Page 16 of Snowed In With The Second Chance Daddy

“Um, maybe we should team up. You know, if we’re trying to set things aside and make Christmas good for Rose–” Iris begins.

Surprising both of us, I say, “I like that idea.”

And I do. We’re better as a team. In this respect and this respect alone.

Iris smiles and nods. “Cool. Well.” She holds up the hippo. “One down.”

“And we’re going to spoil her, right?”

“Oh, no question.”

“Then at least five to go. Come on.”

Together, we patrol the aisles. Aisles I’ve already gone down suddenly come alive with ideas, thanks to Iris.

She points out a magnificent dollhouse I missed, and we both agree that it would be the perfect centerpiece for our gift.

We pick out a puzzle and some books and then I spy a pink, sparkly scooter that Rose will have to grow into, but I can’t resist.

“They’re going to hate us for this.” Iris smiles.

I smirk. “What kind of godparents would we be if we’re not competing with her actual parents?”

We smile at each other and for a moment, just a moment, I forget the past six months. I feel as though I’ve been transported back in time to when we were a team. When each day was special because Iris was in it.

God… The number of times I’ve wished we could go back in time to before everything fell apart.

Why haven’t they invented a time machine yet?

I break away first, wiping the smile from my face. “Okay. A few more things and then I think we’ll be sufficiently annoying.”

A few minutes later, we’re ready to check out.

“Lucky kid.” The cashier smiles as she rings us up, and I get the distinct impression she thinks we’re shopping for ourownchild.

Another heartbreak.

I didn’t just lose Iris six months ago. I lost the family we had planned to create together.

“Yes, our goddaughter is spoiled,” Iris replies, effectively slashing that dream in half.

We walk out of Toys a Million withbagsa million. We are a child’sdreamwith all these toys.

I fall into step beside Iris. “That was a good idea. To team up.”

“Thank you, I’m glad you admit it.”

I chuckle but don’t know what to say.

I should say goodbye, but I don’t really want to. Which confuses me beyond belief considering last night I barely wanted to be in the same room with her.

“I’m kinda hungry. You want to go grab a pretzel at the food court?” Iris raises one shoulder.

I bend my lips down. “Mm. A pretzel.”

“You can just say no. Don’t have to add the flare of assholery.” She laughs awkwardly.

I press my lips together.

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