Page 29 of Temporary Wife Temptation

“Of course, my love.”

The kitchen door shut behind them and she rounded on him. “What are you doing?”

“Helping you win custody of Sophie,” he said mildly, fighting back a smile.

“I really appreciate your help—I do—but do you have to ham it up so much? She’s going to see right through us.”

“Did you see the woman’s face? We have her completely charmed.”

“You mean you have her charmed.” Natalie sighed, inexplicable sadness flitting across her face.

“What’s wrong?” He frowned, bewildered by her sudden mood change.

“Nothing’s wrong. The day must be catching up with me.” She gathered the ice cream and berries on a platter. “Let’s go back out before Norma wonders where her dessert is.”

Once dessert and coffee were served, Natalie lifted her drowsy daughter from her high chair. “Norma, would you excuse me while I put Sophie down?”

“Of course,” said Norma, smiling from ear to ear. “Please, don’t rush on my account.”

“Don’t worry, honey. I won’t let our guest become bored,” Garrett said and earned himself a warning glance from his wife.

“So, Garrett,” Norma said, her voice suddenly firm, after Natalie left the room with the baby.

His gaze shot back to the social worker. He’d been staring after the swing of Natalie’s hips, and he had to clear his throat before answering. “Yes, Norma. Could I offer you anything else?”

“No, I couldn’t eat another bite,” she said. “I have a couple of questions for you.”

His shoulders tensed. Had she saved the hardest part for last? Without Natalie there, she could easily catch him in a lie when it came to Sophie. “Go right ahead.”

“You must be very busy with work. Are you gone from home often?” Norma’s gaze became laser sharp and she leaned in for his answer.

Garrett had to improvise fast. “I do work long hours, but I try to be home for dinner at least twice a week. I can’t avoid business trips but delegate when I can.”

“Don’t you think it’ll be hard for Natalie to bear the brunt of the child rearing?”

“My father and sister adore little Sophie, and will help out often while we’re in LA. Once the adoption is finalized and Natalie’s ready to transition to New York, the Davises will want to spend as much time as possible with their granddaughter. If we get custody, that is.”

Norma stared at him with narrowed eyes. A lesser man would’ve broken out in a cold sweat, but Garrett held her gaze with the most congenial expression he could muster. Does the woman even blink?

“How about the rest of the time? Both of you will be working.”

“Natalie is leaning toward a Montessori nursery. Sophie is impatient to learn how to do things on her own, and a Montessori program would foster her independent spirit.” Garrett paused to study the social worker’s reaction. She wore an unfaltering poker face so he decided to hedge his bets. “However, I feel a bit overprotective, and would like to hire a nanny for the baby until she’s around two. We’re still figuring things out.”

“Will you be moving to New York at the end of the year as well? Or will you be a weekend dad?”

“I’m absolutely moving to New York with my family.” It was a bald-faced lie but a part of him was thrilled by the idea.

This isn’t real, Song.

“Hmm,” she said, releasing him from her scrutiny. He had no idea if he’d passed or failed the test.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Natalie hurried down the stairs, the front of her blouse wet and crumpled. “Sophie decided I needed a bath, too.”

“You’re doing a wonderful job with her.” Norma smiled and patted his wife’s shoulder. “I hope you and your family are happy together. You deserve it after everything you and that sweet child have gone through.”

“Thank you.” The corners of Natalie’s answering smile wobbled. “That means a lot.”

“Well, then. It’s time for me to head home to my family,” Norma said, rising from the table.

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