“I had some money in a trust fund that I was saving for a rainy day.”
He looks at my dad behind me. “You let her do this?”
Dad shrugs. “Have you ever tried telling a headstrong woman not to do something, lad? They turn around and do the opposite.”
Nick’s brow furrows. “Joy, you’ve seen my accounts. The business has struggled to make a decent profit for years.”
I kiss him on the cheek, wanting to kiss away all his worries. “All that’s about to change. I have big plans for the shop. You’ll see.”
Teddy steps around us, looking up at my dad. “If Joy marries my dad, will you be my new grandpa?”
I hold my breath, waiting for Dad’s response. If anyone can melt Dad’s heart, it’s Theo.
Dad’s tight lips unfurl into a smile. “You’d better come in. I’ll make us all a drink.”
29
JOY
Nick drove us back to his, after stopping off at the toy shop before we close for Christmas. “That went well.” I unclip my seatbelt.
“Of course it did, all the staff love you. It’s like all their Christmases have come at once.” He chuckles. “Admit it, they’re glad to see the back of me.”
I lean over the centre console and peck his cheek. “They don’t know you like I do. Besides, I think they’re all singing your praises with the bonus you gave them.”
Nick climbs out of the car and closes the door. “What bonus?”
I climb out and hold the back door open for Teddy. “I gave everyone a nice Christmas bonus in your name.”
He unlocks the front door with a huge grin. “I was going to give them all a little something when I received the money. Thanks, Joy.”
When we’re all in the house, Nick lugs my suitcase upstairs and helps me unpack. “You never told me your plans for the shop.”
“With all the excitement, I forgot.” I haven’t stopped talking since Nick and Teddy turned up at my dad’s. Or smiling. Even Dad made an effort with Nick and Theo. “So I’m thinking of opening the upstairs up. We need to clear out all those rooms that are full of junk. We can do children’s parties, workshops. Stuff like that. We can also set up woodwork demonstrations. You have all the traditional toy making tools upstairs.” I come up for breath.
Nick’s mouth hangs open. “Go on. This is good stuff.”
“I’d like a children’s reading corner. We can stock more books for kids to read and buy.” I tap my chin while I try to recall everything from my list. “I just think it could be so much more than just a toy shop.”
Nick strides over and kisses my forehead. “This is why I love you. You’re the best thing that ever happened to Toy Trove Treasures.” He kisses my lips. “And me.”
“Canwe set out a carrot and mince pie for therealSanta now?” Teddy says, having changed into clean pyjamas.
We all make our way downstairs. “Can we do the gingerbread house, too?” Teddy asks.
“Sure can.” Nick ruffles his hair as they walk into the kitchen.
I leave the boys to it and grab my handbag from the hall, looking for the small wrapped gift I bought Nick when we were together, a pen that says “Boss Daddy” engraved on the side. A smile tugs at my lips as I slip it under the twinkling Christmas tree. Something else catches my eye in my bag as I sit between the fireplace and the tree. An envelope addressed to Santa. The one I said I would post. With Teddy and Nick building the gingerbread house in the kitchen, I take a peek inside and hope Nick has bought what Teddy’s asked for.
Dear Santa,
Dad says you can’t perform miracles, but I think you can do this.
I’ve been good all year.
I promise.
I can send you my school reports if you need proof. Or just ask my dad. He works for you.
