“Or jump off the Golden Gate Bridge when they lose everything.”
His lips were sealed tighter than she’d ever seen before, making her wonder what she’d said wrong.
He didn’t speak again until they reached Highway 101 and headed south. “How did you know Mayor Larry does naked yoga? He had on clothes today.”
Points to Slade for putting that together. “Okay, I’ll admit I stumbled upon Larry in the buff yesterday morning.”
“I would have paid money to see that.” He let a smile slip. It was gone as fast as it came.
“I knew it! You are so busted.”
* * *
CHRISTINE STOOD IN the middle of a high-end jewelry store trying not to huff. She had a gazillion things to do and shopping for baubles for little girls wasn’t on her list.
How had Slade sidetracked her?
The twins flanked Slade as a sales clerk showed them lengths of chain. Faith was fingering a rapper-thick chain and Grace was looking at a more delicate one. Slade was looking as if he’d let them choose whatever they wanted, just because he wanted them to be happy. Neither choice was appropriate for a baby bracelet.
With a reluctant sigh, Christine crossed the plush carpet. “I hate to interrupt this shopapalooza, but if you choose a chain that’s thicker than the original, all anyone will look at is the chain. And if you choose anything thinner than the original chain, it’ll break and you’ll lose it.”
Her observation earned her a shadow of a scowl from each of the twins and a definite frown from the salesclerk, who had undoubtedly been looking for a heavy commission on Faith’s choice of a heavy chain.
Slade blinked at her, as if blinking helped him process her words. Or maybe he’d been hypnotized by having his daughters so near and was just now coming back to reality. “You’re right.”
“Great.” Christine clapped her hands together. “Let’s measure and pay and move along.”
Shoulders drooping, Faith let go of the thick chain.
Ten minutes later they were out the door, slogging through the heat to reach Slade’s truck.
“Come on. I know a place where we can get some fantastic dining sets.” The thin soles of Christine’s flip-flops did little to keep her feet cool on the hot pavement.
Grace took Slade’s hand. “But...”
Faith took the other. “Clothes...”
Christine sighed, recognizing the woe-is-me tactic, having used it on her own father countless times growing up. “They must have packed their bathing suits. Spend time with them floating down the river.”
He looked horrified.
She couldn’t imagine why. “Buying them things every time they ask won’t help them manage money when they’re older.”
“So I’ve been told,” he quipped. “My girls won’t need to worry about money. Ever. Especially if we stick to a budget on the winery.”
“I don’t have time to be your shopping buddy.” She dug her phone from her purse. “I’ll get a taxi.”