Page 25 of Fourth Heartwarmers Trilogy
“Yes, but she was laughing, so I kind of took it that she was teasing. She was, wasn’t she?”
“About the spoiled bit, yeah, it was a joke.”
Mia remembered the rest of her aunt’s statement. “But you can get out of line…”
“Only with the pretty ones.”
“Then I’m safe.”
“I never said that. Oh-oh, your baby has turned it up a notch. We better go and get her before the windows shatter.”
Chapter Five
Before Mia took Maisie into the bathroom to wash her and get her ready for her outing, she’d taken the time to call her father in Phoenix, the person she’d considered the best character appraiser she knew. A bit apprehensive about letting Maisie go out without her, she asked if he thought it would be okay for her to let Maisie go for the outing with this guy Jack Markham.
“Dad, are you sure it would be a good idea for me to let Jack Markham take Maisie to the park and out for a meal while I get the last of our belongings together here at the apartment? I’m in a mess, and she’s being freaky about everything.”
“She’s as safe with him as she’d be with me. He’s a good man. Your mother has almost as big a crush on him as your Aunt Angie. You let him help you today. I wish I was strong enough not to be such a burden, or I’d be there too.”
“God, Daddy. You’ve never been a burden. You’re my solace when things get tough. Love you. Thanks for listening.”
“Bye, princess.”
Feeling a bit silly and overprotective for making the call, she still knew it had been the right thing to do. After all, she’d just met the man and though he’d seemed to know exactly the tone to take with Maisie, had charmed her out of her tantrum and into his arms within minutes, she still had a responsibility to make sure he wasn’t a weirdo. That Maisie would be safe.
Now dressed in a pair of old jeans and sweatshirt that had seen better days but were perfect for the cleaning spree she intended, she grabbed the clothes she’d set aside for Maisie for that day and hurried back to the kitchen to find Jack on his cellphone.
“I called Angie to tell her I’d found the place, and we’d be a bit later than expected. They were preparing her to go for X-rays, so I didn’t have much time, but she’s okay with the new plan.”
“Oh, good. I’m glad you thought of her. I’ve been in such a dither lately; I don’t know if I’m coming or going.”
Jack laughed at the old saying, something he’d heard Angie repeating often. Only Angie usually added, “or… decided to stay home.”
“I’ll fix Maisie some fruit and yogurt before you leave. Would you like some too? We have enough to share.”
“How about I organize the fruit while you get her highness ready?”
“Thank you. It’s all there on the counter, I was just starting breakfast before you arrived.” She pointed to the food and then held her hand toward Maisie. “Come and get ready, munchkin.”
Maisie didn’t like being taken from her new hero. “Mia, me stay with man.”
“His name is Jack, honey. But you have to let Mia get you dressed so Jack can take you to the park.”
“Mr. Jack takes Maisie to play in the park?” She wiggled to be put down. The chatterbox completely over her tantrum was behaving like the usual cheery darling Mia recognized. Her green eyes had lit up and the dimpled smile was back.
Guiding her to the bathroom to get her ready, she answered, “If you promise to behave. He only likes good little girls, so you’ll have to show him how good Maisie can be. Okay, my pet?”
“Okay. I’m a good girl, Mama Mia. Right?”
Mia laughed at the silly name that Jasmine had always used, and Maisie had picked up. Though she’d called Jassie mommy, often they’d both referred to her as Mama Mia. It had been their joke.
Mia hugged Maisie tight. “You’re a true angel, my lovie.” After a quick sponge bath, she gently brushed the knots from Maisie’s thick, reddish curls. She tied it back in the low-hanging pony because the child wanted her hair to be like Mia’s.
There was a time when Jassie and her little girl had battled over keeping her beautiful hair out of her face and the only way she’d agree to letting her mom tie it back was if she could wear it like Mia, and so they’d made a compromise. Now it was taken for granted that she’d let her hair be done in whatever style Mia fixed her own hair in.
“When you go to the park with Jack, you promise to behave and play nice with the other kids, right?” There were some kids who liked to fight, or bully, and Maisie didn’t allow anyone to push her around.
Jasmine’s personality traits showed up in her little girl, and this was one of them that never failed to shock Mia. Their aggressive little girl didn’t stand for anyone taking advantage of her or those she liked and could be a monster demon if pushed.
