Page 77 of We Three Kings

Do I really hear her unzipping her wallet? This girl is as stubborn as she is sweet. “I’m buying, little one. Don’t argue.”

My tone doesn’t allow for any. She clutches the fake red leather. “Okay Daddy.”

Despite my frustration in failing to prove to her we’ll provide for her, my balls pulse from her calling me that. “Now did you say that size because it’s all you want or because it’s the cheapest?”

No answer except for her tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She doesn’t want to lie or earn my ire. I reach over and squeeze her thigh, letting her know her mistake is forgiven. Graceful fingers pat the back of my hand until she yanks her arm away.

I get it. She’s confused. For now. She won’t be for much longer.

Once we reach the speaker, I order a huge black coffee no frills and her girly drink in a large like she deserves. While we wait our turn up to the window, she yanks out a little note pad and pencil.

“So what size tree were you thinking?”

“I like how organized you are. Now I know why you’re so good at your job.”

She beams from my praise. The effort to build her up comes so easily. All she needs is genuine encouragement to understand how amazing we think she is.

“Thank you.” A flutter of lashes as she blinks in my direction before she turns shy again. “Is that what London said?”

“Yeah, and she’s a ballbuster so if she says you’re good, then you’re good.”

“I can tell by the admiration in your voice that you really like her.”

If that’s not a hint of jealousy I hear, then I’m the lost one. “I do. But in a different way than I like you. She’s tough, makes a good boss. You’re smart, that makes her an even better boss because you’re good with the details.”

The breathlesswowI hear as she flips the green cover to the clean sheet below forces me to have to adjust myself. She doesn’t notice. Or pretends not to. Either way is fine. We’ve got plenty of time for her to learn when I need her.

“If it’s not too much, how about one in the foyer and one in the den?”

We can do better than that. Especially the more she decorates, the more she’ll be at the house. “How about one for every window?”

Her eyes widen as she seems to do a quick calculation of my enormous home.

“That’s more than ten trees!”

“Then we better get a lot.”

Finally, our turn comes for pick up. We sip our drinks while I navigate the traffic, and she peppers me with questions for her list. All my answers ensure the maximum amount of work and time which equate to maximum amount ofher.

After forty minutes, I turn into the gravel path. If you didn’t know what you were looking for, you’d zip right past the private driveway for employees only. Luckily, since we’re inching along, I can stare at her for longer than normal rather than the road.

Her innocent wonder almost breaks my resolve. Huge brown eyes search the farm of rolling fields showcasing the firs, spruces, and scotches as far as you can see. The rows meet in the center where a blazing fire roars and a table loaded with cookies and hot chocolate waits for us.

Tinsel, the caretaker’s golden retriever, barks and wags his tail as I park near the small cabin used as the shop. Eager to get to the dog, Seraphina slips out of the vehicle without waiting for me to escort her down.

I hold my reprimand for later when I’m in a punishing mood with her. With the glowing smile on her striking face, I only chuckle as I join her in corralling the lovable beast.

The overgrown puppy jumps again, pawing at her shoulders and licking her face. Dainty fingers ruffle his furry ears while she giggles and tells him how cute he is. The affection encourages him, and he bounds back into her after dropping to his feet, almost slamming her to the ground.

My admonishment to the canine makes his tail droop and her face fall. Once again, I forget her soft heart. But she has to know I’ll never let anything hurt her. “He’s going to knock you over if he doesn’t settle down.”

She gives me an understanding nod, but her expression remains mournful.

Nicholas strides forward. “It’s good to see you Mr. Wiseman.”

I accept his outstretched hand. “You too. This is Seraphina.”

Her relationship to me is none of his concern, except that she’s important. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be out here spending the day with her.

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