Page 74 of Educating Arrogant Mr. Hunter

“And you too?” she asked.

Beckett flinched. It was so slight I doubted Zoey noticed. “We already promised to go to Grammy Rosalyn’s, and I don’t want to disappoint her.”

Uncertainty pinched her face. “Maybe I should go with you.”

He laid his hands on her shoulders. “Grammy Rosalyn won’t mind, and neither do I. I think it might be good for your grandparents to have you all to themselves. They’ve missed you.”

“If you’re sure,” she hesitated.

“I’m positive. Now let’s go inside and get our ice cream.” He put his arm around Zoey and tugged her forward.

His hand found mine, and we all walked to the restaurant’s front door. He let go of both of us before opening the door and gestured for us to go ahead.

“Will you save me some of Ruby’s desserts at Thanksgiving?” Zo asked.

Just another reason why I loved this kid. Dessert was definitely my favorite part of the holiday. It ranked up there as a solid number two after spending the day with friends.

Beckett rubbed his stomach. “I’ll do my best.”

“Fine. Then I’ll just ask Wren to get them for me. She’s probably better at sharing than you are.” She stuck her tongue out at him.

I chuckled but stayed out of it. Besides, I’d make sure Zoey had desserts to take with her to her grandparent’s houseandextras from the Wolfe’s house if I could sneak them out since I’d been invited to spend the holiday with them too.

“You can grab a booth wherever you like,” the server nearby called out to us. “I’ll be right with you.”

We made our way to an open spot in the corner, and once seated, I flipped through the menu to remind myself what flavors of ice cream they had. It had been a while since I’d been to one of the many locations peppered throughout the state.

“What can I get for you today?” Our server, a teenager, likely still in high school, asked. Her gaze immediately went to Beckett, and a light pink crept up her cheeks.

We gave our order, and she walked away with a slightly dazed look. I wanted to say, same girl. Same.

Beckett’s foot found mine under the table. I’d always thought playing footsie under the table sounded stupid, but with each nudge, he proved me wrong. It felt a bit scandalous knowing the only people that knew were us.

I pulled out my phone and checked my email before tapping on my notes for the festival. “I have great news! Santa confirmed that he will bring his reindeer to the festival.”

Zoey gasped and then promptly choked on her own spit.

Beckett whacked her back until she was breathing normally.

“It’s really happening? Are yousurehe won’t let me ride them?” Her eyes were wider than I’d ever seen them. “I’d be so gentle with them.”

Well, crap, this wasn’t going as I’d planned. “Oh, um, Zo, they need to rest up. It’s right before Christmas, and we don’t want to tire them out, but you’ll get to pet them and feed them treats.” I hoped my rambling made up excuse did the job.

She pursed her lips. “I guess that’ll be fine too.”

I stifled my laughter.

I looked at Beckett. “I’ve also gotten additional sponsors for the program, and I have a list of people I’m reaching out to now.”

Our waitress returned with our ice cream, and I asked her to add Ruby’s Awful Awful to the bill before we left.

In between bites, Beckett and I discussed the festival with Zoey’s input.

“Hey, Daddy.” She licked her cone where the ice cream was dripping down the side.

“Yeah.” He took a bite of his mint chocolate chip.

“What’s a cock?” Her little nose and forehead scrunched up.

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