Page 35 of Unwrapping Romance

“I’ll call Per Se and see if I can reserve a table for us,” Jack said.

“I don’t think Per Se is the kind of restaurant to take her to.”

“Then where do you suggest?” he asked.

“Ruby’s Diner is a couple of blocks over. We can go there.”

“You can’t be serious,” Jack said.

“They’ll have a kids menu. Let’s get your boots on.” I smiled as I picked Ellie up from the bed and took her downstairs.

We entered Ruby’s Diner and were seated in a booth. The server walked over with her notepad and took our drink order while we looked at the menu.

“What does she like to eat?” I stared at Jack.

“How do I know?”

“Right. Ellie, what do you want to eat?” I asked her.

“Chicken and fries. And ketchup.”

After placing our food order, I opened the two packs of crayons provided by the diner and told Ellie to color me a pretty picture.

“I sent a group text to everyone canceling the poker game tomorrow night,” Jack said.

“Poker game? You were having people over to play poker?”

“Yes. My friends and I get together once a month and play.”

“I would never have taken you for a poker player.” A smirk crossed my lips.

“No?” He chuckled.

“No. Not at all.” I laughed, shaking my head.

Jack looked at Ellie, who was sitting quietly and coloring.

“She looks like you.” I smiled.

“Yeah. I know.”

The server walked over and set our food down.

“Thank you,” Jack said. “Ellie, what do you say?”

“Thank you.” She looked up at the server.

“You’re welcome. You three are such a beautiful family.” She smiled. “And your child is so well-behaved.”

“Oh, she’s not—” I began to say.

“Thank you,” Jack said, cutting me off. As soon as the server walked away, Jack looked at me. “There’s no need to tell strangers our business. Let them believe what they will.”

“Ketchup. Ketchup.” Ellie bounced up and down.

Reaching over and grabbing the bottle, I squirted some on her plate. After we ate, we took Ellie back home.

“Can I take a bath?” she asked.

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