Chapter 48

Anna's eyes widened. She covered the receiver and looked at Julian, who had just peeked out. "Your dad..." Julian walked out and took the phone. He was still wearing an apron and smelled sweet, like freshly baked cookies. Anna couldn't help sneaking a few extra sniffs. She sat back on the couch, eyes fixed on the man on the phone. His face was calm, sharp features relaxed, barely any expression—he just listened, quietly responding every now and then. If she hadn't known who was on the other end, she would've thought he was talking to a stranger. Were he and his dad... not on good terms? As Anna got lost in guessing, Julian had already ended the call. "Something came up?" "Yeah." Anna grinned, waved her hand. "Then go do your thing, don't worry about me... Oh, those maple cookies are done, right?" Nice! Getting cookies without even going to the hospital—now that's the life. Julian saw through her little game in a heartbeat. He pulled off the apron. "No rush. I can head out later, after