Page 39
“Could I, Dad? Please? We could finish the display tonight, and Ms. Shelly said I could help choose which books go in the front window.”
Duncan considered the offer.
“You’ve already been away one night, sweetheart. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather come home?”
“I’d really like to stay. I haven’t helped with the window before, and Ms. Shelly said I could choose some of the books myself.”
He looked toward Esther.
“You’re sure you’re comfortable keeping her tonight? I can collect her tomorrow morning.”
“Of course. She’s stayed with me before, and you know I enjoy having her. I’ll make sure she gets some dinner and finishes her reading assignment before we start anything else.”
Duncan looked back at Sienna.
“All right. I’ll take you home first so you can get fresh clothes and your homework. We can bring everything over before dinner, and I’ll pick you up tomorrow around ten-thirty.”
Sienna threw her arms around his waist.
“Thank you!”
He hugged her, laughing softly when she squeezed harder.
“You’re welcome. Just remember you still have to finish your reading.”
“I know. I’ll do it before the window.”
Esther smiled at me.
“She’s already a better organizer than most adults I know.”
“That’s an excellent quality in a festival assistant,” I said.
Sienna looked delighted with the promotion.
We spent another hour together, including a stop for lunch and one last wander past the craft stalls before returning to Duncan’s property.
I waited in his kitchen while Sienna went upstairs to exchange her overnight things for clean clothes, pajamas, and her school reading folder. Duncan brought her a glass of water and checked that she’d packed her toothbrush.
She returned carrying her duffel and the paper flower, which Duncan tucked safely on a shelf in the workshop before we left.
By late afternoon, we’d delivered Sienna and her belongings to Esther’s home. She was already telling Esther about the dragon pumpkin and the designs she wanted to make for the bookstore display.
Duncan confirmed the morning pickup and gave her a long hug.
“Call me if you need anything. I’ll have my phone with me.”
“I know, Dad.”
“And listen to Esther.”
“I always do.”
Esther raised her eyebrows with affectionate skepticism, making all three of us laugh.
Sienna hugged me next.
“Thanks for coming with us today, Goldie.”
