The Missing Heir(87)

                Cole shot forward to grab him before he could go head over heels. Otis stayed a safe pace behind.

                “Nice job,” Cole praised Zachary.

                “He just started doing that,” said Amber. She found herself ridiculously happy to have Cole share the moment.

                “Merry Christmas,” came Luca’s cheerful voice.

                He and Destiny emerged from the foyer, Luca’s arm firmly planted around her waist, a sappy grin on his face. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her lips were slightly swollen. No need to guess who’d come up with the idea of dropping by tonight.

                “I brought you a present,” Cole said to Amber.

                Her glance went to the packages, instantly guilty because she hadn’t bought anything for him. “Oh, Cole, you shouldn’t have.”

                “Oh. Uh...no.” He looked contrite. “These are for Zachary.”

                In his arms, Zachary was already plucking at the ribbons.

                “I’m your present.”

                “Excuse me?” She couldn’t believe she’d heard him right, or that he’d made such an outrageous statement in front of Destiny and Luca.

                “I’m here to make sure Zachary gets to sleep tonight.”

                She felt relieved. Or maybe it was disappointed. Sure, it would be mortifying to have Cole show up and announce he wanted to sleep with her. Then again, it would be awfully exciting to have Cole show up and announce he wanted to sleep with her.

                She realized everyone was staring at her.

                She quickly reined in her wayward thoughts. “You didn’t have to do that.”

                “No trouble. Can I put these under the tree?”

                “Sure. Of course. But I can’t guarantee Zachary will stay away from them.”

                Cole looked at the clock. It was coming up on eight.

                “He can sit with me for a while,” he said. “That should keep him out of trouble.”

                Otis selected a spot near the tree in front of an armchair and curled up to watch.

                “Mind if I steal Destiny?” Luca asked. “We’ve got a car and a driver, and I want to take in the lights.”

                “Ask Destiny,” said Amber.

                “Do you mind?” Destiny asked her.

                “Go, go. Have fun. I’ve got the baby whisperer here to make my life easy.”

                Luca tugged Destiny against his side. “Your chariot awaits.”

                Cole set the gifts under the tree while Destiny and Luca all but scampered out the front door.

                “Did he drag you here?” asked Amber.

                Cole rose, Zachary happily bopping him on the top of the head. “What? Who?”

                “Luca. He was pretty single-minded about getting Destiny out the door. I’m assuming you’re the sacrificial lamb.”