“Wow, what do you think, Sophie? Does the party sound like so much fun?” I placed my hand on her forehead.
“Will it be over after my bedtime?” Sophie leaned her head against me.
“Yes, it will, baby, but I’ll let you stay up longer tonight for this special party,” I said, feeling a little worried that it would indeed be too much for her.
“You can help me give out treats with the Easter Bunny,” Trey said. “Sorry, with Easter Bilby, while Aunt Mia takes pictures.”
Sophie jumped down from me to run over to Trey. “Yes, yes, yes.”
“Sophie?” Trey bent over, looking her right in the eyes “Would you and your mommy like to ride in my limo to the party?”
“What’s a limo?” Sophie asked.
“It’s a special car, like for a princess,” Trey said. “You can be a princess tonight.”
“Can Mummy be a princess too,” Sophie asked, “and Aunt Mia?”
“Of course, they can.” Trey stood and looked straight at me. “I’m sure your mommy will be a very pretty princess, just like you.”
“Let’s go get you two dressed. Wait ‘til you see the pretty gowns I got for you,” Mia said, smiling ear to ear. “I’ve been waiting all day to surprise you.”
We all headed up the stairs to get ready. Murphy trailed behind.
“Can I come play dress up with you girls?” Murphy asked from behind us. “It’s my favorite thing to do.”
“I don’t mind. Maybe Imogen wants to come, too.” I offered, looking back to the room.
“You know what, Chloe, that’s a great idea.” Murphy stopped walking. “I’ll go get her.”
“I’m so excited to be able to dress you both up,” Mia gushed as they kept walking, “especially you, Sophie.”
“We have to leave in an hour, girls, so hurry it up,” Parker announced through the intercom.
“Rack off, Dr. Hawthorne,” Mia replied back over the intercom “He won’t know what that means.”
“Will they know which Dr. Hawthorne you just told off?” I laughed.
“Oops. Sorry, everyone. Lost my head for a minute. Rack off, Dr. Parker Hawthorne. Beauty takes time,” Mia said.
Chapter 21
Trey
“Beauty takes time,” Mia said over the intercom.
“I guess she told you, Mr. Bigshot.” I poured myself a scotch. “Although I can’t imagine those girls could get any more beautiful.”
I felt the room go still, seconds before it went completely quiet.
Why did I just say that? Awkward. Say something else.
“I mean, why would either of you have a wife that isn’t beautiful, right?” I tossed back my drink. “Asher, did you let Sawyer know he got sucked into this auction tonight?”
“Nah, I’ll tell him when we get there. I don’t want him try to get out of it.” Asher stretched out on the couch. “Wake me up when it’s time to go.”
“Asher Hawthorne, go get your shower and get presentable.” Mom smacked at his feet on the couch. “And Trey, don’t go drinking too much before we get there.”
“Mother, since when do I drink too much?” I poured another scotch. “This one is for Dad.”