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The innocence of kids was something he’d forgotten about. They said what they thought and had no filter.
“She is.”
“That’s good, because my mummy will look out for her.”
“I hope so.” Ted felt like he was choking.
“I’m having a unicorn cake for my birthday. I’m going to be five, and I’m not inviting that sneak Louise Galloway.”
“Why?” Ted swallowed a mouthful of coffee and was able to breathe again. “What’d she do? You want me to go sort her out or something?”
“Uncle Luke asked me that, but I sorted her myself. She said I wasn’t her friend, and now wants to be one because I’m having a unicorn birthday. I told her that wasn’t nice.”
“She sounds like a sneak all right,” he said, handing her another sausage. “You stick to your guns there, Gracie.”
“But if she comes she’ll bring me a present.”
Ted laughed.
“My girl entertaining you there, Teddy Bear?”
He looked at Piper, and an understanding passed between them. Her love for the little girl reached out and touched him.
“We’re all good, Piper. She’s helping me eat my lunch and telling me about that sneak, Louise Galloway.”
“Right?” Piper braced a hand on her belly. “That girl, she’s trouble. How dare she try and make friends with Gracie just to go to a birthday party.” Piper’s eyes twinkled. “I mean, my baby would never do that.”
Gracie sighed.
“I did it once, Mama, and to be fair, Ben deserved it for putting that slime in my hair.”
“Excuse me, I need to get that phone. You behave yourself… both of you.” Piper shot Ted and Gracie a look.
“She’s tough, your mom.”
“She is, but she’s really good at storytelling and hugs. She kisses me all the time, and I kind of like that too.”
“Sound like a pretty sweet deal to me, Grace.”
“You want a hug and a kiss, Teddy Bear? I find it makes you feel happy.”
Shit.
He leaned over, and two little arms wrapped around his neck. He knew the hand on his back was smearing ketchup everywhere, but it didn’t matter. She kissed his cheek, and his throat choked up.
Ted wasn’t sure the last time he’d felt so much emotion but thought it could possibly have something to do with Mandy.
“Miss Marla has had a fall,” Piper said, coming out of the back room. “Mandy needs someone to get over there now and watch the shop. I’m down one, so I can’t.”
“I’ll do it.” Ted got to his feet without giving himself time to think.
“What about the floats?” Jack asked.
“You work out what you think we need as a lodge float, and I’ll take a look.”
“Well, fuck,” Jack muttered. “I live to serve you after all.”
“Uncle Jack said fuck.”
