Eleanor was surprised that he knew and cared enough to ask, especially since he was stationed so far away at the base. A wave of gratitude washed over her. "I''m nning to head to Kingston around noon tomorrow."


    "Alright. Be safe on the road."


    "I will," Eleanor replied.


    At ten-thirty that night, after tucking her daughter into bed, Eleanor went downstairs to the living room to unwind. Her phone buzzed again. It was a message from Laura. "Ellie, it''s bad news. Thetest results show that Professor Langley''s cancer cells are showing signs of spreading. She needs surgery immediately."


    Eleanor''s mind went nk for a second. Simone''s condition had deteriorated far more quickly and dangerously than anyone had anticipated.


    "She''s scheduled for emergency surgery at eight tomorrow morning."


    Eleanor immediately checked for flights. There was one leaving at one in the morning. If she wanted to be there for Simone''s surgery, she had to be on that ne.


    She nced toward her sleeping daughter''s room and made a decision. Joslyn couldn''t look after Evelyn, which left only one person she could—and had to— entrust her to.


    The man downstairs.


    Evelyn was too heavy for her to carry now. Eleanor stood up from the sofa, threw on a coat, and walked out the door. She went straight to the twenty-seventh floor and, after a moment''s hesitation, rangn''s doorbell.


    Inside,n had just stepped out of the shower. He frowned at the sound of the doorbell; whoever it was seemed to be in a hurry, pressing the button in rapid session. He wondered who would dare disturb him thiste.


    With a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, his bare torso revealing well- defined abs and a taut waistline, he walked to the door, still damp from the shower. When he nced at the security monitor, he froze.


    Eleanor''s face was on the screen.


    Did something happen to their daughter? She would nevere to him at this hour unless it was an absolute necessity.


    He pulled the door open,ing face-to-face with her.


    Eleanor was momentarily stunned by the sight of his powerful, bare chest. She quickly averted her eyes her words tumbling out in a rush. 1 have to go to Kingston immediately. I need you to bring Evelyn


    downstairs. She''ll have to sleep with you tonight."


    "She has surgery at eight tomorrow morning. My flight is at two," Eleanor said, still avoiding his gaze.


    "Alright. Give me two minutes. I''lle up to your apartment." He needed to get dressed.


    Eleanor turned and left, leaving her door unlocked for him. Two minutester,n arrived, dressed in a set of silk pajamas.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at the screen and said ton, "Evelyn''s in the master bedroom. You can go get her."


    "Hello? Mansfield-"


    He turned his gaze away and


    continued upstairs. In the soft blue master bedroom, Evelyn was sleeping soundly on therge bedn carefully lifted his daughter inta his arms, his expression tender and full of love. He couldn''t resist leaning down to press a soft kiss on her adorable sleeping face.


    Whenn carried Evelyn downstairs, Eleanor had just finished her call and was walking back in from the


    balcony The anxiety on her fac


    seemed to have lessened, as if the phone call had reassured heb it was clear that someone in Kingston had already made all the necessary arrangements for her.


    Eleanor walked over to him. "Please take care of Evelyn for the next couple of


    days. Call me anytime if you need anything."


    and said in a low voice, "Be safe. Let me know when you get there."