Chapter 42

Paisley knocked on Grayson’s guest room door. "Kena and I are going to the park. Coming?"

Grayson, who'd barricaded himself in all morning, except for a bathroom break, opened the door. Fully dressed, he simply said, "Okay, let's go."

"Alright," Paisley replied, "Grab your shoes."

A quiet sigh of relief escaped Grayson, quickly replaced by a nagging unease. Why wasn't she scolding him? He'd skipped breakfast, wasted food, thrown a tantrum… She usually had something to say.

While Paisley helped Serena with her shoes, Grayson silently put on his own, a knot forming in his stomach.

The community park, with its man-made lake and children's play area, wasn't far. After a while, Paisley settled near some artificial rocks, keeping a watchful eye on the children. Two unseen bodyguards, in contact with Dominick, maintained a discreet distance.

"Mr. Vanderbilt," one bodyguard reported, "Ms. Sutton's at the park with Grayson and her daughter."

"Got it," Dominick replied, heading towards Paisley's house. "Anyone else been there?"

"No, sir."

Dominick's brow relaxed. A flower shop caught his eye. He recalled the pink flowers on Paisley's table.

"Pull over," he instructed his driver, Julian.

"What's going on, sir?" Julian asked, confused.

"Getting something." Dominick exited the car and strode into the shop.

Chapter 12

Inside, a tall, handsome man—easily six-foot-two—loomed over the florist. He radiated an undeniable magnetism.

"Sir, can I help you?" the clerk asked, approaching him. "What kind of flowers?"

Dominick scanned the shop. "Pink flowers." He pictured the pink flowers, and the pink loungewear, on Paisley.

"Plenty of pink," the clerk pointed to a display.

His eyes settled on a bouquet of pink roses. "I'll take those."

As she wrapped the roses, she asked, "For your lover, sir?"

Dominick raised an eyebrow. "Why do you ask?"

"Pink roses symbolize unforgettable love, special care… passionate love," she explained.

Dominick smiled. "Yeah, she's my first love."

Meanwhile, at the park, Serena and Grayson, who'd been ignoring each other, were now playfully arguing over a blade of grass. Paisley let them work it out.

Her phone buzzed. It was Emery. "Paisley, you home?"

"At the park. Why?"

"Got a ton of fruit and supplements. Teddy's delivering them. Wait downstairs."

Paisley teased, "Emery, Teddy's your boyfriend, not your delivery guy!"

"I'm drowning in work! Besides bed, he's only good for errands," Emery grumbled.

Chapter 42 (Continued)

"Gotta go," Paisley said, ending the call.

"Who was that, Mom?" Serena asked, running over.

"Emery. Teddy's bringing treats."

Serena's face lit up. "Is Daddy coming?"

"No, Teddy!" Paisley corrected. "And you have to say 'Mr. Graham.'"

Serena giggled. She liked Teddy. She liked all the handsome men except Dominick, who scared her.