Aiden tapped the edge of the envelope against the back of his hand. It had taken forever to pluck up the courage to open it. Days of anxiety and several sleepless nights preceded its arrival, and he almost hadn't broken the seal.

"Will it bite?"

Startled at the voice, he looked up. He hadn't heard the nurse enter the room. "Hey, Tara, I haven't seen you around for a few days." Worried she might catch a glimpse of the return address or recognize the lab's logo, he flipped the envelope. Silly perhaps, as it could be for a patient, but he didn't want to deal with her questions.

"I visited my brother. He's getting married." Tara poured some coffee, sniffing before taking a tiny sip. "Yuck. When did they make this? Two years ago? It tastes like stale dirty dishwater."

"Joe made it."

"That explains it." She grimaced and tipped her cup into the sink.

He stood and stretched. "Grant's engaged? How do you feel about that?"

"Fine. My mom's bugging me though. He's three years younger, so the pressure's on."

"My family nags me too. It's annoying, but so far I've escaped."

"You can run, but only so far." She eyed him and bit her lip. "One day, some girl will catch you." Tara's comment hung for a moment before she cleared her throat. "I should get back to work. Are you on shift?"

"I have a couple more hours." He looked away. The woman made comments all the time, and he knew what she wanted, but he couldn't force a connection he wasn't feeling. Besides, dating coworkers inevitably became messy. Best to stay away from complications; he already had enough of those in his life.

"See you out there." Tara spun and rushed through the door.

Aiden scanned the results for the hundredth time, the turmoil in his mind making it almost impossible to think. He knew what came next, but he dreaded her reaction. Facing her after all this time would be the hardest part.

----

Three hours later, he stared at the sign over the gallery. After straightening his shoulders and taking a deep breath, he stepped through the door.

A dark-haired young woman approached. "Can I help you, sir?"

"Is Tiffany in today?"

The woman had an eye for detail, and this impressive space was no exception. The muted and subtle decor showcased vivid paintings and several stands displayed sculptures. She'd put her artistic talent to good use and fulfilled her dream of breaking into the art world.

"May I tell her who's asking?"

"Aiden Hamilton." The clear cool voice echoed down the length of the room. "Thanks, Isla. I've got this."

Isla nodded and strode toward the back.

Tiffany stared at him, her icy gaze traveling over him from head to toe. "To what do I owe the honor of a visit?" Her cold tone suggested she wished he'd just disappear.

"It's been a long time," he said. "How are you?"

"Fantastic. You?" Her voice had a sharp edge to it, but the curiosity reflected in her eyes gave it away. Her interest was piqued.

"Can we talk? Privately?"

"Is there anything to be said?"

"There is."

Her vivid crystal eyes always reminded him of a clear blue sky, though now perhaps an iceberg was more fitting. At one time, she'd have thrown herself into his arms and covered him with kisses. Today, she regarded him like a bug she longed to pulverize with a shoe.

If only I could return to better days and erase the angry words between us.

"I can't imagine you'd say anything of interest." A huge sigh escaped her pursed lips. The stiffness of her body and the set of her shoulders told him he'd be lucky if she agreed, however, she fluttered a hand toward the back of the gallery. Without a word she spun, her heels clicking on the polished floor as she marched toward the offices.

He followed her into the largest of the three and pushed the door shut behind him.

"I thought we'd finished this years ago." Her perfect brows lifted and she crossed her arms, one foot tapping as she surveyed him.

"It's important."

"Then say it and get out of my life."

Was it wise to open this particular issue? The revelation would introduce a pile of problems into her world, but an image of Savannah's hopeful face flashed through his mind. This conversation was unavoidable. Their families had denied them the right to keep their daughter, and he couldn't compound the injustice.

Her foot continued to tap a staccato beat. "Are you planning on letting me in on whatever this is about?"

Aiden cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck, already defeated by her stony silence. "You're happy?"

"Of course, I'm happy. I'm marrying a wonderful man, and I'll have everything I ever dreamed of." The venomous glare accompanying this statement struck an arrow through his heart. It screamed: everything you couldn't give. "I'm engaged. Don't mess that up."

Aiden longed to bolt, but he stood firm. He owed it to Savannah to see this through. "I heard." Engaged to a slimy, slithering snake. He closed his eyes, refocusing his mind. Not his place. Not anymore. "The last thing I want to do is interfere."

"Then walk away. Whatever it is, I don't want to hear it." She stalked toward the office door. "We're done."

He stepped in front of her to block her progress. "She's fourteen."

She bowed her head, the sharp inhale sounding like a hissing cat. "You think I don't know that? I was there, or don't you remember? Oh. Of course, you don't. I was alone." Tiffany's voice choked up. "Why bring this up? I've done everything to get past it, to move on, yet you do this now? What's the point? I don't want to talk about it. Ever again." She pointed at the door. "Get out."

"Savannah," he said.

"What?" Her head snapped up, tears brimming in her eyes.

"Her name. It's Savannah." He sucked in a breath. "She lives in Portland."

"How do you know?" Her eyes widened. "You found her?"

"She found me. She wants to meet you."

"You told her about me?" Her voice shook as she placed her flattened palms against her desk, her entire body trembling.

"I didn't reveal your identity." He cocked his head. "You left a picture. And the watch I gave you."

She snatched a tissue from the box on her credenza and dabbed her eyes. "I never told anyone."

"Was I just anyone?"

She clamped her bottom lip between her teeth and looked away.

Right.

"You're certain it's her?"

"I wouldn't disrupt your life otherwise." He reached into his jacket for the envelope, failing to control the shake of his hand. "She's a carbon copy of you." Except for those deep brown eyes.

Tiffany snatched the envelope and scanned the enclosed document before tossing it onto her desk. She sank onto the couch, pressing a fresh tissue to her eyes and shaking her head. "I can't."

"Can't?" Aiden's heart sank. "Or won't?"

"My life is perfect. It'll ruin all that I've built. It could destroy Harrison's career. Don't you dare tell her who I am."

"So he's like your dad? More worried about his damn career than you? Or," he said, shaking his head, "I guess you're just worried about you."

"That's not fair." She glowered.

"It's fair and accurate, but it's your life." He refused to flinch. To reveal his devastation. "Haven't you always wondered?"

Tiffany dragged in a long breath, a moment of silence hanging between them before she broke eye contact. "We were fifteen. Why do you think our families covered it all up? To protect me." She bounced off the couch, throwing her hands into the air. "Harrison is running for Governor. I'll be a wife in politics, so acknowledging an illegitimate child ..." She wagged her head back and forth. "No. The paparazzi would love it. Cut it off. Now. Before you ruin my life."

"After fifteen years of wondering, I shouldn't see my daughter?" His stomach clenched. "I refuse to ignore her. You're making a huge mistake, Tiff."

Her lip curled. "And if someone finds out?"

"So what? I'm done with the politically correct, self-serving bullshit our families forced on us." He turned away, bowing his head to hide his rampaging emotions. "I regret what it put you through. What it did to us."

"Don't do this. I've put this all behind me, and now you're here like my worst nightmare, bringing it all up again."

The words sliced through his soul. "Well, that puts our entire relationship in perspective." The picture he'd reclaimed from Savannah rested in his pocket, an unwelcome memory of happier times. With a shrug, he tugged it free and held it up, waving it before tearing it straight down the middle. "All your deep dark secrets are safe." The two halves drifted to the floor. "Marry Harrison. Pretend we don't exist. I'll never bother you again."

He yanked open the office door and stalked through the gallery, straight out the front door. Pain blossomed in his chest as his heart broke all over again. That sweet, wonderful woman he'd once loved had vanished without a single trace.

----

Aiden touched down in Portland for the second time in two weeks and headed to pick up his rental car. He stared into space as the couple in front of him bickered over the insurance.

He'd struggled with his emotions the entire trip, wondering how Savannah would take the news. He resented Tiffany's refusal to acknowledge her daughter, or to have anything to do with this entire situation.

Situation. That's what his grandfather had called it so many years ago when he'd found out.

He shuffled his feet, staring at the baby the young woman in front of him bounced on her shoulder. The tiny soul crammed a fist into her mouth, gnawing at it, her wide blue eyes staring.

Just like the baby on that poster so long ago in the clinic. A baby with bright blue eyes, so much like hers.

Aiden shivered at the memory of the hard plastic chair and stark white walls. If he closed his eyes, he could picture the pleading look in Tiffany's red-rimmed eyes as the nurse ushered her toward the exam room, leaving him helpless in the waiting room.

Worst of all were the promises made that day, all of them now broken. "I'll love you forever. I won't abandon you. I'll take care of you always. Both of you."

"Sir?" The young man lifted a hand. "Can I help you?"

"Oh, sorry." He stepped forward and handed the clerk his confirmation number, grateful for the distraction. Now he had to face what came next.

By the time he reached the middle-class neighborhood, he still wasn't ready. What to say to this lovely girl he'd let down in so many ways?

Before Aiden emerged from the car, she vaulted across the driveway, her blonde hair streaming behind her. The sight of her and how much she resembled her mother pained his heart.

"Aiden." She threw her arms around him, but the hug was far too brief. Moments later, she stretched on tiptoes, peering over his shoulder, looking for someone who wasn't and would never be there for her.

"How are you?" He forced a smile, wishing he was anywhere but standing in this icy driveway in the middle of November, about to break his daughter's heart.

"You came alone?" Her voice trembled and she blinked hard.

"Yes?"

"Oh." The smile that appeared didn't reach those shimmering eyes and the corners of her mouth twitched.

And he knew. He read her as easily as he'd read Tiffany the many times—too many times—she'd been disappointed and about to dissolve into tears.

"Come in." Ross appeared on the steps, beckoning them inside the cozy house and straight into the living room. "It's good of you to make the time to come all this way."

"Can I get you something to drink?" Savannah leaped off the couch. "I made iced tea."

Before he even opened his mouth, the girl hurried into the adjoining room, followed by the sound of ice tinkling against a glass.

"She's," Ross said, peering toward the kitchen, "a little high-strung today." A rueful smile appeared. "She's talked non-stop about this—"

"I made cookies. Do you like chocolate chip?" Savannah balanced three glasses on a tray along with a plate of the home-made treats.

"They're my favorite." He accepted one of the glasses and took a sip, grateful for the cool liquid soothing his throat.

She perched on the arm of the couch, looking at him expectantly.

The last thing he wanted to do at this moment was eat, but he retrieved a cookie, savoring the chewiness. "Mmm. This is about the best cookie I've ever had." He bit off another chunk and nodded. Despite his lack of appetite, he appreciated her effort.

"I have a secret ingredient," she said. "My mom ..." Her chin dropped and she glanced toward her dad.

Ross helped himself to a cookie. "You've outdone yourself, honey."

Clearly the man loved this girl and given the tender smile she sent in return, he sensed Ross was a good father. Along with the relief that his daughter had been welcomed into a loving home was a surge of loss and pain that it hadn't been his.

This man had enjoyed the happiness and love of raising this girl as part of his family, where Aiden had only experienced the agony of never knowing her. As he sucked in a breath, he looked away, swallowing hard to loosen the lump in his throat.

"Aiden?" she whispered. "Did you find my mother?"

Time to pull it together. Pretend it's a family who has lost a loved one. Say it. No prevaricating. He cleared his throat and shuttered his emotions. Whatever happened next, he had to stay strong or he'd dissolve. He stared at his hands, blinking hard before he lifted his chin.

"You couldn't find her?" Her disappointment projected clearly in her voice.

"I've always known where she lives." He took her hands in his and tugged her onto the couch beside him. "I'm sorry, but I can't tell you anything."

"You won't?" Savannah's face crumpled as pools of tears gathered in the corners of her eyes. "She doesn't want me?"

"I'm really sorry." He met her tearful gaze. "If there was anything—"

"That's it? I have no say in this?" Her voice rose as she sniffled. She fixed an accusing stare on him, but at the same time, her eyes begged him to say it was all a mistake.

"It doesn't seem fair." Aiden ran a hand through his hair. "She needs time, Savannah. This was so unexpected."

A single tear tracked down her cheek. "You said neither of you wanted to give me away. How can she not want me?" Her shoulders slumped.

"We didn't. It took years to get past it." Not that I ever really recovered ... "I have to respect her wishes. I'm sorry. I can't give you what you want."

"What about me? If you cared, you'd make her see me." She pulled away from him and burst into tears. "If you cared at all, you'd tell me."

Ross pushed tissues into her hand, and Savannah blotted her face. She jerked back as Aiden reached toward her, turning her head aside.

"I do care," he whispered, "but I can't break that confidence and you need to understand—"

"Those are just lousy excuses. How can my m-mother not w-w-ant me?" Choked sobs wrenched from her and her entire body shuddered.

"Savannah—"

"Go home. You didn't want me, and I don't want you." Savannah bolted from the room. The reverberation from the slamming door echoed down the hallway, leaving an awkward silence in its wake.

The ache in Aiden's heart weighed him down. The sting of rejection after having so much hope was unimaginable. The torment sank so deep he could barely breathe. After a moment of tense silence, he sneaked a look at Ross.

The man's beet-red face exhibited an intensely sorrowful expression. His eyebrows knit together as he perched on the edge of his chair. "I'm sorry. She's not usually ..." The silence grew again before he said, "This news about her mother is a huge disappointment. It's not you, Aiden."

Ironic. He'd been about to say the same thing to his daughter. It's not you, Savannah, it's about her.  "I knew it wouldn't be easy, and she wouldn't understand. Who would?" He cleared his throat, gathering the courage to look up. "I don't blame her for being angry and emotional. I'm angry too, but it's beyond my control."

The older man's eyes were on him. He could feel it.

"You do keep it controlled, though," Ross said in a low and even voice.

"Yeah, well." Aiden clasped his hands together in an effort to stop the shaking. "Occupational hazard."

"This is different." A warm hand came down on Aiden's shoulder and squeezed.

"You're right. That was especially difficult and I ... I—" His throat closed, choking off any further words.

Ross sat on the couch beside him. "I've been afraid of this happening. Vanna had high expectations. She expected you'd show up with her mother in tow."

"I figured, from the reception in the driveway. Growing up without a mom is a tough gig. From what I've seen, she's a great kid." Aiden sipped some iced tea, which eased his dry, constricted throat. At least now he wouldn't break down. Or so he hoped. "She wants me to go, but do you mind if I talk to her before I do?"

"Be warned, you might not get far. She's obstinate."

"Understood, but I can't leave it like that." Aiden rose and walked down the hall. After tapping on her door, he waited several interminable seconds before opening it. "Savannah?"

"Go away." Her muffled voice came from under a large pillow. "Leave me alone."

The words struck his heart. "I will. But first, I need to say something." He stared at the unmoving figure on the bed and hoped she'd listen. "I'm sorry, but don't judge too harshly. She was a kid facing enormous pressure. I wish I could tell you, but she's had too much imposed on her already. It's hard to understand if you haven't lived it, but she's scared," he said. "If you don't want to see me again, then that's your decision, but I'd like to see you. I've wanted the chance for fifteen years."

Savannah barely moved, only burrowing further under her pillow.

"If you change your mind, you have my number. Goodbye, Savannah." He closed the door and retreated down the hall.

"She say anything?" Ross asked from his position by the window.

"No, but I think she listened." Aiden rubbed the back of his neck, wishing for the ache to dissipate.

"I'll talk to her. She needs time to process the news." Ross cleared his throat. "Can she call when she's ready?"

Aiden shoved his hands into his pockets, inspecting the floor. He doubted it would happen. "I'd love it if she did. I'm sorry. This is causing major issues, but now she's found me ... Anyway, she can contact me anytime."

"You haven't had it easy. It's hard to believe your parents don't know. Are you planning on telling them?"

"Only if Savannah decides to see me again." He kept his eyes trained on a small worn spot in the linoleum. If he looked into the man's eyes, he'd lose the small measure of control he had left. As it was, he was forcing himself to take long steady breaths. "We had a huge decision forced upon us, and we were powerless to change it. Her mother is scared of the implications in her life." He sighed. Even to his own ears, it sounded like a lame excuse. "It's hard to explain."

"I get the picture, and I'll try to help her see it. I've dreaded this day for a long time. She's been obsessed over that photo and finding her mother. To be so close but have her mother out of reach, well, she wasn't prepared for that eventuality."

"Perhaps it would be better if I bowed out. I wanted to know she was okay. Now I do. Perhaps it's a mistake to try fitting into her life when she only wants her mother. Tell her I'm sorry." He turned, ready to walk out of the door without another word. To drive away without looking back.

"Aiden." Ross grabbed his arm. The older man exhaled in a rush. "Are you staying in Portland overnight?"

Aiden shook his head. "I have a shift tomorrow at noon."

The man released his hold. "You flew here for one day?"

"Thank you, Ross, for letting us find the answer. The last thing I wanted was to make life difficult." He shook the older man's hand.

"Don't give up," Ross whispered as he pulled Aiden into a warm hug. "Please, Aiden. She's confused and angry, but that won't last forever. She has a good heart and I think you do too."

He couldn't speak so he squeezed the man's arm before he exited the house. The journey to the car seemed to take forever. His feet didn't want to carry him away, but he had to face the facts. Savannah's mother was missing from her life, not her father. She wanted Tiffany, not him. He was kidding himself if he thought he could mean anything to the girl. He was simply the guy who gave her away.

He should have told her he didn't recognize the picture. Selfishness allowed him to carry it this far. His little girl had a good life without him, and it would only cause trouble and heartache for everyone if he interfered.

Nothing could ever fix what happened to them or their daughter. He'd promised to protect them, and be there for them, and he'd failed. Nothing could ever make that right.