Page 88 of Unwrapping Romance

Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out two one-hundred-dollar bills.

“Are you sure about that?” I discreetly placed the bills in her hand.

“Actually, we have one opening up in about five minutes if you’d care to wait.”

“We will. Thank you.” I smiled.

“And who says money can’t buy happiness,” Sierra said.

The hostess led us to one of the heated domes and set menus on the table.

“Thank you.”

“No problem, sir.”

“Oh, they do have peppermint mochas.” Sierra grinned.

“I want hot chocolate with marshmallows,” Ellie said.

“Welcome. What may I get you to drink?” The friendly server wearing an elf hat smiled.

“She’ll have a hot chocolate with marshmallows, and I’ll have a peppermint mocha. Sierra?”

“I’ll have a peppermint mocha.” She gestured for the server to lean closer. “Can you add a splash or two of peppermint schnapps to it?”

“Of course.” She laughed, and I shook my head.

“Add a splash in his too.” Sierra winked at me.

“Are you ready to order?” the server asked.

“I want a hot dog and French fries, please.” Ellie smiled.

“Make that three hot dogs and French fries,” I said.

“I’m not going to lie. This is really cool. It’s nice and toasty in here,” Sierra said.

“Jesus Christ.” I looked over and saw my father and Gabriela walking hand in hand. “Is this how it’s always going to be now?”

“Breath, Jack. He didn’t see us.”

The server walked over and set our peppermint mochas and Ellie’s hot chocolate on the table.

“Be careful, sweetheart. It’s very hot,” I said.

“I will, Daddy.”

I picked up my peppermint mocha and took a sip, feeling the warmth down the back of my throat.

“Damn good, right?” Sierra grinned, holding up her cup.

“Yes, Sierra. It’s good. Can we try to control the swear words in front of Ellie?”

“It’s okay, Daddy. Mommy said bad words all the time. She told me I was too young to say them, but I could when I got older.”

I sighed and rolled my eyes.

Chapter Thirty-One

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