Page 3 of The Wish List
“I’ll keep that in mind. Any advice?”
“Run,” he said seriously.
I began to laugh, and he grinned. Rosie’s lips twitched at the corner, but she still looked anxious.
I slid a full coffee cup her way after adding cream and sugar. “Drink up, Rosie.”
Her brow furrowed. “How did you know how I like my coffee?”
I shook my head. “I didn’t. But you need the sugar. You just had a scare.”
“Momma, can I go look at the display?”
In the corner, not far from the table, was yet another Christmas wonderland. Asher seemed fascinated by it.
“Make sure your momma can see you,” I admonished him gently as she nodded in permission.
“I will!”
He hurried away, standing and watching the animated scene in rapture.
“So, Asher,” she said. “Do you have a last name?”
“Yes.” I waited a beat.
She shook her head. “Care to share?”
I stuck out my hand. “Asher Hart. Asher William Hart, in case you need the whole name for when I’m in trouble.”
She slipped her hand in mine. It was small and felt cool to my skin. The skin was pale, her fingers delicate. Her nails were short and natural, and she wore no jewelry. It was hard to release her from my grip. She blushed at my words, the pretty color suffusing her skin.
“I doubt I’ll need it.”
I winked. “I have it on good authority from my sister that I’m trouble.”
She smiled and took a sip of her coffee. I found myself mesmerized by her actions. It was the oddest thing.
“Christmas shopping?” I asked, clearing my throat.
“Sort of. He loves coming here to Zoles,” she murmured. “I did as a child too. I bring him every year.”
“AJ?” I asked. “Short for…?”
“Asher Joseph.”
“Ah. And how old is AJ?” I asked.
“He’ll be five in January.”
“You called out Asher when you were looking for him. Not AJ. Not his full name either.”
“I panicked, and I wasn’t thinking. It is rare I say his full name. He’s a good boy.”
“I can see that.” I sipped my coffee. “So, you’resort ofChristmas shopping?”
“Browsing, really. I have his gifts already.” She smiled tightly. “I’m his only parent.”
“His father is not in the picture?” I had assumed that somehow, but I needed to be sure.
