A Second Chance

Chapter 13

“I’m sorry Miranda,” Evan tried to explain to his understandably aggravated girlfriend. “I didn’t know the consultant was her until she walked in the conference room. Coriene and Mom did all the research and chose her without any input from me.”

His sister’s words kept echoing in his head. She went out to find the best consultant with experience with these types of projects. TIme and time again, Ally’s name came up. When she looked at Ally’s portfolio, no one else even came close. Mom said recognized Ally, and she knew it would be a hard sell, but she hoped that Ally was a much better woman than she had been. His mother knew she had been heartless and cruel back then. She was so focused on her own agenda back then, she didn’t care about what mess she left in her wake. The company was in trouble. She needed him back in Chicago and this was the best shot she had at making it happen. His mom knew now that her behavior was unforgivable, and that her son’s future sat in the hands of the woman she helped him leave behind and broken. All that said, she knew this was their best shot.

Miranda sat down on the bed as confusion and frustration washed over her face. Evan hated this. After Lauri died, his life went into a spiral. With his supposed best friend suddenly wanting custody of Kiana and just the shock of Lauri’s infidelity on top of mourning her loss, Evan didn’t know which way was up. He pull all his energy into creating a supportive family for Kiana and his business. Now one of those things was gone. He may not have loved Lauri, but he never let Kiana think otherwise, He though both he and his wife were on the same page. He stayed faithful all eight years, but Lauri returned to Kyle’s arms.

Evan had no idea that Kyle was the man she was seeing when they were engaged. Kyle was the reason she didn’t want to move to Minnesota. Kyle was the reason she took the job back in Chicago so she could see him through the week. She was supposed to work Monday-Thursday and return to Minneapolis for the weekends, but soon she was just staying in Chicago. Evan suspected there was another man when she didn’t come home for his birthday, and honestly he wasn’t all that torn up when she returned to their apartment only to say she was leaving him for good.

Despite all that, he believed Kiana was his. When the truth came out, he was devastated. He spent the next year dealing with his grief, Kiana’s grief and in legal battles with the man he thought would always have his back. Kyle’s wife was humiliated by his cheating, and thought that she was entitled to some type of repayment. At the time, she had been unable to conceive and saw this as a chance to take Kiana in as her own. Thankfully a judge didn’t allow this, but did require shared custody.

He didn’t even think of dating through all of that mess. Once things settled, he went on a couple dates, but he wasn’t really looking for anything too serious. His relationship with Miranda was never intended to be this serious. It just sort of evolved into what it is today. Miranda is gorgeous. She stands out at 6 feet tall. Her long legs and lean physique allow her to pull off any look. Her long icy blonde hair always looked perfect in a high ponytail. Her pale skin was flawless and she was never in public without her signature red lip.

What started as just a few dates, slowly morphed into her being around every weekend. Then she started staying over during the week. Soon she was at the house all the time. Evan was fond of her, despite knowing she was way more invested in this relationship than he was. It wasn’t that he disliked Miranda, but outside of the surface attraction he just felt comfortable with her. It wasn’t anything more than that. Still he hated putting her through any drama. She was loyal and despite Kiana’s resistance, Miranda really did put a great deal of energy into trying to build a relationship with his daughter. He had a good thing going, and he had tried so hard not to mess it up.

Miranda finally spoke “I get that what you had is in the past, and that you had nothing to with her being here…but this is still a lot to take in.” she muttered. “Does she have to live here?”

“I’m sorry. I’m not sure what the contract specifies,” he replied. He put one hand on her thigh and used the other to push a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Coriene says she is only interested in fulfilling the contract. I was an ass and how I left things was cruel, but she’s never reached out or retaliated. Yes it is awkward, but she honestly seems to want to keep things purely professional. Now I get her living on the property means there will be some bleed over into our lives. Still we can make it work.”

Miranda gave him a forced smile, “Can I meet her?” she asked.

He nodded and took her hand. Evan lead her through the house and out to the path to the guest house. It was an old converted carriage house behind the main house. The front door was open, but the storm door was closed. As they approached the door to knock, they could see Ally through the door holding her sss parrot Benny. Evan heard Miranda gasp in disbelief as the saw Kiana step into view. Even with all Miranda’s attempts, Kiana still hadn’t warmed to her. Why was the child was standing here with this stranger giggling and at ease?