Page 16 of The Duke Who Saved Christmas
CHAPTER FOUR – THOMAS
“Is it enough snow?”
I peered out of the window. “I don’t think it’s sticking yet.”
Danny huffed and dropped back away from the window. “I want to build a snowman.”
“Oh, you will.” I ruffled his sandy blonde hair, careful to avoid the cut on his forehead that was sure to leave a little scar. “The snow will stick before you know it. Remember last year?”
“No.”
I grinned. That wasn’t true. I knew he remembered because he’d asked every day if it was time to build a snowman, then when it was, he’d lasted ten minutes before he’d decided he was too cold and wanted to go inside.
It’d taken us three days to finish building his snowman.
“Sure, you do,” I said, scooping him up and tossing him over my shoulder. “You moaned and moaned and—”
“Uncle Tommy!” Danny shrieked. “Ahhhh!”
“What are youdoingin here?” Mum asked, walking into the room. “Oh, Thomas, put him down.”
“Why? He likes it up there.”
“The shrieking says otherwise. Plus, he’s on concussion watch, remember?”
Danny wriggled.
“Fine, fine.” I slid him down to the ground while he giggled his little arse off. “Nanny is a such a spoilsport,” I whispered to him.
Mum leant over and clipped me around the back of the head. “I heard that.”
“Ow.” I rubbed where she’d just slapped me, wincing a little. “Where’s Zara?”
Danny looked up. “Mummy! Is she home now?”
Mum knelt down in front of him and cupped his face, an expression of regret on hers. “She’s not going to be home for a few more days, sweetie, I’m sorry.”
His lower lip jutted outwards. “Where’s Mumma?”
“At the shop. She’s got lots and lots of Christmas orders to fulfil. Lots of people want her wreaths,” Mum explained softly. “Although she told me to tell you that she’s going to take you for McDonald’s for dinner if you’re good today.”
All his sadness was wiped away with the promise of the magic restaurant. “I can have a Happy Meal?”
“And a McFlurry,” Mum whispered conspiratorially. “I know you’re sad and miss Mummy, but when she’s home, she’s here foragesfor Christmas, okay?”
Danny nodded. “Nanny, will you come for McDonald’s too?”
“Oh, we’ll have to ask Mumma. I think she wants a special dinner with you.”
“Okay.” A bit of sadness tinged his tone.
“Hey, buddy,” I said, crouching down next to Mum. “I have to run the tree farm today. Why don’t you come with me and be my special helper?”
He turned to me, his eyes lighting up. “Really?”
“Oh, yeah, and I know that Mrs. O’Shea is working today. I bet she’s going to have some sweeties in her bag, and I’ll pretend not to see you eating them all.”
The grin that stretched across his little face brought a shine to his eyes. “Nanny, can I? Can I?”
