Page 18 of Vanishing Legacy

Whoever was ringing her doorbell this early in the morning must have a death wish. Alana glanced at the clock. She groaned and pulled the covers over her head to block out the brightness of the sun filtering through the windows.

“Go away,” she muttered into her pillow.

Who on earth could be at her door this early? Miss Martha was well aware of Alana’s long working hours and that she slept late to make up for working the graveyard shifts.

“Take a hint, would ya?”

The ringing persisted.

She hauled herself out of bed. “Fine, I’m coming!” She grabbed a sweatshirt and quickly tugged it on over her sports bra.

She padded toward the front door and caught a glimpse of herself in the hallway mirror. Whoa, she looked like she’d been dragged through a hedge backward. She finger-combed her hair, trying to tame her frizzy bangs. The obvious sleep creases wouldn’t budge no matter how hard she rubbed.

As Alana flung open the door, her frustration dissipated at the sight of Cash and Penny standing on her doorstep. The little girl held a stunning bouquet of spring flowers. The aroma of the fresh blooms filled the air. A surge of warmth spread through her chest at the sight of the father-daughter duo.

“Well, look who it is. What brings you by this morning?”

“Penny wanted to thank you for yesterday. I would’ve called, but I didn’t have your number.” Cash jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “We can…uh…come back later if it’s not a good time.”

“No, no, not at all! I’m just a little surprised, that’s all. Please come in.” She stepped aside to let them pass. “Forgive my appearance. I was just about to get ready for the day.” Or sleep until noon.

Cash followed Penny inside. “Not a morning person?”

Alana quirked an eyebrow. “Are you?”

“Can’t help it. I’m a surgeon.”

Penny giggled. “Here! Flowers for Alana! Thank you for Alana!”

Alana smiled. Not only at the sweet gesture, but she loved hearing Penny’s sweet voice. “Wow, thank you, Penny, they’re beautiful.”

She accepted the flowers, not sure if she could give Penny a hug or not. Since she hadn’t brushed her teeth yet, she opted against it. “You guys must get up with the sun.”

Rocco stumbled out of his bedroom, eyes heavy with sleep. When he saw Penny, his face lit up. Penny raced to Rocco and hit him with a hug. “Whoa, what are you doing here? Missed me already?”

“Missed you, friend,” Penny said.

Alana kept smiling. Amazing how well Rocco and Penny had bonded in such a short time.

“Morning, Rocco. Sorry to wake you,” Cash said.

Rocco yawned. “Morning, Dr. Cash.”

“Hey, bud.” Alana hugged her son. “Did you make your bed?”

Rocco moaned and shook his head. “I forgot. I’ll do it later.”

“You always say that. Go do it now. Maybe Penny can help?” She glanced at Cash and he nodded.

Penny tugged Rocco’s hand. “I help!”

“Fine.” Rocco drew out the word and led Penny to his room.

Cash handed Alana a gift bag. “I brought a little something for Rocco. Hope that’s okay.”

Alana took the bag and heard the rattling sound of Lego pieces. “If it’s what I think it is, he’ll be thrilled.” She strode into the kitchen. “But really, you didn’t have to bring us anything.”

“I’m just so grateful for all you and Rocco did. For Penny and for me. It meant the world to us.” He settled onto one of the barstools and rested his hands on the counter. “I also wanted to talk to you about something.”

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