Chapter 201

Max watched Serena chase the kite across the grass. "Higher," he said softly, "but be careful, don't fall."

Maria approached, apologetic. "Sorry to bother you, Max. Paisley promised to take Rena, but she got called away. Rena's happy now, though, thanks to you."

Max felt a blush rise at the implication. "No trouble at all. I really like Rena."

Maria's eyes lit up. "Oh, Max, you like kids?"

Max hesitated. He didn't particularly enjoy the Godard children's boisterous energy. But Rena was different; her imitation of his steps had melted his heart.

"Yeah," he mumbled, "I like Rena."

Maria smiled. "She's just like her mother, very lovable."

Max pictured Paisley's focused face, and a wry smile touched his lips. "Indeed."

Maria's gaze lingered on Max. Tall, handsome, wealthy, kind to children…perfect, except perhaps a little physically weak. But that was fine; it meant he’d likely spoil Rena even more. A sly smile played on her lips.

Confused, Max asked, "Maria, what's so funny?"

"You're single, right?" she asked quickly.

"Yes," he replied.

"And no childhood sweethearts or… obligations?"

Max, still watching Serena, frowned. "Why would I have those?"

"So, no?"

"No," Max said, his irritation growing.

Maria's smile widened. Single, handsome, wealthy, kind…and physically weak. A perfect match for Paisley.

"By the way," she said, "Paisley's single, too."

Max's grip on the kite string loosened. The kite plummeted.

"The kite fell!" Serena cried, her face crumpling.

Max quickly retrieved the kite, his ears burning under the sun. He walked toward Serena, his face flushed.

Maria watched, a private smile on her face. She snapped a picture of Max and Serena and texted it to Paisley. She didn't see Dominick and Claire Horn approaching, carrying camping gear.

"Lovely day for kite flying," Claire said, her voice calm.

"I'll take those," Dominick offered.

Claire refused politely but firmly. "No need, Mr. Vanderbilt. Sonny needs these close by. It's safer this way."

Dominick bristled at the implication, but acquiesced. He'd agreed to this kite-flying excursion at Claire's insistence, primarily to appease Grayson. He hadn't had many positive father-son experiences with Grayson, a fact that stung more than he cared to admit.

He watched the little girl with the kite. Paisley's daughter? Claire’s forced smile faltered when Dominick didn't challenge her, a subtle tension thickening the air between them.