Page 135 of Holiday Hire

We enter the gym and both freeze.

It's organized chaos. The entire student body fills the space, along with teachers and volunteers. Tables and chairs are lined up in rows, creating different craft stations.

Alexander surveys the room, then says, "First stop is over there."

"Where?"

"To the survival area." He guides me over to the table, picking up two Styrofoam cups. "I assume you want some coffee?"

I laugh. "Good call."

He fills up a cup and hands it to me. He has his half filled when a school teacher approaches us.

She's an older woman with dark reddish-gray hair and thick purple glasses. She says, "Mr. Cartwright, it's great to see you here."

He turns to face her. "Thank you, Mrs. Linsley. And this is Phoebe, the boys' nanny."

My heart drops. I don't know why. I am the boys' nanny, but I'd love it if he could say I was his girlfriend.

Is that what I am?

Yes.

He hasn't called me it.

He can't.

He could behind closed doors.

Why am I questioning this?

Mrs. Linsley beams. "It's great to meet you. I've heard a lot about you." She holds her hand out.

I shake it, surprised. "You have?"

"Yes. Ace brags about you all the time."

"He does?" I question, unable to stop my grin from growing larger.

"He sure does. It sounds like you have a keeper here, Mr. Cartwright. Thanks for volunteering today," she states, then pats me on the shoulder and walks away.

"Definitely a keeper," Alexander utters, then guides me to where Wilder is sitting.

The tabletop has different-shaped ceramic ornaments, glue, glitter, stickers, and tiny charms sprawled across it. Kids fill the chairs, already decorating.

Alexander picks up a horse. "I think I'll make this one for you, Phoebe."

Wilder glances over. "Yeah. Phoebe needs a horse, Dad. You should buy her one."

"A horse?" I exclaim.

Wilder nods. "Yeah. Now that my dad taught you to ride, you need your own horse."

Alexander chuckles.

I declare, "I wouldn't claim I know how to ride."

"Sure you do. And I can teach you how to ride better. It's easy. You'll see. Now that you're not scared to get on one, the sky's the limit," Wilder insists.

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