I Walked Away Seven Years Too Late But Right on Time novel Chapter 10

Out of options, Sophie had to stand outside the low iron gate, trying to coax a crying Mia while awkwardly waiting for her mother.

A tall man in a crisp light-blue dress shirt and khaki slacks came striding toward the entrance. The sobbing little girl immediately shrieked, "Daddy!" and launched herself into his arms.

Sophie waited for the two to finish their desperate hug before stepping forward. "Mr. Jenkins, I'm incredibly sorry. I'm Sarah's daughter. Her other client had a medical emergency, and she's stuck at the hospital. She asked me to step in..."

Before Sophie could finish her sentence, Sarah came sprinting up the sidewalk, panting and apologizing profusely.

Jason picked Mia up and took a steadying breath, trying to keep his voice level. "Sarah, if this happens again, please call me sooner."

Sarah shrank back, stammering out another string of apologies.

Watching her mother apologize so subserviently hit a nerve. Sophie's tone sharpened defensively.

"It was an emergency. My mother didn't plan it. She called you the second she could and sent me here immediately to make sure your daughter wasn't alone."

Sarah tugged frantically at Sophie's sleeve, signaling her to shut up.

"Please don't yell at my daddy."

Mia's lip quivered, looking like she was about to burst into tears all over again.

Sophie instantly threw her hands up in surrender. "I'm not yelling, sweetheart. I'm sorry, I just used my stressful voice."

"Thank you, Ms. Sophie."

Mia uncurled her tiny fist to reveal a small bunny keychain.

It was a charm Sophie had unclipped from her own purse to distract the crying girl through the gate earlier.

"You can keep it. It's a gift."

"Really?" Mia held the little bunny like it was made of solid gold, her eyes shining. She looked up at her dad, waiting for permission.

Jason glanced at the keychain. It wasn't overly expensive, and his daughter clearly adored it. He looked back at Sophie, realizing she was genuinely trying to help, and gave a stiff nod.

Softening his stance after accepting the olive branch, Jason cleared his throat. "Ms. Sarah, I apologize. I was panicked and took it out on you. Let me buy you both dinner to make up for it."

Hearing they were going out for food, Mia cheered and immediately demanded pizza.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify