“Why?”
“Because I saw no use in bothering him when it’s probable he doesn’t want to be located, either. Besides, I grew up in a loving home with two wonderful, encouraging people. I came to the conclusion that those responsible for my birth played a very small role in who I am today. My mama and papa are completely responsible for giving me the foundation I needed to succeed, and that’s all that matters.”
Tarek pushed off the bed and began to pace. “I would be enraged if I were you. Everyone has the right to learn about those who have brought them into this world.”
She was taken aback by the strength of his animosity. “Getting angry gets you nowhere, Tarek. You couldn’t begin to understand unless you’ve been there.”
He spun toward her. “Anger can be a motivator to succeed.”
“Not in this case. Anger only makes you bitter if you remain rooted in past recriminations.” She suddenly realized they’d gone completely off topic in terms of the little girl. “Now back to Yasmin. Apparently you have fond feelings for her or you wouldn’t have a photo at your bedside.”
“Yes, I care for her, but my time is limited due to my career. That is why I have carefully chosen people who can give her what I cannot.”
Kira found his apathy discouraging. “You mean all you have to offer is money? Anyone can provide monetarily for a child, but nurturing is more important.”
“She receives ample attention.”
He didn’t quite get it, and possibly never would. “But does she have enough emotional support? You may think you’ve saved her from a life of loneliness, but if she is attached to you in any way, then you are not saving her from anything every time you leave her behind.”
He returned to the edge of the bed and ran both hands through his ruffled dark hair. “It is the only way at this time.”
“Then why did you take her in?”
“She was a child in need. An innocent without a family.”
Kira was slowly coming to the conclusion that perhaps he wasn’t cut out for fatherhood. “I hope that you’ll think about spending more time with her while she’s still young. She needs a father, not a stranger looking after her.”
He abruptly stood and headed toward the en suite bath. “We must ready for the day since it is growing late.”
Kira worried it might be too late for Tarek to change.
* * *
Upon arrival at the resort, Tarek dove into the activity that normally gave him the most solace. Yet as he cut the stone for the wall, his mind kept turning to his conversation with Kira that morning. He had not been able to express how much Yasmin meant to him. Each time he left the child, he had to steel his heart in order not to stay with her. Perhaps he had done a disservice by taking her in. Perhaps he was still doing that by keeping her. Still, he could not fathom giving her away after two years.
For the first time in quite a while, someone had forced him to take a hard look at his choices. That same someone had caused him to question his decisions on several levels. Kira Darzin remained unaware of how much she had affected him in ways he had not anticipated.
“Looks like you’re almost finished with that.”
Tarek peered up from his handiwork to find the woman who constantly invaded this thoughts and dreams standing nearby. “I still have much to do to make certain it is perfect.”
Kira dropped onto a nearby bench and adjusted the hem of her aqua dress to her knees, as if she had been overcome with modesty. “At times, the beauty is in the imperfections.”
He considered her absolute perfection, especially her haunting cobalt eyes that looked much lighter reflecting the noon sun. “Perhaps, but I am at times a perfectionist.”
She gave the impression she was quite skeptical. “Only at times?”
“The majority of the time, if you must know.”
“That’s what I thought.” She cleared her throat and briefly looked away. “I wanted to apologize to you about our conversation this morning. I didn’t give you enough credit. Providing Yasmin with a safe place to stay is very magnanimous.”
Yet she had inadvertently pointed out an obvious flaw in his character. “There is no need for that.”
“Yes, there is. I have no right to judge you. Many men wouldn’t give an orphan a second thought, much less open their homes to one. They would rather give money and let someone else handle it. You should be commended for your compassion.”
He tossed aside the trowel and leaned a hip against the work table. “Save your commendation for someone who merits it. You were correct on several points. Yasmin does need a full-time father figure. She needs a man who deserves to be called papa.”