The Woman I Thought Had Left Me
Tessa Marlowe stood beside the service station wearing a black apron over a simple blue blouse.
Grant recognized her immediately. The soft brown hair was shorter now. There were tired lines around her eyes that had not existed when they were twenty-six. But she still had the same hazel-green eyes and the small crescent-shaped scar near her right eyebrow.
Grant had once known every expression on that face. He had once believed he would grow old beside her.
Then she vanished. At least, that was what he had been told.
A restaurant supervisor stood across from Tessa, speaking in a low but firm voice.
“I’m sorry, but the staff room cannot be used overnight.”
Tessa lowered her voice.
“I understand. I only need a few hours. The temporary housing office said they can place us tomorrow morning.”
“I wish I could help, but I can’t make an exception.”
Grant barely heard the rest.
Tessa looked toward the restroom and saw him.
Her face changed instantly. Shock. Then fear. Then something colder.
“Boys, get your coats.”
Grant stepped forward.
“Tessa.”
She moved between him and the children.
“Not here, Grant.”
Outside, Chicago’s February wind rushed between the downtown buildings. Two faded travel bags sat near the restaurant’s side entrance.
Grant looked at them, then at the four children.
“Where are you staying tonight?”
“That isn’t your concern.”
“You have four children standing outside in winter.”
Her eyes flashed.
“I’ve managed without your concern for six years.”
The sentence struck him harder than he expected.
Grant reached into his wallet and removed a key card.
“I have an apartment in River North that I barely use. It’s empty. Take the boys there tonight.”
Tessa shook her head immediately.
“No.”
“I’m not asking for anything.”
“You Hollowells never give something without wanting something back.”
Before Grant could answer, Micah tugged gently at her sleeve.
“Mom, I’m really tired.”
Tessa closed her eyes. That was enough. She accepted the card.
When Grant’s driver opened the SUV door, she stopped beside him.
“Do not mistake this for permission to enter our lives.”
Grant looked past her at the four boys climbing into the vehicle.
“I’m not asking for permission yet.” His voice softened. “I’m trying to understand why four children I’ve never met look exactly like me.”
Tessa’s face became unreadable. She entered the SUV without answering.
Grant stood on the sidewalk for several seconds. Then he pulled out his phone.
“Daphne, cancel tonight’s announcement.”
His executive assistant went silent.
“The proposal?”
“Everything.”
“Grant, there are more than sixty guests upstairs.”
“Send my apologies.”
“Your mother is going to call you immediately.”
Grant looked at the SUV disappearing into traffic.
“I know.”
