Page 57 of Unwrapping Romance

“Last night. You were already asleep.”

Suddenly, the bedroom door opened, and Ellie rubbed her eyes.

“Morning, sweetheart. Come here.” Jack held out his arms.

She ran to him and climbed on the bed. At that moment, I noticed something different about him.

“Did you sleep good?” he asked, tickling her.

“Yeah.” She giggled. “I’m hungry.”

“Then let’s go make you some breakfast.” He kissed her cheek.

After showering and dressing, I walked into Jack’s room and found Ellie sitting on the bed with her iPad while Jack was in the shower.

“Come on, Ellie. Let’s go put on one of your new outfits.” I smiled.

After getting her dressed, I sat her on the bathroom counter and brushed her hair.

“Do you like my new outfit, Daddy?” Ellie asked Jack as he stood in the doorway.

“It’s beautiful. We have to leave in a few minutes,” he said.

“She’s almost ready.” I smiled.

Chapter Twenty-One

Jack

We toured the school and then sat with Mrs. Hadley in her office.

“We are full for the remainder of this year and next,” Mrs. Hadley said.

“So I’ve heard.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out my checkbook. “I’m sure there’s a way you can let one more child into your program.” I picked up a pen from her desk, wrote out a sizable check, and handed it to her.

“This is quite a generous donation, Mr. Atlas.” She smiled.

“There’s plenty more where that came from if Elianna were to be accepted here.”

“Actually, one of the families is moving soon, and their child won’t be attending this school anymore, opening a spot for your precious little girl.”

“That’s wonderful news, Mrs. Hadley. When can Elianna start?” I asked.

“Since Thanksgiving is tomorrow, the school is closed the rest of the week. So, she can start on Monday. I’m sure you’re taking her to the Thanksgiving Day parade tomorrow.” She smiled.

I shifted in my seat and glanced at Sierra.

“Of course we are.” Sierra smiled.

After our meeting, we climbed into the back of the Escalade and headed to the office.

“I have to work tomorrow, and I’m giving you the day off from the office so you can take her to the parade,” I said.

“It’s Thanksgiving, and the office isn’t open. You don’t have to work tomorrow,” she said.

“I don’t celebrate Thanksgiving. I work.”

“I don’t either! And if you think I’m going to that parade, especially by myself, you’re crazy.” She shuddered.

---