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After Denise was satisfied with the picture, she gave them each a hug. “You two enjoy yourselves.”
Misha went over to where Ciara was sitting in a round yellow bouncer and bent to press a kiss to her head. “Be good for Nana, baby.”
“Jay brought me flowers and a gift for Ciara too,” Denise said as she picked up the things he’d brought.
“Really?” Misha looked at the flowers and gift bag, then looked at Jay. “That was so sweet of you.”
“Maybe you should open Ciara’s before we leave.”
Misha took the bag from her mom and peered inside. “Oh. That is adorable.”
She pulled out the doll that Jay had found on Amazon and managed to get in time thanks to two-day shipping. It was a doll with a soft purple body and a plastic head with a skin tone a shade or two darker than Ciara’s.
“Look, baby,” Misha said as she went back to the little girl. “Look what Jay brought you.”
Ciara’s eyes went round as she lifted her hands toward the doll. When Misha handed it to her, she immediately hugged it.
“She loves dolls,” Denise said. “But she looks especially happy with this one.”
Misha nodded. “I’m sure she’s going to want to sleep with it.”
“I’m glad she likes it.”
Jay had wondered if he should buy the little girl a doll, but he’d been at a loss as to what else she might like. To see it was so well received was a relief.
“Well, you two need to go.” Denise made shooing motions with her hands.
“Okay. Okay. We’re going.”
They were both laughing as the door closed behind them after they stepped out of the townhouse. Jay offered Misha his arm, then they made their way down the walk to where he’d parked.
“Do you go to this restaurant often?” Misha asked as he turned out of the parking lot.
No. I can’t remember the last time I was there,” Jay said. “It’s not a huge restaurant, and most of the time, you need a reservation to get in.”
“Is it super expensive?” Misha asked, worry in her voice. “We didn’t have to go somewhere so exclusive.”
“Kayleigh hooked us up, so it’s not a problem.” He had no idea if she’d arranged for a discount for them, but regardless, like Denise had said, it was a special evening. “Just prepare yourself for some really good food.”
“Okay. I can do that.”
The resort was made up of the hotel, a large lodge, and an assortment of cabins. It was most popular during the winter months when people came to enjoy the snow, but it wasn’t exactly empty doing the remainder of the year. According to Kayleigh, the place was getting busier, even during the off-seasons.
It took about twenty minutes to reach the hotel, then they were walking to the restaurant that, even though it was attached to the hotel, had an outdoor entrance as well.
The hostess greeted them with a smile that grew warmer when Jay gave his name.
“Miss Halverson’s brother, right?” she asked.
“That’s me.”
“Wonderful. If you’ll follow me.”
Jay laid his hand lightly on Misha’s upper back to guide her ahead of him, then fell into step behind her. The restaurant was dimly lit, and the aromas in the air made Jay’s mouth water in anticipation of the meal to come.
The woman led them to a two-person high-backed booth tucked into the back corner of the restaurant. Jay waited for Misha to take her seat before settling into his. Given his height, seats that he couldn’t control weren’t always comfortable, but that definitely wasn’t the case there.
The hostess handed them each a menu, then left them with a promise that their server would be with them shortly.
