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Danny also visited less surreptitiously. He came tentatively at first, as if trying to judge how much would be tolerated. He soon became bolder, and was a frequent guest at the Lewis house. Michelle was also cautious, during Danny's visits she would peer anxiously at her husband, trying to judge his reaction. However, Bill feigned indifference. He pretended not to notice they way his wife's face would light up in Danny's presence. But I know he felt it. I could see the sadness in his eyes.
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One day Danny came rushing into the house. He grabbed Michelle and swung her around. He released her and picked up Marah in a similar embrace. Marah's face was scarlet when he set her down, and she giggled nervously. Bill watched this scene uncomfortably.
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"I have wonderful news!" Danny exclaimed. "My sister Pilar has returned, and she has brought along her new baby!"
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I stole a glance at Bill, and he seemed to perk up at the news of his former girlfriend. "I didn't know Pilar had married," he said.
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Danny's face fell at this statement. "She's not married. A man she dated briefly got her pregnant; the relationship had ended by the time she learned about the baby. Pilar decided it was best to keep the news to herself. She even kept it from me until last night, when she showed up at my doorstep."
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"Is it a boy or a girl?" Michelle inquired.
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"Yes, tell us everything," Bill said, forgetting his previous annoyance.
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"It is a boy and his name is Mick Santos," Danny replied, beaming proudly.
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Michelle's face filled with horror. Tears welled up in her eyes and she ran upstairs. Danny started after her, but thought better of it when he saw Bill's angry stare.
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The following morning I went to the lighthouse. Pilar was so excited to see me. She threw her arms around my neck and kissed my cheek. "I have missed you so much Maria. Come inside and see my baby," she exclaimed. We entered to find Danny cradling little Mick in his arms. "Danny can't keep his hands off my son," Pilar laughed. "Don't be selfish Danny; let Maria hold him."
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Reluctantly Danny relinquished the baby. I must admit he was a beautiful child. Although he was only three months old, his head was full of dark curls that gleamed in the light. When he smiled at me, I was startled by his resemblance to Danny. After a few days, Michelle recovered from her initial shock, and went with me to visit the Pilar and the baby. She fell in love with the child immediately; I wondered if she also saw Danny's face in his smile.
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Danny often brought Pilar and Mick with him on his visits here. Bill was too shy to come out of his office on the first few occasions. He told Michelle to say he was not home. One morning Pilar came alone. Bill was in the driveway washing his new red sports car. He looked up in alarm when Pilar pulled up beside him. There was no place to hide this time.
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Pilar rolled down her window and smiled at him. "Hello Bill," she said softly. "It's been a long time." The hose dropped from Bill's hand and water flowed down the driveway. He was speechless. "What's the matter? Aren't you happy to see me?" Pilar continued.
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Suddenly, a twist in the hose unfurled and it danced like a snake, spraying water all over their faces. Bill frantically grabbed for the wayward hose, and Pilar laughed at the spectacle. Finally Bill got the hose under control and laughed with her. Pilar looked so beautiful, her eyes sparkled and little drips of water fell from her nose. Bill took a dry towel from his back pocket and gently dried her face. A look of remorse passed between them and they both started to speak, when Marah burst from the house. Marah ran to the car smiling excitedly, but her face fell when she realized Danny had not accompanied his sister.
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