She mused the question while shaking her hips.
“The blue dress Shireena picked out for me.”
“Oh, you mean the one I gave you?”
“Uh-huh. I’m sure she picked it out. You’re a terrible shopper, Papa.” She waved Shireena closer. “Thank you so much for the dress. It’s my all-time favorite.”
Shireena frowned. “But Ana, I ...”
Trevor halted the confusion.
“Too late. She knows.”
“I love Papa to bits, but he’s always nervous when we go shopping. And he’s so cheap. You must have talked him into it.”
Trevor disputed none of her points.
“Not at all,” Shireena said. “Give your Father credit. He knows what a certain young lady loves. I didn’t realize blue was your favorite color. I might’ve chosen orange or yellow.”
She wiped her brow.
“Yellow is the worst. I forgive you.”
Shireena curtsied.
“I’m honored.”
The music slowed in time, and the adults gravitated to partners. Apparently, that’s where the kids drew the line. Reginald tapped in and offered to switch, leaving Trevor in Effie’s arms.
“Don’t feel threatened,” Effie said as they linked. “Reggie only intends to pepper Shireena with questions about her childhood. He loves comparing notes with anyone who grew up in a big family.”
“Why? To see who has the worst horror stories?”
She chuckled. “Something like that.”
Damn, you’re as beautiful as the day we met.
As much as Trevor had come to love Shireena, he couldn’t fathom the stupidity of having lost Effie.
“The party’s been a hit,” he said. “Pleased with how everything turned out?”
“Our little girl is. Any quibbles I have don’t matter.”
The next words fell from his lips with reckless abandon.
“This is probably our last dance as man and wife.”
“Could be,” Effie said with a gentle sigh. “It’s official in nine days.”
“We had great times.”
“Sure did, Trev. You changed my life.”
“I’m so sorry we couldn’t make it work anymore.”
She tapped a finger over his lips.
“No more sorry. No regrets.”
His eyes searched the dance floor and found Ana huddled with three boys, giggling.
“She’s come a long way, Eff.”
“I know. She handled our separation so badly at first.”
“It’s been ten months since her last attack. I was afraid it might become chronic again. Doc is sure it’s under control?”
He hoped never to experience another day like that. Hours before he uncovered the Black Star cell which Hoshi Oda oversaw, Trevor laid on Ana’s bed trying to alleviate her neurofascitis.
“Doc won’t guarantee she’s free from attacks, but he’s encouraged. Her cognitive functions peaked, and she’s two months ahead on her coursework. She’ll be up to speed with her peers in a few months.”
“I count my blessings.”
“And what about you, Trev? How’s the job?”
She asked the most loaded question of the day, and all Trevor could do was shrug. Where to begin?
“I’m getting on. Busy. The demands are ... well, my Chief of Staff keeps me organized, and Shireena’s never far away.”