“And a box of cigars.”

“Way to ruin the surprise, Brick.”

“You bringing your new nanny to the party?”

“I hadn’t thought about it.”

“You should. Let her meet Angie. My ol’ lady will make her feel welcome.”

“I don’t know…”

“Well, who's gonna take them to the toy run parade if not her?” He grins. “I guess Miranda would be up for the job.”

“Shut up about her. Grace will bring them.”

“Grace, huh? That’s a pretty name.”

I roll my eyes. “Let’s get inside before Prez fines us both for being late.”

“He wouldn’t do that. He likes me too much.”

I huff a laugh. “Guess again, brother. I’m his favorite.”

Brick sticks his tongue out at me, then dashes to the door, leaving me in the dust. “You’re gonna be the last one through the door, buddy.”

“You asshole.” I follow him and his laughter inside.

CHAPTER NINE

Grace—

Sunday morning, Lucky walks into the living room where the girls and I sit watching cartoons. He’s already dressed. The sheen of his leather cut gleams in the morning sun. I have to admit… he looks damn sexy. And dangerous.

My eyes drop to it. “Going somewhere?”

“I have some club business to handle. I’ll be gone all day, but I’m hoping to get back home by their bedtime.” He turns his attention to the girls, giving each one a kiss on the head. “Be good for Grace.”

“We will, Daddy,” Ella chimes.

I follow him to the front door. “Hey, before you leave, I wanted to check if it was okay if I took the girls to the Christmas market downtown. I didn’t want to overstep if that was something you wanted to do.”

He waves me off. “You go ahead. I have some cash in my side table drawer. Take it in case the girls see something they want or use it to buy lunch or whatever.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that.”

Without another word, he trots down the stairs and fires up his bike.

“What are we gonna do today?” Ella asks, peering around me and watching her father’s motorcycle disappear.

“Well…” I close the door and lead her into the other room with her sister. “I thought we could go to the Christmas market. Wouldn’t that be fun?”

“Yay!” Poppy jumps up and down.

“Can we get hot chocolate, too?” Ella asks. “Mommy used to buy me hot chocolate.”

“We absolutely can.” I squeeze her shoulders.

When we arrive at the market, the area is lit with Christmas lights. They sparkle at us from every tree. Tents with different vendors line the sidewalks around the square. In the middle sits the town hall, a large white building with towering pillars, all decorated with Christmas wreaths and lights.