Page 7 of Single Dad's Christmas Gift
It snows before we leave town. A few flakes are stuck to the humongous Christmas tree on the town square.
Layla is looking too. A smile hovers around her lips. She’s so transparent. Like Evie, I can tell what she’s thinking.
“I have blankets in the back. Tell me if you feel cold.”
“It’s warm in here.”
She unwraps her scarf and lets it hang loose around her neck.
“I brought coffee if you fancy it. It’s not a long trip and there are a couple of rest stops along the way, but Mr. Potts likes carrot cake, so I made some.”
“I’ll have to try it then. Auntie Caitlin says your carrot cake is better than Mom’s. I won’t believe that until I try some.”
“Now that’s a compliment. I love your mom’s cooking and baking. If my mom wasn’t such a superb cook, I’d be jealous of you.”
“Exactly! I’ll try it when we’ve handed over the boxes.”
“So, Toy Story?”
I frown at her.
“Is that a condescending note I hear?”
“Of course not. It’s just so stereotypical.”
“Why do I feel you’re laughing at me?”
She chuckles.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh.”
“You did.”
I’m pretending I’m offended, but I’m not. I love seeing her laugh like this.
“It’s an action movie. From what I’ve seen, most guys like love action films. I just thought you’d say something different.”
“What made you think that?”
“The way you care about Evie. You’re not like most dads I’ve met. They care about their children, but most are not so hands on. Or understanding psychological issues like the one Evie is going through. Maybe it’s because you’re a doctor.”
“Are you saying that for a man, I’m not macho enough, Miss. Shah?” I growl.
“No!”
I laugh, unable to keep a straight face at the way she’s flustered. I stop at a red light and watch her.
She stares at me. Her eyes narrow, then she’s laughing too.
“Maybe I deserved that.”
“I didn’t mean to laugh,” I repeat her words.
She laughs harder.
“I’ll remember to never cross you,” she says.
“Toy Story wasn’t just an action movie, though. Did you watch it?”
