Page 53 of Unwrapping Romance

It was almost five o’clock when I glanced at my watch. Grabbing my coat and briefcase, I headed out the lobby doors and climbed into the Escalade.

“Did you take Sierra and Ellie home?” I asked.

“Yes. Those two sure went on a shopping spree. The back was filled with bags.”

“I’m not surprised.” I sighed.

When I arrived home, everything was quiet. I set my briefcase down, took off my coat, and went upstairs. When I reached my bedroom, I smiled when I saw Sierra and Ellie snuggled against each other, sound asleep.

Walking over to the bed, I sat on the edge and ran my hand down Sierra’s cheek. She looked like an angel—they both did. Her eyes opened, and she stared at me.

“Tough day?” A smirk crossed my lips.

“What time is it?”

“Five-thirty.”

“Oh shit!” She sat up, waking up Ellie. “I need to get ready for dinner.”

“What’s this?” I picked up a pink case from the bed.

“Ellie’s new iPad,” Sierra said as she walked into the bathroom.

“You bought her one?”

“Yep. I sure did. I told you she needed one.”

“No four-year-old needs an iPad, Sierra.”

She shut the bathroom door and ignored me. I looked at Ellie, who was sitting there staring at me.

“I love my iPad, Daddy. I like to play games.”

“Did you get a haircut?” I smiled.

“Yes. Becca cut it. She’s nice.”

“It looks pretty.” I ran my hand down the back of her head. “Play on your iPad while I change for dinner. Gretchen is going to babysit you while we go out. You’ll like her.”

“Are you coming back?”

I felt the ache in my heart as I saw the fear in her eyes.

“Yes. We’ll be back right after we eat.”

“Do you promise?”

“Yes, we promise.” Sierra ran over to the bed and hugged her. “Play on your iPad while your daddy and I go talk downstairs.”

I furrowed my brows as we walked out of the room and down the stairs to the living room. Walking over to the bar, I poured a bourbon.

“We should stay home tonight,” Sierra said.

“Why?” My brows furrowed.

“Because Ellie is scared we won’t return, Jack.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Sierra.”

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