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After stopping for pizza and ice cream, I arrive at Jake and Grace's place ten minutes before six. "Hey, sweetheart. Come on in," Grace greets me while opening the door. I brace myself after hearing the squeal of laughter followed by Ellie running down the hall toward me. Luckily, Jake is there to grab the pizza from my hands before Ellie throws herself at my legs. "Ember!"
"Hey, munchkin." I scoop her up.
"Daddy said you were coming over, so I set up a tea party for us in my room."
"You did?"
Ellie nods her head vigorously.
"You know what goes good with tea?" I ask.
"Pizza!" she shouts.
"You know it." I kiss her cheek.
"Ellie Kate, why don't you put the ice cream in the freezer for Ember before it melts." Jake takes his little girl from my arms, kisses the top of her head, and sets her on her feet.
"Okay, daddy."
Once Ellie is out of earshot, Jake turns to me. "You spoil her."
I roll my eyes. "Like you don't."
He chuckles. "Can ya blame me?"
I laugh. "No."
When Jake's face turns serious, I hang my purse on the hook by the front door and give him my full attention. "What's wrong?"
"Heard what happened today with Alba and Leah."
"I figured you would." I sigh. "Look, I know it wasn't my place to butt in like I did, since I was only there for support because the girls wanted my opinion on the space they were going to look at, but that guy was a sexist jerk, and it wasn't sitting right with me."
"Ember—"
I put my hands on my hips and start to pace as I feel myself getting worked up again just from talking about it. "He knew the girls were more than qualified. Then he had to go and bring up that spiel about having their husbands come in for them."
"Ember." Jake places his hand on my shoulder, halting me in place. "You don't have to plead your case." His lip twitches. "I brought up the subject because I wanted to thank you for having Alba and Leah's back. I talked to Gabriel and Nikolai this afternoon, and both are grateful for what you did."
I breathe a sigh of relief. "Good. I don't ever want to overstep. Alba and Leah can speak for themselves, but that guy is an asshole."
"Oh, I heard. Gabriel said Alba wouldn't stop talkin' about how you put the son of a bitch in his place."
"Yeah?" I flash an award-winning smile.
"Yeah, darlin'." Jake squeezes my shoulder. "You did good today."
"Jake, honey, are you ready?" Grace walks into the room with Ellie trailing behind, holding a box. "Ember, thanks again for agreeing to watch Ellie Kate."
"Anytime, Grace. You two get out of here and have some fun." I turn my attention to Ellie. "What do you say we get this party started?"
"Yay! Will you play Candy Land with me?"
"Duh. Like you have to ask. You know Candy Land is my favorite."
Grace bends down and kisses her daughter. "You be good for Ember. Daddy and I will be back later."
"I will, Mommy."
