When Zoe drops the leaf, I do as well and take her hand. Slowly, we walk along the sensory garden, bent over it, concentrating.
I need this time with my young daughter. These snatched moments are rare.
It shook me seeing Dad and his devastation to be dragged away from me.
I understand his love because I feel it for Zoe.
I tighten my hold on her hand, pointing to the ornamental grasses. The light breeze rustles through them.
I place my finger to my lips. “Listen. Can you hear the wind whispering?”
Zoe nods enthusiastically.
Softly, it begins to snow.
My heart sinks, as the snowflakes feather on my cheeks.
Five more minutes.
Just give me five more minutes with my precious daughter.
When I bend over to sniff the plants, Zoe copies me.
“Witch hazel,” I name like I always do.
“Pretty.” Zoe strokes over the yellow and orange flowers.
“Honeysuckle.”
“Hmm.” Zoe pulls me further along the courtyard.
It is snowing harder now. I wipe my hand across my eyes.
I bend further over the wooden border, snapping off needle-like pieces of foliage to pass to Zoe to rub between her fingers. “Rosemary. It smells yummy. Just like the even yummier…orange espresso.”
I break off with shock.
Orange espresso.
What. The. Fuck?
“Toasted marshmallow,” a commanding voice replies. “Even yummier.”
I shiver but not from cold.
All of a sudden, my entire body feels like it has been awoken.
I straighten and find myself face to face, startlingly close, to a strange Alpha.
I push Zoe carefully behind me.
I swallow, staring up into the man’s pale blue eyes.
My heart is beating too fast. I wasn’t expecting to meet an Alpha in the staff gardens. Only Icarus comes here, since Mayawouldn’t get her hands dirty by venturing this far into the staff quarters.
I had forgotten that new Alphas had been brought onto the staff to delve into the finances. Plus, this man does look exactly how I would imagine a hot accountant would.
Well, in my dreams. And if he was a mob accountant.
