What?

"You know my sister, Mister?"

Gabe felt a pang in his chest as he looked into the innocent, trusting eyes of the little girl. Her words stirred a mixture of emotions within him, but her sweetness and vulnerability melted his heart.

With a smile, he crouched down to her level, feeling a rush of tenderness toward her. "You know, you have the most adorable smile," he said softly, unable to resist looking at her.

He wanted to curse even as he felt helpless against the little girl. Had he just been thinking a few minutes ago about continuing this marriage for a year? Exploring what he was feeling about being protective of Autumn? And now... this.. The one name he wanted to forget...was the name that this little one had been burdened with. At least she was as different as she could be, from the one he had known. 

"Thank you, mister. But you didn't tell me, do you know my sister?"