Page 19 of Daycare Santa

“Now don’t complain.” Eli wagged a finger at Zack. “We drew lots between that and taking the dog to the vet. You lost fair and square. Plus, Lizette trusts you more with her clients.”

“Mmm.” Zack swallowed a mouthful of orange juice, then grinned. “I want to know how I still have to help you with the build out for this app.”

“Our work doesn’t concern what we do for the rest of the family. If we weren’t in Jamaica, we’d still have to earn a living.”

“You have me there, but next time I’m not getting the short end of the stick. Just saying.”

Eli winked and popped a piece of dumpling into his mouth. “I hear you loud and clear. Just make a better choice next time.”

The second Zack opened his mouth to respond, Mom gave him a warning look. “Be the bigger man. Helping your sister this way is a big deal. It means she can enjoy her trip without worrying about her business. Never regret doing good.”

“Well said, Icy.” Dad patted her hand as he rose from the table. “Excuse me.”

Zack picked up the water glass and hid his smile. Mom was right. He shouldn’t complain, because he’d hit the jackpot while helping others. If he hadn’t been at the mall and Wintertime, he wouldn’t have met Miss Regina Wright.

His mind strayed to the diamond on her finger, their exchange at the mall, and then at the office. The ring said one thing, but her reaction to him said another. Their interaction poured fresh energy into him, reminding him life wasn’t over.

More than that, he discovered Alana hadn’t wrung him dry of emotion as he’d thought. That fact brought him a measure of relief, since he’d resigned himself to not trusting any woman after the way Alana shattered not only his confidence, but his heart.

Seeing Gina at the office on Saturday stirred an overwhelming need to know more about her. Zack wasn’t big on religion or spirituality, to their mother’s disappointment, but he said a fervent prayer that his interest in Gina wouldn’t end with him being let down.

Chapter 8

“Love you too, Mommy.” Luca’s whisper barely carried to her, although they stood less than a foot apart. Already, she missed the days when he didn’t care if she kissed him in public. He was growing up too fast.

Luca pried his lunch kit from her hand and disappeared with a gaggle of children.

The door shut behind them, and Gina sighed. Whichever way she sliced it, she had no choice about him being here since he was on holiday from pre-school and he didn’t have a sitter.

Seya had already taken their parents to the airport early that morning, then rushed off to work. Gina had asked after Mom and Dad, but according to Seya they were fine.

“You can catch up with them later,” she’d said during their earlier telephone conversation. “I didn’t put them in danger of heart failure.”

“Knowing you as I do, I’ll take that with a few grains of salt,” Gina quipped.

Seya believed in defensive driving and maneuvered her Honda as if the hounds of hell were riding her bumper. As a result, Gina avoided the passenger seat whenever she traveled with her sister. Better to drive than dislocate her ankle pressing an imaginary brake pedal.

---