Page 95 of Unwrapping Romance

“I guess you can say that.”

“Then that’s the reason he came to you. Spirits are overly active this time of year. The holidays bring comfort to them. Some try to resolve what they couldn’t in life or try to get their loved ones to resolve what they’re going through. It’s the one time of year when the spirits and the living reach out to each other. That’s the magic of the holidays. They like to linger where and when they were happiest the most. They feel our grief as much as we do. Did he offer you advice?”

“Yeah, he did.”

“Then I suggest you think about that advice and take it.” She smiled. “He came to you for a reason. Life is too short to hold grudges, Jack.”

“Who said I’m holding grudges?”

“You are.” A smile crossed her lips. “Open up your heart and let it all in.”

“That’s what he said to me.”

“I know.” I noticed her eyes diverting to the corner of the room.

“Thanks, Everly.”

“You’re welcome, Jack.”

After I finished my bourbon and talked to Asher for a while, I left and went home. When I walked through the door, Ellie ran to me, throwing her arms around my legs. I picked her up and held her tight.

“How was school today?”

“Great. I can’t wait to go back.”

“I’m happy to hear that.” I kissed her and carried her into the kitchen.

“Hi.” Sierra smiled. “How was your meeting?”

“It was good. Very informative.”

“Dinner is in the warming oven. I’m going to give Ellie a quick bath. It’s almost bedtime.”

“Okay. I’ll be up to tuck her in after I eat.”

I pulled the plate filled with baked chicken, roasted potatoes, and broiled asparagus from the warming oven and took it to the table. As I ate, I thought about how my father never really spoke much of his father. I never gave it much thought, but now, I was curious because the man told me he wasn’t the best father he could have been.

After I finished, I rinsed off my plate, put it in the dishwasher, and headed upstairs to look at Ellie’s room. The walls were painted light pink, and all the moldings were painted white. I smiled because it was starting to look like a room fit for a little girl. The furniture would be delivered next week, and the room will be completed.

“Looks great in here, doesn’t it?” Sierra said from behind.

“Yeah, it does. What about all this plastic covering the furniture?”

“The painters are coming back tomorrow to take it off. Ellie either has to sleep with us tonight or in one of the other rooms.”

“She’ll sleep in our bed tonight,” I said.

“Okay, but first, we have to open our whiskey bottles.” Sierra grinned.

“We’ll do that after we put her to bed.”

“I love my new room, Daddy.”

“I’m happy to hear that, sweetheart.” I picked her up. “Is that a new nightgown?”

“Yeah. It has kitties on it. I want a cat.”

“Well, I’m not sure about that. This is an animal-free home.”

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