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We looked at Diana like we’d been caught with our hands in the cookie jar.
“Sorry, Diana. We’ll clean it up, don’t worry,” Parker said.
“I know you will,” Diana said, placing a sponge on the counter next to them. “Question is, how long will it take you two to get that little one her milk? Now move over, and I’ll finish it up while you talk. I’ll bring tea and coffee out as well.”
We knew better than to argue with Diana, so we promptly moved away from the counter. Parker filled me in on Sophie’s heart surgery. He, too, didn’t like how she looked and had been keeping up with her doctors daily. He’d made the decision, along with Mia, to bring her to New York where he could take care of her. That was why they were visiting. He suspected that her new heart valve was not functioning correctly.
“Let’s talk tomorrow when I have her file in front of me,” Parker said. “For right now, let’s make sure she’s having fun.”
Chapter 10
Chloe
Trey had only been gone for twenty minutes, but to me, it felt like hours. I hadn’t pined for a man since Sophie’s father when I was only sixteen years old. I tried not to overanalyze how I was feeling for someone I’d just met, but those eyes were burned into my brain.
Diana hustled back into the dining room with a tray of coffee and tea. Trey carried the chocolate milk in for Sophie as well as a glass for himself. Diana busied herself passing out the biscuits I’d brought and brownies she’d made that morning. The biscuits were a big hit with everyone, but to my surprise, Sophie wanted brownies with Trey.
“Sophie, would you like to take a little rest before the Easter egg hunt?” Mia asked from across the table. “I’m feeling a bit tired myself. I could lay down with you.”
“I’m not tired, Aunt Mia. I had two moo juice and a brownie.” Sophie smiled brightly. “Maybe after the bum nuts are all found we can lay down, okay?”
I appreciated Mia jumping in like that but, knowing my daughter the way I do, I knew there was no way she was going to nap before an egg hunt with her new best friend, Trey.
“Mummy, is it ok if I rest later?” Sophie asked.
“Yes baby, it’s okay with Mummy, but if you get tired you have to tell me.”
“I will Mummy. I love you a million Easter eggs,” Sophie announced.
“And I love you a million butterflies,” I answered right back.
“All right, I heard the Easter bunny hid eggs outside, so let’s get our baskets and see who finds the most eggs,” Trey announced. “Miss Sophie, do you wanna be my partner?”
“No. I wanted Sophie to be my partner,” Mia almost shouted, then laughed at herself. “Trey, get someone else.”
“You have to be partner with your husband because he never finds eggs.” Trey shrugged. “I’m sorry, but it’s true. He just walks around and maybe finds one or two eggs every year.”
“Aunt Mia, you have to help Uncle Parker. He needs you.” Sophie climbed off her chair and gave Parker a big hug. “Look how sad he looks about it.”
“Thank you, Sophie. I do need Aunt Mia’s help.” Parker raised one eyebrow at Trey as if to say “take that” for picking on him. “You can be on our team too.”
“Yeah, that’s a good idea.” Sophie turned to Asher.
“Mr. Asher, who is your partner?” Sophie walked around the table looking at everyone. “Oh, I know, you can be partner with Miss Murphy or the big scary guy.”
Gunner let out a loud laugh then smiled brightly at Sophie. “You can call me Bond.”
“Hi Mr. Bond. I like your laugh.” Sophie stopped next to him “You have a happy laugh, so now you’re not scary man anymore.”
“I’m always partnered with Miss Murphy, even though I would be happy being a partner with the big scary guy.” Asher stood and pushed his chair in. “We do need a partner for Mr. Bond though. Should it be your mommy or Trey?”
“We don’t have another person to be Mr. Bond’s partner.” Sophie looked around at the partners. “I know, I can be your partner, because everyone will be afraid to take your eggs.”
“Sophie, that’s not very nice to say,” I scolded, slightly embarrassed. “Apologize please.”
“I wasn’t being mean, Mummy. I meant in case someone tries to get our eggs and he is strong to take care of me too.”
“All right, but make sure Mr. Bond is okay with that plan,” I said. “He might want to pick his own partner.”
