Satisfied everything was taken care of, I wandered into the sunroom where Sofia and Eve stood by the easel. Sofia was explaining the trick to making snowflakes on the canvas with a sponge. The background on her painting was blue, and she was carefully touching the sponge to the canvas.
Sofia enjoyed making things. She was always talking about her next project and what she wanted to create.
"This is great, Sofia. Something like this would look nice in the inn or town hall."
Sofia's eyes widened. "You'd hang it up at the town hall?"
"It would fit perfectly. I love it," Eve said, and I had a feeling she wasn't just being nice. She really liked it.
I could see the appeal in having an original work hanging on the wall, even if it was created by an eleven-year-old.
"If you want something specific, I could make it for you," Sofia said.
"I like this one." Then she looked around at the other canvases leaning against the wall. "They're all so pretty."
I'd created a ledge around the room where she could rest the canvases to dry or be displayed. There was a string lined with clothesline clips higher up that held her paper paintings.
"This room is really nice."
Sofia smiled. "During the day, there's lots of light, and it's nice to paint here."
"I bet it is."
"You two almost ready for dinner?" There were only a few more minutes on the timer, and I wasn't sure I could watch these two interact any longer. It was doing weird things to my heart. I hadn't seen Sofia like this with anyone except her mother and grandmother.
It was nice to see her interact with another woman but hard at the same time.
"Thank you for showing me your paintings, Sofia."
Sofia set the brush on the edge of the easel. "I can show you how to make something later."
"Sofia, Miss Eve is here to talk to me about the holiday party, remember?"
Her nose screwed up. "Can you come back another time to paint with me?"
I sighed. "I'm sure Eve is busy since it's the holiday season, and she runs Christmas Town."
Sofia's eyes went round. "You run Christmas Town? Does that mean you know Santa?"
Eve looked at me for guidance.
"You know the Santas in towns and malls are just Santa's helpers, right?"
Sofia rolled her eyes. "I know. But I still want him to tell the real Santa what I want."
I wasn't sure how much longer she would believe in Santa. She'd already mentioned that other kids in her class were adamant that the parents were giving the presents.
"Stop by anytime, and I'll show you around."
Sofia turned to face me, her hands pressed together as if she was praying. "Please, Daddy."
I had a feeling she emphasized the wordDaddywhen she wanted something, but I was powerless to say no to her. She'd already lost a mother. I didn't want her to feel like she was missing out on anything else.
"We can go to Christmas Town. Now, wash your hands for dinner."
Sofia squealed, then disappeared into the powder room. I heard the water turn on as we walked into the kitchen.
"She's a great kid."
