“Of course,” she says. “She’s a big part of our life.”
I freeze. Is Charlotte getting attached to Mabel? If I pursue something with Mabel eventually and it doesn’t work out, will Charlotte get hurt? I hadn’t thought about that issue, but I really should. It’s a whole newwhat if.
Except, fuck that.
It’s ten steps down the road, and I’ve raised my daughter to handle life when shit goes wrong. Charlotte’s a strong person. I’m not going to let my kid be an issue.
Besides, if I want Mabel to want more than an arrangement, I need to show her why I’m worth breaking the rules for.
Operation Win My Business Partner’s Heart begins today.
“Let’s give it to her together,” I say.
“Works for me.”
We go inside and find more sweaters with animal illustrations on them. “Which color do you think will look best on her?”
Charlotte picks one, then holds it up. “It’s a very pretty sky blue that’ll look great with her big brown eyes.”
I smother a smile. But whether it’s from the description of Mabel’s eyes, or the fact my daughter’s wanting to give her a gift, I don’t know.
Either way, I like it.
When we head into Afternoon Delight, there’s a beautiful sight. A long line at the counter. Aisha’s here, helping out and taking orders, and damn, this is good to see. A busy bakery, with customers scooping up Christmas sweets, dog cookies, and other treats. I hate to say it, butThanks, Ronnie.
“Want some help?” I ask as I head behind the counter, the gift in hand.
“Yes, grab the boxes of iced snowwomen in the kitchen, the trees, and the Christmas unicorn cookies,” Mabel says, all business as she points like a gate agent directing traffic at the airport.
“Christmas unicorns? I want one,” Charlotte says as she grabs her apron from a hook.
“She likes unicorns,” I add as I head into the kitchen and set down the sweater for later.
“Dad, everyone likes unicorns,” Charlotte calls out.
“I like unicorns,” Aisha chimes in as I return with the boxes of cookies and my apron.
Mabel gives a nod as she rings up some smash cakes, then points to the counter and the customer who ordered the cookies. I hand over the goods.
“Everyone likes unicorns,” Mabel says to the line of customers. “Am I right?”
And the answer is a resounding yes.
The day is long, longer than a day with travel and practice and a game it seems. After we close, Aisha helps clean, then she heads out, leaving the three of us to finish.
When we’re done, Charlotte clears her throat, her gaze swinging pointedly to the kitchen. “Dad, is there something you wanted to give Mabel? From us?”
I stare right back at her. “Charlotte, is there something you wanted to give Mabel?”
She grins a little evilly. “Why, yes.”
She scurries to the kitchen and grabs the gift box, then marches it right back to Mabel. “My dad and I saw this and thought it would be perfect for you. It’s from both of us.”
“You two are so sweet,” Mabel says.
We settle down at a table in the front of the store, the holiday lights still twinkling outside the shop. Mabel unwraps the paper with anticipation in those big brown eyes, then takes out the sweater, her expression softening. “This is perfect. I love it so much,” she says, then gives my daughter a hug.
Charlotte hugs her back, and that’s a real good sight. So good my chest tightens with emotions. Dangerous things. But things I’m not as scared of as I was a couple months ago.
