Page 27 of Puck the Halls
“Look,” I say, showing Dani. “Being spoiled by the grandparents.”
“Aw,” Dani says. “They’re so cute I can’t stand it.”
I show the screen to Owen, who is sitting closest to me on the right.
“They really are impressively cute,” he says, taking my phone to show Luna and the guys.
“Little Oli,” Luna says, gripping her chest. “Look at him loving sugar. He’s going to be my best customer at the bakery in a few years. And Isabel looks like she’s mentally solving math equations in every picture. She’s absurdly smart, you guys.”
“I miss them,” I admit. “But I’m glad they’re spending time with my parents. That means a lot to me.”
Dani gives me a soft smile. “I know.”
Ever since my father had back to back heart attacks, I’ve been well aware these opportunities won’t last forever.
“I’m glad you’re here with us,” Owen says. “It’s important, both for your relationship and for the kids to bond with the grandparents.”
“It is,” Dani agrees. “Which is why I wanted to wring Nathan’s neck last night.”
Everyone laughs.
Speaking of, I have a text from him, direct to me, not our group text thread.
Call me.
God, I hate when he does that. This could be good or bad, you never know with him.
Not wanting to worry Dani, I excuse myself to go to the restroom. Instead, in the hallway, I call Nathan.
“You’d better be on your way west,” I tell him.
“We are.” He coughs a little. “By way of going north. We’re in Des Moines,” Nathan admits.
I swear, and glance back at the dining room. “What?Why?”
“Slight accident. The rental car might have slid off of the road and into a ditch in the storm.”
My heart skips a beat. “You’re okay? Crew’s okay?”
“We’re fine. Though I am beating myself up.”
This is no time for piling on. I’m sure Nathan feels bad enough already. “Do not tell Dani about running off of the road,” I tell him firmly. “She’ll think it’s her fault.”
“I’m not going to tell her, are you crazy? That would ruin Christmas. It was my fault, not hers.”
“It was no one’s fault,” I say. “It was the snow storm. Just get here safely, alright?”
“I intend to. I just wanted to tell you the truth so you can distract her, keep her occupied. I’m going to sort this out. We’ll be there by one at the latest.”
I rub my forehead as we both say goodbye and end the call.
I turn and nearly run into Luna.
Her arms are crossed over her chest and she’s eyeing me with suspicion.
“They’re not in Omaha, are they?” she asks.
I could lie to Luna, but she wouldn’t believe me.
