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Brooke gave her a sweet smile.“Yes.Mom doesn't want a book, but something else."
Stephanie nodded to Julie."Okay, no books.Would you like to walk around and see all the gift items, or do you have something in mind for Nathan?"
"Yes, something new for his office.His current desk has cardboard desk sets that are stained and cracked."
"We can do better than that," Stephanie told her.She walked all three to the back shelves where they kept their novelty items."You should find what you're looking for right here."
"I would say so," Julie said, glancing at the rows of items on sale."This will keep me from going to the mall."
"Yes, definitely a better choice."Steph left them to look things over."Just ask if you need any help."
Stephanie kept glancing at her iPhone.Almost lunch time.Henry had retreated to his office a short while ago.Thankfully, Julie found her new desk set and her daughters were quick about a mug and a pen set for their dad, and for their teachers, a candy dish.They left twenty minutes before noon.
At twelve-ten, Henry appeared from the back room, looking in better spirits than he had this morning."I'm just running out for a quick walk and lunch.Any preference today?"
"Hmm.Maybe their soup of the day and half a sandwich—doesn’t matter which kind.Thanks, Henry."
As the door closed behind him, she quickly texted Heulyn and within five minutes he and his son entered.
"Okay.Glad you're here,” Steph said.“We better get busy."
"If the office door is unlocked, I can do this alone,” Heulyn said.“How much time does Henry normally take?"
"No more than fifteen minutes."She glanced down as Rhys peered up at her, his eyes big and round.Trusting.He really was a cutie.
"Hi, kiddo."She ruffled Rhys's blond locks."It’s nice to see you again.How would you like a candy cane, or a chocolate Santa?"
Rhys looked at his sneakers and didn't speak.Heulyn prodded his son."Go ahead, son.Stephanie's a friend, not a stranger.You want one of those Santas, right?"
The little boy nodded and she took one from the counter."Here's a tissue for your sticky fingers.Enjoy the chocolate."
Heulyn was halfway to the office door."Do you mind entertaining Rhys for a few minutes?"
She nodded, her mouth tasting like sawdust.How will Henry react?
Stephanie got Rhys settled near the Christmas tree.He dug into the toy box right away, which made her smile.The toy box had been her idea to keep the kids busy, so the parents could shop without distraction.
Henry returned fifteen minutes later with two bags of food.No Heulyn in sight.
"Yum.Smells good,” she said, trying not to glance back at the office.
Henry headed for his favorite table next to the window and laid it all out."Who have you got there?"he asked with a wink at the boy.
Stephanie took hold of Rhys's hand and grabbed another chair for him."His name is Rhys and I'm just watching over him for a few minutes while his dad ran back to the car."The small fib was much better than explaining what they were about to do.
"Are you hungry, little guy?"She tickled him and he giggled.
Henry seemed fascinated with the boy."You remind me of someone," then he shook his head frowning again."Soup is minestrone, and we have grilled cheese, or roast beef piled high on a sub."
"Sounds great.I'm pretty sure that last one has your name on it, so the grilled cheese will be perfect for us."She smiled at Henry, her tummy rolling."My favorite soup as well."She leaned sideways to see Rhys."Do you like soup?We could share.If not, the grilled cheese is yours."
"Cheese, please."His big eyes were on the packaged food in front of him."I'm hungry."
"Glad you are.We couldn't eat all this."She took the grilled cheese out of the wrapping and slid it over to him."What me to cut it up?"
He glanced around, searching for his dad.She did as well then eyed Heu coming out from the back.He winked at her then joined them, kneeling next to his son.
Rhys threw his arms around his dad's neck.Heu stood and put the boy on his broad shoulders, offering a hand to Henry."I'm Heulyn, and it looks like you've met my son Rhys.Just stepped out for a few minutes to take an important call. Young lady here offered to watch over him."
