"Because," he told her with a small, though heartfelt, little smile, "you're one of my favorite people, Eileen. Wednesday afternoon's going to be...boring, carina." He flicked up an eyebrow. "Unless you can persuade Kevin to bring you to lessons."

But that wasn't the only reason he'd bullied his way in here, although Ethan desperately wished it had been. And while he enjoyed spending time with the smallest Ace, enjoyed it very much, he still dreaded seeing her reaction to the news he was compelled to share.

Reaching over and gently taking her small hand, threading his larger fingers with hers, Ethan said quietly, "E 'lo zio, l'amore. David." He had to inhale a shaky breath before going on. "He's...back. Here, in the Deck."