for afternoon tea to talk about arranging a marriage between Xavier and her own daughter, Serena!