Struggling Dad Brought A Woman’s Suitcase Upstairs, Not Knowing She Was A Millionaire Who Loved Him
The Encounter at the Fourplex
Rain hammered the cracked windshield of the truck. Finn Delaney shifted it into park outside the rundown fourplex.
His six-year-old daughter was snoring softly in the back seat. Her head rested on a stuffed pink giraffe.
“Come on Gia,” he whispered. He reached back and gently lifted her into his arms.
Her little arms looped around his neck automatically. Her thumb went into her mouth.
Finn pushed open the creaky front door of apartment 3B with his shoulder. He stepped into the dim hallway lit by a single flickering bulb.
His boots squelched on the soaked mat. He was exhausted.
He worked two jobs and ninety-hour weeks. There was late rent and still not enough.
Because the tenant in 4A had locked herself out, he was playing bellhop too. “Mr. Delaney,” a soft voice called from behind.
He turned, careful not to jostle Gia. A woman stood at the bottom of the stairs.
She was soaked in the rain, clutching a large silver suitcase. Her hood had fallen back.
It revealed long dark hair plastered to her cheeks. Her face looked too clean and too polished for this place.
Her coat was designer even if it was drenched. “I’m staying in 4A,” she asked.
“The landlord said you live upstairs. He said you might have the spare key.”
Her voice was hopeful. “Yeah, I do,” Finn said, adjusting Gia. “One sec.”
He unlocked his door and laid Gia down gently on the couch. He covered her with a blanket and kissed her forehead.
He jogged back out and grabbed the spare key from the drawer. He returned to the woman who was still standing awkwardly with her suitcase.
“Here,” he said, holding out the key. “You’re Regan, right?”
“Yes, Regan Veil,” she said, brushing hair from her eyes. “Is it okay if I get the suitcase upstairs first?”
“It’s heavy,” she added. “I’ll carry it,” Finn offered instantly.
“You look like you’ll pull something.” She blinked, surprised.
“Are you sure?” she asked. “Yeah, no problem,” he replied.
He grabbed the suitcase. It was heavier than it looked.
He started up the narrow stairs. She followed him, watching him carefully.
“You’re strong,” she said, a little breathless. “Single dad comes with the territory,” he answered.
She smiled softly behind him. “Your daughter’s adorable,” she said.
Finn grunted in acknowledgement. He set the suitcase down outside the door of 4A.
He unlocked it and pushed the door open. Regan stepped inside slowly.
“Thanks,” she murmured. Then she turned to him.
“Let me pay you for the trouble.” He raised a brow.
“Nah, it’s just a suitcase.” She hesitated.
“Well, can I at least buy you coffee sometime?” she asked. Finn looked at her.
He really looked at her. She wasn’t just pretty; she was stunning.
She didn’t belong in this building with the fraying carpets and leaky pipes. But her eyes were kind and her smile was real.
“Sure,” he said, nodding. “Coffee sounds good.”
Regan watched him disappear down the stairs. Her heart was pounding.
She hadn’t planned to see him again, not like this. But she had found out he lived here after years of searching.
Through years of regret, she couldn’t stay away. Once, a lifetime ago, Finn Delaney had been the boy who sat behind her in high school algebra.
He had passed her folded notes. He offered to walk her home when her dad forgot.
She had been the girl who left without saying goodbye. Back in her apartment, Regan dropped her coat.
It revealed a silk blouse and diamond necklace. She walked to the window, staring out into the rain.
He didn’t recognize her. He had no idea she was a millionaire now.
He did not know that she was still in love with him.
