hesitantly, “Your papa in particular.” I wondered if she knew the man I came here with was D’yavol himself. She could say whatever she wanted about my papa, but I knew I would defend Ronan even if it meant losing this new connection. The secret inside felt like it would strangle me if I didn’t get it out. “I’m not sure how her death was reported, but it wasn’t suicide.” She gave me a solemn look. “I know, dear. The moment Tatianna left home, I knew she wouldn’t come back.” Alive was the unsaid word. “If you know more than I do about her death, you don’t have to explain. In fact, I don’t want you to explain. I’ve had a long time to grieve. I’ve come to terms with her passing, and I don’t want to relive it.” I exhaled as relief overwhelmed me. Maybe she already had an idea of what happened. Maybe those gossip magazines were right on the money. “You know,” I said, “I’ve mentally recited French for years, and now it all makes sense.” “Of course it does. You are half-French.” She laughed, her eyes sliding to the bar. “So tell me about this man you came here with.” I glanced over my shoulder to see Ronan leaning against the bar, his eyes on mine. A woman was trying to talk to him, but I didn’t think it was going well for her. I turned back to Estelle. “I think we’re getting married.” “You think?” she chuckled. “Shouldn’t you know?” “I don’t know. It’s . . . complicated.” Unfortunately, there wasn’t a better word to describe our situation. “It’s all moving really fast.” “You know, when I saw your grandfather for the first time, I knew I would marry him instantly.” Her eyes lit with a smile. “He was the new repairman at the hotel I still work at. I know it sounds silly, but that first glance at him, he looked ethereal—almost like he was too perfect to be real.” Her gaze fell. “He passed away a few years ago from cancer, and all I wish now was that I would have approached him sooner. We wasted so much time dancing around each other. If you feel that way for this man, don’t waste any more time. It can’t be brought back.” Seeing her tears made a few of mine fall. “I’m so sorry about your husband.” She laughed. “I expect lots of tears in our future. But let’s make them happy ones.” “T like that idea.”