Page 66 of Unwrapping Romance

My phone rang. Turning my chair around, I grabbed it from my desk and saw my father was calling. Shit.

“Hello, Dad.”

“Hello, Jack. I wanted to let you know that Gabriela and I are on our way to New York.”

My heart started racing. “Why?”

“Gabriela found some special fabric she wants for the tablecloths for the wedding. If we were to have it shipped, itwouldn’t arrive in time. So, we’re picking the fabric up ourselves. Plus, I wanted to see you since you’re not attending the wedding. It’s been a long time, son. Let’s have dinner tomorrow night.”

“Dad, I—” Suddenly, we got cut off. “Dad? Dad? Shit,” I said, setting down my phone.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Sierra

I thought this was insane as I pushed the cart with Ellie in it through the store. It was nothing but a sea of chaos, with people shuffling and pushing their way through to the massive Black Friday sales. Mothers grabbed toys from the shelves, threw them in their carts, and looked for the next toy to grab. I hated Jack for this.

“Pick anything you want,” I told Ellie as I pushed the cart down one of the aisles. “In fact, the whole store is yours.” I smiled.

Before long, the cart was already packed full of toys. Pulling my phone from my purse, I dialed Eric.

“Hello, Sierra.”

“Eric, I need you to come into the store and grab a cart. I’m in aisle five.”

“Coming now,” he said.

“Oh, look how cute this little purse is.” I smiled.

“I want it!” Ellie exclaimed.

“And you shall have it.” I tapped her nose.

Eric met me in aisle five with another cart.

“Jesus, Sierra,” he said, looking at the overfilled cart.

“Jack said to buy her some toys, so I am.”

“Don’t you think you have enough? I mean. Christmas is around the corner.”

“Ellie has nothing but an iPad and coloring books. Oh my God! Look how cute that kitchen is! Do you like this, Ellie?” I pointed to the large box.

“Yes!”

“Eric, put the kitchen in your cart.”

“That is not going to fit in the cart, Sierra.”

“Then go find an associate or a flatbed.”

We entered the aisle with all the barbies. I was in awe when I saw the Barbie Dream House because I’d always wanted one.

“Eric.” I pointed.

“Sierra, if you buy her more toys, there won’t be anything left to get her for Christmas.”

“I already have an idea for Christmas toys for her.”

---