Page 28 of Sew Matcha in Love
“I do.” Penny’s Valentine gown wasn’t just a ploy. She and Tasha were coming by tomorrow to choose a design. “I could move some things around. Come in the mornings and stay for lunch.”
“I say do it, then. You had fun this morning, right?”
“I did.”
“Then it’s a no-brainer.”
The afternoon passed even more quickly than the morning had, and by dismissal I was filled with joy and drained of energy. I waited for the girls in the school lobby, and my heart warmed again as they ran to me the instant they saw me. Isla and Amelie looked like they stepped out of a catalog, with their tiny pink peacoats, matching ballet-themed backpacks, and shiny black boots.
When we got home, we had a quick snack and went outside to play. Though the air was chilly, the sun blazed its warmth, something I loved about living in Colorado. I rocked in the creaky porch swing as they released their excess energy on my old playset. If I could bottle up even a little of their endless fuel, I’d be better for it.
I returned to the book fair the next day and had a glorious time helping the girls spend their money. On my recommendation, they’d each purchased their own copy ofAnne of Green Gables.I was surprised they weren’t familiar with theclassic Canadian story and promised to read it with them at bedtime.
They climbed into bed, propped up on pillows with Laffy and Vennie cuddled up at their sides. I’d also purchased a copy of the book. I had several copies of my own, but I thought it might be easier for us all to find our place if we all had the same edition.
“Wynnie?”
“Yes, Amelie?”
“Can we call Mommy? She might like this story. She’s from Canada.”
I smiled. “Of course.” I retrieved her tablet from the top of the dresser. I kept their electronics downstairs with me at night. “Here you go.”
I’d been in the background a few times last week when the girls had video-called their mom, but I hadn’t spoken to her. I felt the anxiety creep in. Had she even had a say in who Zaki hired to take care of their girls? I suddenly felt put on the spot.
“Hi, Mommy!” The girls bent over the tablet and held up their books.
“It’s story time!” Amelie said. “Wynnie is going to read to us. Want to listen?”
“It’s a Canada story!” Isla said. “And you’re in Canada!”
“I am. That’s very nice of her.” Viki sounded tired, defeated. My heart cracked for her. I couldn’t imagine how much she must miss her daughters. “Turn the screen so I can say bonjour to your sweet nanny.”
Amelie held up the screen and switched the view.
“Bonjour,” I said. “Nous lisonsAnne…la maison aux pignons verts.”
“Mon préféré. Les filles vont adorer. Merci de le leur lire, et merci de m’inclure.”
“De rien.” I smiled. “It’s my favorite, too.”
“Wynnie speaks French, Mommy.” Isla took the tablet from Amelie and switched the view back.
“Very well too, I must say. So, are we ready to start? My healthcare providers have me on a strict schedule here.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “It’s almost my bedtime.”
The girls giggled, but I wondered how Viki’s recovery was coming along.
“I’ll get started right away. Page five, girls.” I waited until they were ready. “Chapter one: Mrs. Rachel Lynde is surprised. Mrs. Rachel Lynde lived just where the Avonlea main road dipped down into a little hollow, fringed with alders and ladies’ eardrops and traversed by a brook that had its source away back in the woods of the old Cuthbert place…”
CHAPTER 10
Zaki
Iwoke up Wednesday to a text from Viki:Call the girls at 7:30 p.m. their time.
We were flying to Tampa this afternoon, so that would be nine thirty. I could do that. I already planned to call them at eight.
I texted back.Want to tell me why?
