The Missing Heir(85)

                “Excuse me?”

                “With a puppy, you put him down between the two people and both call him. Whoever the dog runs to wins.”

                Cole grinned. “I do like my chances with that.”

                “Sometimes the simplest solutions work best.”

                “Can we suggest it to the judge?”

                “Only if you want him to order a psychological evaluation.”





                                      Ten

                Christmas Eve, Amber and Destiny had settled down in a corner of the penthouse living room in front of the twinkling tree and the gas fireplace, cups of eggnog in their hands. Zachary was bathed and wearing red-and-white snowflake pajamas. They’d already snapped a few pictures of him looking so adorable, and now he was busy pulling himself up on pieces of furniture, trying to toddle from one handhold to the next, falling down on his diapered bottom with each attempt.

                “At least he’s tenacious,” said Destiny.

                “Stubborn,” said Amber. “And not always in a good way.”

                But she had to admire him in this. He picked himself up again, gripped the coffee table, made it to standing, then set his sights on the ottoman.

                “Is it just me,” asked Amber, “or does he seem extraordinarily intelligent?”

                “He seems extraordinarily intelligent.”

                “I thought so. I only had to tell him once to leave the tree alone.”

                “And here I thought the pine needles prickled his hands.”

                “Maybe,” Amber allowed. “Do you mind very much that we’re staying in tonight?”

                Over the past few years, she and Destiny had always travelled somewhere fun for Christmas. Last December they’d gone snowboarding at a great resort in Switzerland. This year, travelling would have been a lot more complicated with Zachary along. Amber knew it would be better relaxing at home. She also wanted to keep him in his routine, since tomorrow would be such an exciting day.

                She knew he had no concept of Santa and wouldn’t even realize the presents had appeared overnight. Still, she found herself looking forward to the morning. She was certain he’d take to unwrapping just fine. And she hoped he’d like playing with the toys she’d picked out.

                “Not at all. This is fun, too,” said Destiny. “The eggnog’s fantastic. And the view from here is great.”

                “What about Luca?” Amber asked. She’d been curious about their budding relationship for days now. But whenever she and Destiny were together, the court case had taken all of their attention.

                “He’s still in town,” said Destiny.

                “I know he’s still in town. I see Cole every day at the office. What I’m asking is if anything has happened between you two?”

                “Define happened.”

                “Have you kissed him?”

                “A few times.” Destiny covered a smile with a sip of eggnog.