Emma turned around and checked-in the next few guests. It was only after she had finished her shift that she was able to talk to Jack.“Thanks for getting me into trouble again.”
Jack placed his arm around her, and gave her a kiss on her forehead. “Sorry for that.
But you seem to attract this guy.”
“Yes, and his focus lands on me every time I muck up.”
“You’ll be right. How about dinner at my place?”
Emma rolled her eyes. “Jerk!”
He grinned, and held his arms up in defence. “What?”
****
“You’ve got to be joking,” Flynn McCormack said into the phone. “What do you mean you need to see me?” Pacing up and down his office, he finally settled by the window. He looked out, his gaze wandering along the Yarra River, watching people strolling along the Southbank Promenade. He liked the view—seeing the people walking at different paces as they took in the sights, or looking for restaurants, or as they were simply in a rush to get to their next destination. His eyes wandered further up and took in the sight of the Eureka Tower. A small shiver went up his spine as he remembered what he had given up for being there; for making his life in Melbourne and for getting this job — something he often pushed to the back of his mind, because being a lawyer in Melbourne was all he’d ever wanted.
The conversation he was having wasn’t going well, and he let out a long breath. “Yes, I’ll be there. And this better be worth it.”
Becoming a parent can be daunting at the best of times, but for Flynn, a business lawyer in Melbourne, it almost pulls the feet from right underneath him. He’s become a father to six-year-old Nadine literally overnight! He had no idea about her existence, and the news throws him into chaos, even more so when he is asked to take over custody. With the help of Emma, an employee at the hotel where Nadine and her grandparents are staying, and his parents, Flynn tries to do the right thing. Yet, the right thing in his eyes differs from his parents’, and Emma is voicing her opinion as well. And right in the middle is little Nadine, still grieving the loss of her mother and finding a wonderful friend in Emma. There’s no doubt she’s afraid where and with whom she will settle. But in the end, it’s a letter Flynn receives that helps him figuring out what to do.
4 stars
– NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.
I get the feeling that the line “this better be worth it” applies to several things — such as being in Melbourne, and looking after Nadine . . . quite possibly more.
The meeting he’s going to have “better be worth it”. We’ll find out more soon 🙂
Enjoyed the excerpt. Good story.
Thanks, Jan. Glad you did 🙂
You’re definitely stimulating my curiosity with these snippets.
Great … glad you’re enjoying the story so far.
Lots of potential for both drama and humor in having a man suddenly caring for a six-year-old girl.
Thanks, Kris. Yes, there is. 🙂