Page 78 of Mail Order Surprise (Hawthorne Billionaire 3)

“Yes, I’m sure, and I’m very tired.” I yawned. “If it’s alright, I’ll stop in tonight.”

She was looking at her robe belt then glanced back up. I noticed a determined look in her expression. I’d seen that same expression from Mia over the last six months. Then she pushed her shoulders back, and her chin inched up just a tad.

“I can bring some dinner if you’d like,” I offered.

“All right, I’m off to pick up something red.” Mia winked at Chloe. “Sis, you want to come help me?”

“Definitely. Give me fifteen minutes to change.” Chloe moved to walk around me. “I guess she decided she’s going.”

“Sorry Trey, I need Chloe’s help choosing a dress for tonight.” Mia watched until Chloe was in her room. “I wouldn’t let her off the hook just yet, Trey.”

“You know?” I followed her across the room. “Does anyone else?”

“I’m not blind, and neither is the rest of the family.” Mia checked her cell then hit the intercom. “Girls, it’s time to go.”

“Don’t look so disappointed, Trey. She’s not gone yet.” Mia squeezed my hand and wandered down the hall.

“I’m leaving,” I called out to her.

I’d intended to leave, but moments later when Mia returned, I was still in the same spot.

“Trey, are you still here? You know, if you’re off work early today by any chance, we are taking Sophie to the zoo in the park. You should join us.”

Chloe and Sophie hurried into the living room before I could respond.

“Trey, I heard Mia ask you to go with us today. I really don’t want you to feel like you have to.” Chloe looked straight at me. “However, if you find yourself free, we’re going at two o’clock.”

“Yeah, Dr. Trey, come with us. They have a white bear,” Sophie said.

I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at her adorable scrunched-up nose. I slid my hands in my pant pockets and just looked at them both for a moment.

“I am her favorite doctor and her dance partner.” I pointed to Sophie. “I’ll have to let you know later. Right now, I need a nap.”

“It will be so fun if you come, too.” Sophie hugged my waist. “They even have monkeys, but I don’t think they have kangas.”

“It does sound like fun.” I patted her back. “I’ll try my best.”

“Perfect,” Mia said, pushing me toward the front door. “Now, get out. We have shopping to do before I leave. Meet us at the entrance of the zoo at two. Now, go.”

Chapter 58

Chloe

Mia had found the perfect red dress, but I couldn’t believe I’d had to work so hard to convince her to buy an amazing pair of Louboutin heels.

“You really have to get them,” I urged. “You’ve talked about the shoes with the red sole since the first day you got to New York. Now, as Parker’s wife, you can afford them. So get them.”

“It seems like a lot of money for a pair of shoes,” Mia worried over them. “I have shoes back at the penthouse.”

“No way, you’re getting them.” I grabbed the shoes from her hands and went to find the clerk. “Excuse me ma’am, could you please add the shoes to her bill?”

“Chloe, what are you doing?” Mia called out to me. “I don’t need them.”

“Yes, my dear sister, you do, and it’s done, so let’s go see some animals at the zoo,” I said, putting my hand out for Sophie. “Let’s go, Mia, the bags are on the way to the limo already.”

The ride to the zoo was a short one. “We could have walked here, that was so close,” I said, digging through the bags.

Sophie hadon her new hot pink princess backpack with bunny and teddy inside. She had made me put her hair up in a high ponytail like a princess. Mia had bought us matching sneakers while we were out shopping, and now we walked hand-in-hand through Central Park in search of the zoo.

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