“And their father?”
“I don’t know. I think it’s Spencer’s way of appeasing them. But I’m worried it’ll just make things worse.”
“Worse for the kids? Or for you?”
She considered this. “I guess for me.”
“What is their father like?”
She briefly described Spencer, perhaps painting him in even better light than deserved, but nothing untrue. And perhaps what he would one day be. “I think he wants to be a good dad, but he just doesn’t quite know how.”
“Maybe you’re helping him?”
“I don’t know about that. Maybe.”
“Well, I’m no expert on these things, but I think you should go with the royals to Vienna, spend a little more time with this struggling family. Really, what could it hurt? You may have an enjoyable time. Take a risk, Meri. You’ve always been an adventuresome gal. Maybe something unexpected will come ofit.”
She explained how she’d just been praying for direction.
“Seems like God was listening.” Dad chuckled. “That is, if you trust your old man’s judgment.”
“You know I do, Dad. More than anyone.”
“Well, I say go for it, Meri. And text me the details as they unfold. I want to read all about your adventure when we get backin range, which should be about a week—God willing and the creek don’t rise. Or wildfires.”
She laughed. “Okay then. If I’m really going, I better get packed, or they’ll be leaving without me.”
“Get to it, girl.” He told her he loved her and that she was always in his prayers.
“I love you too, Dad. I pray for all of you brave hikers every day. Be safe.”
After she hung up, she dumped out her flimsy canvas bag into the small case then opened the wardrobe. Once she decided what would be useful in Vienna for a few days, she packed the items neatly into the bigger suitcase. Part of her thought this was the stupidest thing she could possibly do, but another part of her felt excited and hopeful. After all, Dad had given her a big green light. She was going!
18
Because the fancy suite at the Ritz had only two bedrooms other than the master, Meredith suggested she share a room with Kat. “Or with Mishka, if that’s preferable,” she added when Kat’s eyes flashed in alarm. She must’ve overstepped.
“Yes, yes, Meri. You must stay in my room,” Mishka insisted as he opened the door to reveal a nice room with two twin beds.
“No,” Kat said abruptly. “Meri will stay with me. Girls stick together.” She opened her door to reveal a good-sized room with two queen beds and its own bath.
“That sounds like a sensible plan,” Meredith agreed.
“Not to me.” Mishka’s lower lip stuck out as he dragged his bag into his bedroom.
“I’ll still tuck you in at night,” Meredith called out as a compromise. She was surprised Kat was willing to share her room and, judging by Spencer’s expression, he was too. “I can help you unpack too.” She followed him into the smaller room.
“Okay,” he conceded, “but I still don’t think it’s fair Kat gets to have you.”
“Well, maybe I can bunk with you tomorrow.” She opened his case. “Take turns.”
He brightened. “And you have to ride with me on the Giant Ferris Wheel too. Remember, I asked you first.”
She laughed. “I would love that.” She helped him unpack then went into Kat’s room to unpack her own things. Kat was sitting cross-legged on her bed, hunched over her phone, suitcase still packed and on the floor.
“I bet you’re texting Kalina,” Meredith said as she opened a case.
“Uh-huh.”
