Page 77 of Unwrapping Romance

There was a knock at the front door. Opening it, a young man and woman stood there.

“Mr. Atlas?” the young man asked.

“Yes.”

“I’m Russell from Carmine’s, and this is Lauren. We have your food.”

“Excellent. You can put it in the kitchen,” I said.

“Do you have a warming oven?” Lauren asked.

“I do.”

“If you turn it on low, we’ll just put the food in there. It’ll stay warm until you’re ready to serve.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

After they left, I walked into the living room, where I found Sierra sitting on the floor with Ellie, playing with the Barbie house. I stood there momentarily and stared at them. A smile crossed my lips.

“Was that the food?” Sierra turned and looked at me.

“Yes. It’s in the warming oven. My father and Gabriela should be here in forty-five minutes.”

“Come on, Ellie. Let’s take you upstairs and put you in your new dress,” Sierra said.

“But I want to play.”

“You can after you change your clothes.”

Walking over to the bar, I poured myself a bourbon. This was going to be one hell of a night. I hadn’t seen my father in three years. I wasn’t sure how he would react, finding out he had a granddaughter I never told him about.

“Relax, Jack,” Sierra said, noting the nervousness inside me.

“I can’t, Sierra. You don’t know my father.”

The doorbell rang, and I inhaled a sharp breath.

“Here we go.” I walked over to the door and answered it.

“Son.” My father smiled.

I hugged him as he and Gabriela stepped inside.

“Gabriela, it’s nice to see you.”

“You too, Jack. It’s been far too long.”

“I see you’re the only house on the street that hasn’t decorated for Christmas,” my father said.

“Yeah. I guess I am.”

Sierra walked into the foyer.

“Dad. Gabriela. I’d like you to meet my assistant, Sierra.”

“It’s nice to meet you, darling.” My dad smiled, extending his hand.

“It’s nice to meet you, too, Mr. Atlas.”

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