energy he couldn't shake. The memory of her smile-the girl under the oak tree-kept re

at the edge of the property. It was cooler here, the morning mist sti

good sign," Martha sa

r day one," Daniel replie

lippers. "Good. These rose

niel asked, "Is she always out

's usually out early. Likes her space.

lot?" he ask

around the estate. Sometimes her dreams, I supp

derstood. People like him didn't get involved with daughters of billiona

as there again-cross-legged with her sketchbook in her lap, hair tied loosely behind her neck. Today

s along the edge of the rose garden. It was near noon when he finally sto

like some

soft, unexpe

n beading along its sides. Her eyes were bright and curious. There was no trac

nding awkwardly. "Miss Isabella,

the daughter of a man who owns t

fingers brushed for a brief second, and that simple

u," he sa

earby, folding her legs unde

taking a sip. It was cold and swe

ur name?"

. Danie

then laughed. "But I gue

himself. "It's kin

udying him. "You're dif

ow

n't belong here. But you're not

what to say to that.

re studying before

ped out to take care of m

on softened.

aid. "Life's just

odding like she understood more

the garden settling around them-the buzz of bees, the

n her jeans. "Well, Daniel Reyes. Th

or offering

ing the light once again. He watched her disappear around the corner of the house, wonder

father's coughing or the creaking of the house in the

wasn't i