Chapter 222

Howard looked at Megan's slightly reddened eyes and shook his head slightly. "I just happened to book this place," he explained. Megan nodded, forcing down the turmoil in her chest. She said, "If there's nothing else, I think this meal should be over, right? You asked me to bring Stella, and I did. What else do you want?" It was absolutely dark outside by then. "Dance with me," Howard said, looking at Megan. Her frame was slender, and her eyes were a little red. Her hair was tied neatly into an elegant knot behind her head. She looked beautiful. But what he saw in that moment was the little girl from long ago. During that summer many years ago, he had been nothing but a boy lurking in the shadows, watching through the cracks at their family's happiness. Now, he wanted to dance with her like her parents did back then. So, he said, "Like when you were a child." Howard walked over, turned on the music, and held out a hand in invitation. Megan looked at his outstretched hand, an