“Marcus tells me you’re a teacher at the girls’ school?” Jane asks, dishing out spaghetti to the girls as I pass over the salad bowl.
“I am. I taught first grade, but moved to second grade and I love it.”
“School is my favorite,” Sadie chirps.
I don’t miss the eye roll Sam gives her. I know Sam isn’t the biggest fan of school, but I’m hoping that might change with me around.
Sam and Sadie tell us all about their trip with their grandparents while we eat our dinner.
“They even took us to see their neighbor’s puppy,” Sam tells us. “They said you should get us a dog.”
“Of course they did. There will be no dog.” Marcus gives the girls a pointed look.
“But why not? We’ll take care of him.” Sadie has a pleading look on her face.
“Why don’t you two go play with some of your new Christmas gifts?” Marcus tells them, more than asking.
“Do we get dessert after?” Sam asks.
I nod. “Yes. I made cheesecake for everyone.”
Sam gives me a kiss on the cheek before running after Sadie. Having helped Marcus move all their new toys into their playroom, I know they’ll be occupied for hours.
“You won’t be able to dodge that for much longer,” I tell Marcus.
“I know. Maybe for their birthday next summer.”
“Good plan,” Jane says. “Dinner was wonderful.”
“All Marcus. I can bake, but Marcus is the chef.”
She smiles back at me. “A perfect couple then.”
Marcus peeks over at me and sends a wink my way.
“I have a present for you.”
“You didn’t have to do that.” Jane waves me off.
“I know, but I wanted you to have it.”
I walk over to the Christmas tree to grab the small box that I set under it so I wouldn’t forget it. Placing it in her hand, I watch as she unwraps it.
“Oh, Harper.”
She fingers the antique locket that I found when Rina and I went to a Christmas market when Marcus was out of town. I knew it would be perfect the minute I found it.
On one side is a picture of Jamie and her husband with Marcus, Sam, and Sadie on the other.
“We’ll need to update this photo.” She points to the one of Marcus and the girls.
“Oh.” My heart drops. I really thought she would like this.
“We’ll need one of all five of us.”
“Really?”
She nods. “I’ll need one of my entire family together.”
