Page 110 of Truth (Wicked Empire 2)

“I have no idea what you mean,” Kayla said with a giant smile. “Although I could remind you that I said something similar when you were considering hiring someone. But I wouldn’t do that.”

I laughed, pleased to see this side of her, and knowing I deserved a little teasing.

I had talked her ear off about the pros and cons of hiring a nanny, and she’d listened patiently, encouraged me, but didn’t push.

She had earned the right to tease me a little.

“Did Elias send you over?”

“Yes and no,” she said.

“Well, you know I didn’t miss those bags, so more gifts?” I asked.

“Here you go,” she responded, handing me one of the two bags she had brought with her.

“Is that from—”

She nodded, cutting me off.

I pulled the box out of the bag and then opened it, stunned at the platinum and diamond earrings that were in the box. The packaging material itself was beyond luxurious, so I didn’t even want to imagine how much the earrings cost.

I froze and looked at Kayla, then shrugged.

“I tried to tell him that half a carat earrings might be a bit much for a three-week-old, but you can imagine how well he listened to reason.”

I laughed. “Yes, I can.”

She cleared her throat, and then shifted in her seat. “And here’s one more thing.”

She handed me another bag, this one a standard gift bag, the kind I would have imagined at the baby shower I hadn’t been able to have.

I pulled open the tissue paper and took out a blanket, one that was so soft I couldn’t help but rub it.

I opened it, and saw Crystal’s name embroidered in the corner with beautiful thread.

The design was simple and stunning, and I couldn’t wait to swaddle Crystal with it.

“It’s beautiful, Kayla. Seems a little understated for Elias,” I said with a smile.

She cleared her throat. “Um…I hope I’m not overstepping, but that’s from me.”

“Thank you. And of course you’re not overstepping,” I said. “Which boutique did you get this from?”

“You don’t like it?” she asked, her eyes wide. “I can take care of it if you don’t.”

“Just the opposite. I love it. I think it would be nice to have a couple more,” I said.

She gave me a slight smile. “Um…I made it,” she said.

“You made it?” I repeated.

“Yeah. My grandmother taught me my way around a needle. Mostly for patching up old clothes and that kind of thing. But I embroider a little, too.”

I looked at the beautiful blanket, the detail in Crystal’s name. “You embroider a little. Understatement.”

“Thank you,” she said.

“No, Kayla. Thank you.”

She smiled, then shifted, a reminder of how much open affection seemed to make her uncomfortable. Which was never my intention.

I started to say that, but was saved by the bell.

“Sounds like someone’s awake,” I said when I heard Crystal’s little cry.

Kayla smiled at me, and I stood.

“Do you want to come visit with her?” I asked.

She stood and smiled again. “I’d love to.”

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