"I’m sure he says that to all the parents and minders," I grin. "I certainly pay enough in fees to keep the coach sweet."
Ella laughs at my dig.
"Nah, he’s okay. He’s very good with Jagger. You’re getting your money’s worth, I promise."
"Good to know."
"It’s rather quiet around here tonight. Where is everyone?"
"I gave the staff the night off. Sent them into town to let down their hair, so to speak."
"I see," Ella smirks.
"Now we can make as much noise as we like," I grin.
"Very clever."
"I thought so."
"I planned on making you my favorite dish for dinner, but the bug had other ideas."
"That’s okay. Chef did a bang-up job with this pasta, so I’ll let you off the hook."
"You’re too kind. Sooo, what’s in the bag?"
"Oh, you spotted that, did you?"
"I’m a woman. I see everything," she smiles.
"I bought you a little something."
"Ooh, a present. I like presents."
"To be perfectly honest, I may have bought it more for me than for you," I grin.
"Did you, now? Okay, hand it over. Let me see."
I hand her the little bag. Her eyes are sparkling as she pulls out the gift paper. Ella looks inside the gift bag and then at me.
"Is this what I think it is?" she chuckles.
"I hope you don’t mind. I saw it and thought of you."
"I’m glad it isn’t a set of power tools," she laughs.
"I’ll save that for our anniversary."
"Don’t you dare," she laughs, pulling the negligee out of the bag.
"Oh, wow. It’s gorgeous. Another win for Victoria."
"I guess the secret’s out of the bag now."
"Clever. Shall I put it on for you?"
"Oh, yes, please."
"I’m not going to ask how you know my size. I’m sure it’s some sort of a conversion chart thing."