Chapter 50

Howard's POV

I tapped my pen against the quarterly reports, pleased that the gaming division-where Annie worked-had grown faster than I'd anticipated.The numbers confirmed what I already knew: bringing Annie on board had been the right decision, professionally and personally.

A knock interrupted my thoughts.

"Come in," I answered, automatically shifting into the controlled tone I used for business matters.

Susan Moore entered, closing the door with a soft click. "Mr. Thompson, I wanted to inform you that the therapeutic dolls you ordered for Lucy have arrived." Her expression shifted slightly. "The manufacturer mentioned something I thought you should know."

"Go on."

"They're inquiring if you'll need additional dolls in the future. Apparently,the workshop is facing some financial difficulties." Susan's voice remained professional, but I detected genuine concern. Her attachment to Lucy's progress had grown alongside everyone else's. "I'm not certaín at this point," I responded thoughtfully. "I should discuss that with Annie first. She's better positioned to assess Lucy's therapeutic needs." Susan nodded, then elaborated, "According to their representative,the small workshop might close down within months. They specifically wanted to check with you because once they shut down, these custom dolls won't be available anymore."

I leaned back in my chair, the beginnings of an idea taking shape. "Let's acquire their workshop."

"Sir?"

"Buy the workshop. Retain their craftspeople as well." The decision crystallized as I spoke. It was the most efficient solution.

Susan looked surprised. "Just for a few therapy dolls?"

I studied her for a moment. Susan was competent, but sometimes missed the broader strategic implications. "You need to think more strategically,Susan."

"In what way?" Her brow furrowed slightly.

"The natural progression is to develop merchandise-specifically dolls and educational toys based on Annie's characters." I laid out my reasoning methodically. "Rather than outsourcing manufacturing later, it's more efficient to own production capabilities now. Additionally, our publishing division will undoubtedly produce other successful children's books in the future."

The acquisition made perfect sense from both a business and personal perspective. The workshop could continue Lucy's therapeutic dolls while positioning us for future merchandise development.

Susan nodded, her expression shifting from confusion to appreciation."T'll begin the acquisition process immediately." After Susan departed, I returned to the quarterly reports, but my thoughts had alreadyshifted to Annie's studio. It was time to discuss next steps. I found myself pausing at Annie's studio doorway, watching her work intently over her tablet. The sight stirred a complex mix of emotions -pride in how she'd grown from someone rebuilding their life into a confident professional, yet unease at what that growth might mean.

"Howard!" Annie looked up with a smile. "Perfect timing. I just finished the educational designs."

"The team is impressed," I said, keeping my tone measured. "The children respond well to your work."

"That's wonderful to hear."

"Actually, I'm here about something else - we'd like to develop merchandise based on your book characters." I watched her reaction carefully.

Her eyes lit up. "Really? That would be amazing. I've always imagined them as more than just illustrations."

After outlining the basics, Annie turned to her computer. "Look at this,"she said, pulling up her professional accounts. Her following had grown substantially, with parents sharing her work and industry figures reaching out about collaborations.

"Your audience is growing impressively," I observed.

"It still feels surrea1," Annie admitted, "For years, Philip dismissed my illustrations as a hobby. Now I'm getting messages from established publishers."

As she described her expanding opportunities, I studied her profile, struck by an uncomfortable realization. With her growing success and independence, what would keep her connected to Lucy and me? The thought created an unexpected hollow sensation in my chest.

"Thank you for believing in my work," Annie said softly. "I finally feel like I'm rebuilding something meaningful."

I nodded, concealing my internal conflict. "Your talent was always there-it just needed the right opportunity."

What I didn't say: And now that you're finding your wings, I wonder if you'll fly away.

I instructed my driver to take Annie to pick up Lucy from school while I headed to Edward Parker's Upper East Side townhouse. The evening traffic crawled through Manhattan as I mentally rehearsed what I'd say.Annie and I had agreed this morning: Lucy's progress warranted reintroducing her grandparentsinto her daily routine-a calculated risk that could accelerate her recovery or potentially disrupt it.

The door swung open. Edward's eyebrows shot up when he saw me, his hand tightening slightly on the doorframe.

"Howard,"Edward greeted me. "Is everything alright with Lucy?"

"Everything's fine. I have something to discuss regarding Lucy's therapy. Inside, I explained our plan directly. "Based on your daily communications through the doIls, we believe it's time to reintegrate you into Lucy's daily life. We'd like you to stay at the estate."

Edward's hand moved to steady himself. "You mean... live there? With Lucy?"

"She can communicate through dolls when needed or interact directly when comfortable."

I'd barely finished speaking before Edward called up the stairs."Eleanor!Eleanor,come down,please!"

Mrs. Parker appeared at the top of the staircase, elegant even in her casual home attire. "What is it,dear?"

"Howard has suggested we stay at his estate, to be near Lucy,"Edward explained, his voice catching slightly. "As part of her therapy."

Understanding dawned immediately on Mrs. Parker's face. Without hesitation, she turned toward their bedroom. "I'll start packing immediately. Just essentials, of course."

"Should we pack right now?" Edward asked, looking back at me.

"If you're available, yes. Lucy will be finishing her evening routine soon.and Annie thought it might be easier if you were there when she wakes tomorrow."

The elderly couple moved with surprising efficiency,returning shortly with modest luggage containing just their personal necessities. I helped carry their bags to my car, stowing them carefully in the trunk.

Navigating through evening traffic, I caught glimpses of the Parkers in my rearview mirror. Their clasped hands and synchronized movements spoke of a connection forged through decades-exactly what I found myself wanting with Annie My grip tightened on the steering wheel as I made a decision. "A personal question," I said during the drive. "What's the most effective approach when pursuing someoe you've developed feelings for?"

"You mean Annie, don't you?" Mrs. Parker responded.

I smiled slightly. "Yes."

"Demonstrate reliability and consistency," she advised. "Show her that life with you provides security."

"Show vulnerability occasionally," Edward added. "Annie has remarkable empathy-she'll naturally want to comfort you."

"When selecting gifts, include something for Lucy," Mrs. Parker suggested."If questioned, simply say you thought of her."

"The most important thing." Mrs. Parker concluded as we approached the estate gates, "is patience. Annie's been through significant trauma with her divorce. She'll need time to trust again."

Approaching the estate, my breath caught when I glimpsed Annie and Lucy through the windows. They bent together over Lucy's art supplies,Annie's hand guiding Lucy's smaller one. Something primitive and protective surged through me-a visceral need to safeguard what we'd created here.

"Your advice is appreciated," I said, parking with more force than necessary. "And your participation in Lucy's therapy."

Edward touched my shoulder briefly. "Family supports each other,Howard. And it seems to me we're all becoming family,aren't we?"

*Family.* The word echoed in my mind as I carried their luggage inside.After years of coldly efficient business relationships, Lucy and Annie had reintroduced me to a concept I'd dismissed as irrelevant to my life.