“Crickey, that startled me again.” I laughed at myself. “Sophie, time to stop gluing, it’s time for the next round.”
“I can’t wait to see what it is, Mummy.” Sophie stood on my legs to see over my shoulder. “What do you think it will be?”
I didn’t have time to even guess before Diana was placing the last round of decorations on the supply table.
“Wow, Mummy, look at all the pretty feathers.” Sophie climbed off my lap.
“Sophie, you can’t go over there yet.” I tried to grab her arm.
“Hey Miss Sophie, why don’t you come stand by me for a minute.” Trey distracted her from going to the table. “I want to show you my egg.”
“Your bum nut is still the prettiest, Mr. Trey.” Sophie ran her finger across his egg. “I love those feathers over there.”
“Me too. I can’t wait to touch all of them,” I heard him say.
Trey winked at me once he had Sophie next to him. It was then that I realized that there was something worse than the effect his dimples had on me.
Seriously? This is ridiculous.
“Be careful girl, these Hawthorne men are charming,” I heard Imogen say next to me.
Chapter 9
Trey
Ishould have been watching the trays being brought in, but I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to keep looking at Chloe, although it was a little harder now with the bunny head off.
Shoot, Mia is watching me. Has she figured me out?
“Wow, Mummy look at the pretty feathers,” I heard Sophie say.
Feathers? For Easter eggs?
“This is the final round, boys and girls. You have ten minutes to get your feathers and decorate,” Mom announced. “Then we can have some lunch. I know you have to be hungry by now.”
“I’m definitely ready for lunch.” Asher leaned back and stretched. “I might as well quit. I never win anyways. Trey, are you going to win again?
“Of course I’m going to win again,” I called back to him. “Miss Sophie just said mine is the prettiest.”
I looked to Chloe as I called Sophie over to me. I wasn’t expecting the adorable blush when I winked.
Am I shameless to be using the daughter for Chloe’s attention? Nah, I like Sophie. I wouldn’t do that. I don’t need kids to get a woman’s attention.
“What’s with the goofy look on your face, Three?” Murphy stood looking at me. “Never mind, I know what the look is, but let it go.”
“What?” I asked, focusing on my egg.
“Don’t ‘what?’ me. Just this morning you asked Mom for your own Mia.”
“Yeah, and…?” I asked without looking at her. “She’s not Mia.”
“Oh please, if she were any more Mia they’d be matching girls,” Murphy chirped back.
We both laughed at Murphy’s use of “matching girls”. Kids always amazed me. Diana rang the final bell and began picking up all the supplies, then scurried, as only she does, to the doorway holding a full supply tray, then turned with a nod to my mother.
“Lunch is ready if we’re done with our decorating,” Mom announced. “Chloe, we’re so happy to have you here with us for Easter.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Hawthorne. We’re excited to be here and appreciate your hospitality,” Chloe answered. “Easter Bilby, or Bunny as you say, was a perfect touch for Sophie.”