Alaric’s POV Ethan thinks about my question for a long time. Too long, really. It makes me start to sweat. I have no idea what I’ll do if he says no. I’ll have to respect it. I might love Cara, but Ethan is my son and I – “I guess I wouldn’t mind,” he says. Inside, my hopes flared to life, flying high than ever before. If I had Ethan’s permission, then perhaps it wouldn’t take as long as I worried to win Cara’s affections. After all, if the kids’ already like me, isn’t that half the battle of dating as a single parent? Even so, I know I can’t get arrogant about this. There’s really no telling what Cara will want for herself. But I’m hoping and praying something fierce at the moment. “Good,” I say, trying not to let my excitement show. “That’s good.” Ethan worries his bottom lip a lit

