“Okay.” Daisy reached across and laced her fingers around his. “Amelia, want to do the honors?”
Amelia’s smile bloomed. She bowed her head. “Dear God in Heaven, thank you for this super yummy meal that I may or may not have already tasted.”
Daisy and Jameson tried not to laugh.
“And thank you for our new friend Mr. Jameson. He’s really fun and I like being around him. I hope he and my mommy stay friends forever.” Daisy kept her eyes low, a sad half smile tugging at her mouth as she swallowed hard. “And thank you for my mom because she’s the most amazing mom ever. Also please tell her we need a puppy or a cat or even a bunny. Amen.”
Jameson squeezed both their hands. “Awesome prayer. I think God heard you loud and clear.”
“I don’t know,” Amelia said. “I’ve been asking for a pet for months and she keeps saying no.”
Daisy held up her hands. “First, this apartment doesn’t allow pets, so you’re a bit out of luck. Second, we don’t have time to take care of an animal.”
Amelia frowned and with puppy-dog eyes cocked her head toward Jameson. “Do you have any pets?”
He nodded once and replied, “Yep, I have a Great Dane named Gus.”
“Really? Do you have pictures?”
“Of course.”
Daisy begrudgingly interjected. “Perhaps Jameson can show youafteryou’ve eaten your dinner.”
Jameson looked at fault and mouthed, “I’m sorry,” then proceeded to eat his stew. “Speaking of animals, how was the aquarium?”
“We didn’t go,” Amelia said, eyes still on her bowl.
“Why not?”
“Matt had to stay in New York. He said he’d take me when he gets back.” She rolled her eyes. “Whenever that is.”
“I can take you,” Jameson said after a beat. “If it’s okay with your mum.”
Daisy paused mid-bite. Amelia gasped and stared at her, already pleading.
“I don’t know.”
“Mom…”
“Honey, remember when Jameson told you he was famous?”
She nodded.
“And remember when I said not to tell anyone at school because it’s an invasion of his privacy?”
Another nod.
“It would be… complicated to go out with him. The pier is busy and people might—”
“Daisy,” he said gently. “If that’s your only concern, don’t worry. I’ll be completely incognito. Even the best paparazzi won’t clock me.”
Daisy bit her lip. “Let me think about it.”
“But—” Amelia cut in.
“Don’t sass. I said I’ll think about it.”
Jameson winked at Amelia, and they finished in companionable quiet.
