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“We’d love to see her again. Perhaps we can organize another meet-up soon?”

My smile felt stitched together. “We can discuss it later. You have my number. Good night.”

A wrinkle formed between her brows, but she took my cue and nodded. The Andersons said effusive goodbyes to Evie and left.

“I liked them,” she said once we were on the road. “They’re funny.”

It wasn’t the first word I’d use to describe them, but to each their own.

“I’m glad.” I waited for more. Evie usually had plenty of opinions about people she met, but she was quiet for several long beats.

“Daddy.”

“Hmm?”

“Do you think Mum would’ve liked me? I mean, me as I am now. Not when I was a baby.”

My eyes flew to the rearview mirror. Evie fiddled with her new bracelet, tracing the edge of the heart charm with her thumb. She looked impossibly small and lost in the back seat.

A jagged ache cleaved through my chest. It hurt so much I could scarcely breathe.

“She would’ve loved you,” I said, my voice thick. “Not just because you’re her daughter, but because you’re a damn great kid. Excuse my language.”

That elicited the tiniest of smiles from Evie.

“You’re kind, intelligent, empathetic—all the things your mother hoped you would grow up to be. She didn’t care about superficial things. She cared whether someone was a good person, and you’re one of the best people I know. That includes all the kids and adults I’ve met.” I paused, adding in a teasing tone, “Even if you do secretly redo your braids yourself after I drop you off at school.”

Evie’s jaw dropped. “How did you find out about that?”

“I’m your father. It’s my job to find out about everything.” I’d long known that I wasn’t the best stylist in the world or even in my house. I guess I should’ve stopped trying to do braids after my first less-than-stellar attempt a few years ago, but Evie had asked me to do them again a few weeks later, and I enjoyed the bonding time. It became our little tradition, though I bet Carina had offered me styling lessons so I’d finally stop sending Evie off to school looking like she’d lost a fight with a hairbrush.

“I’m sorry.” Evie looked guilty now. “I liked your braids. Really. I just redid them so they were, um, smoother.”

“Don’t be sorry. I know my work wasn’t the best. I would’ve fixed them too if I were you.” I gave her a crooked smile in the rearview mirror. “See? The fact you were thoughtful enough to let me be delusional is a prime example of why your mother would’ve loved you.”

She smiled back, the gesture small but genuine. After another pause, she said, “Carina gave you hair lessons, didn’t she?”

I ignored the little pull in my chest at the mention of Carina’s name. “How did you know?”

“I’m your daughter. I know everything.” She erupted into giggles when I stopped at a red light and turned to shoot her a mock stern look.

“Hey, I’ve improved. My work tonight wasn’t that bad,” I said.

“No, it’s really nice.” She touched her hair. “You should give Carina a raise. Like, a big one.”

I laughed. “I’ll take that into consideration.”

I was so glad Evie was back to her usual bubbly, talkative self that I could give Carina two raises. Tonight must’ve been a lot for her, but I hoped that her comfort with the Andersons and willingness to talk about her mother meant she was processing properly and taking everything in stride.

“How long are Grandma and Grandpa going to stay in London?” she asked. She’d avoided calling them anything during dinner, but I guess she’d settled on her moniker for them. Grandma and Grandpa.

I suppressed a grimace. “I don’t know, sweetheart. They haven’t decided yet.”

“Am I going to see them again while they’re here?”

“If you want to.”

She nodded, and I swallowed a groan. Fuck. Okay. I guess I’d have to coordinate with the Andersons again after all.