Page 75 of Holiday Hire

"Yeah. Can we have more beach parties?"

"Sure. But it sounds like we have lots of holiday parties coming up."

The excitement leaves his voice. "True."

"Why don't you sound excited about them?"

He ponders my question, then blurts out, "I just like doing new stuff. Everything we do is tradition."

"You don't like traditions?"

He thinks another moment. "I wouldn't say I don't like them, but I think new stuff is more fun. So can we do different things?"

"Like what?"

"I don't know. You're the creative one, and today was really fun!" he claims.

My heart soars. "I'm glad you had a good time. I did too."

His eyes light up. "Okay, then can we do something else that's special for the holidays? Something we wouldn't do normally?"

"I'll have to think of something."

"You will. You're creative," he states again.

I point out, "You're creative too."

"Nope. Not like you. I'm more like my dad."

The vision of Alexander's face inching toward mine and his arm pulling me closer flashes before me. His scent flares in my nostrils, as if he's standing right next to me.

Wilder pushes, "So we can do something different?"

I snap out of my thoughts. "I'll try to think of a new project for us."

"A fun one?"

I dramatically answer, "Duh!"

Wilder grins and pumps his arm in the air. "Awesome!"

"Phoebe," Alexander calls.

I rise. "Duty calls. Get some rest."

Wilder grunts. "Okay." He slides down in bed.

I pull the covers over him, then bend over him and tussle his hair. "Night."

"Night, Phoebe."

I get to the door.

He calls out, "Phoebe!"

I turn back to him. "Yes?"

"I'm really glad you're here."

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