Page 114 of Unwrapping Romance

“We don’t need to buy her too much since you already bought her all those toys that have filled the playroom.”

“I know.” I silently smiled.

“Where to, Jack?” Eric asked as we climbed into the back of the Escalade.

“I have no clue. Ask Sierra. She’s in charge.”

“The American Girl Place, Eric.”

“Ha.” He laughed.

“What’s that?” Jack asked.

“You’ll see.”

“For fuck’s sake, Sierra. Why are you being so weird about it?”

“I’m not, Jack. It’s just a store.”

We walked into the store, and I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw Jack’s eyes widen.

“What is this?”

“It’s a doll store. I got the idea when you made me go shopping on Black Friday, and I saw a little girl holding one of the dolls. Of course, I had no idea what it was, so when I asked the mom, she told me it was an American Girl. She acted like I was crazy because I didn’t know. Anyway, I looked it up online and fell in love. Over here.” I grabbed his hand. “Since she’s four, we’re buying her a Bitty Baby.”

“A what?” His brow furrowed.

“A Bitty Baby. This, right here.” I pointed. We’ll get the blonde one with the blue eyes. Oh my gosh, this one comes with a play set.” I grabbed the box and looked at it.

“A hundred dollars for a doll? Are they crazy?” Jack spewed.

“Be quiet. I didn’t say they were cheap. Now, we need some things to go with her new baby.”

“Like what?”

I led him over to the accessories. We’ll need the crib, the carriage, the changing table, and the travel seat. Oh my God, look how cute the high chair is, Jack. We need that, too. And we need these bottles and these diapers. Oh! That potty chair is adorable.”

“I’m putting my foot down on the potty chair. No child needs a potty chair for her doll. That is ridiculous.”

“Fine, Mr. Scrooge. Then we’ll buy this food set, and—oh, look at that cute shopping cart! She can pretend to take her baby grocery shopping.”

“I have an idea. Why don’t you have her bring her doll to the grocery store when you go and let her put her baby in the cart?”

“Why don’t you stop being Mr. Grinch and just go along with making this the best Christmas ever for your daughter?” I cocked my head.

Another man walked by and placed his hand on Jack’s shoulder. “I feel you, man. I totally feel you. My wife is just as crazy.” He walked away.

Hearing him refer to me as Jack’s wife made me smile.

“And we’ll take this outfit, and this one, and oh my God, this one.”

“Don’t you think we should save some of this stuff for her birthday?”

I started laughing.

“Why are you laughing?” he asked.

“Come with me.” I grabbed his hand and led him over to the American Girl dolls. “See these dolls? She’s getting one of these for her birthday that looks like her, along with all these accessories. In fact, we’re giving her a birthday party here with all her little school friends, and you’re coming. I already have it all planned.”

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