Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 50006 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50006 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Essie smiled. “I know. I took a while to believe they were real, and I’m the girl they’re speaking to.”
“They? Don’t tell me you chat with Esther too? How many ghosts are around here?” Tiffanie said, hoping her employer hadn’t suffered a mental episode.
“Just those two. I am quite sane and rooted in the real world. In case you were wondering, Esther and Edmund assured me when the doctor stopped your treatment that the change in the chemo plan was perfect. You didn’t need any more.”
“They told you this a week ago?” Tiffanie asked. “And you didn’t tell me?”
“How could I? Would you have believed me? The important thing was that you didn’t suffer through anymore chemo if you didn’t have to, and the doctor had already cut that off.”
Tiffanie stared at Essie, and the pieces of the puzzle clicked into place. “You did say something, didn’t you?”
“Well, kind of. I was a bit subtle about it,” Essie said. She glanced past Tiffanie into the side of the room and smiled.
“Are they here now?” Tiffanie whispered.
“Yeah. They wanted to join in the celebration. You’re one of their favorite people.”
Why having ghosts care about her made an impact, Tiffanie didn’t know, but their support did. She looked around the group Essie had gathered in her office, including the empty side of the room Essie had acknowledged and said, “Thank you. Everyone.”
“Let’s eat some cake,” Sara suggested.
“At nine in the morning?” Tiffanie asked.
“Cake is good at any point of day, but nine AM is my favorite. Closely followed by 9:01,” Phineas said with a laugh, as he broke the ice, and returned the celebration to the room. He winked at Tiffanie as he handed her a corner piece of cake with the maximum amount of frosting on it.
How did he always guess what would make her happiest? She was incredibly lucky to have him in her life. Her life. Like a lightning bolt, the realization she had a future to enjoy hit her. And she got to spend time with him.
“Princess,” Phineas said as her tears erupted. He scooped her and her cake up in his arms and sat down with her on his lap. “The impact of the results at the doctor’s office registered fully on you, didn’t they?”
Ivan handed him some tissues, and Phineas dried her face. “We have all the time in the world together now. And we’re going to enjoy every moment.”
She nodded and leaned forward to press her lips to his, attempting to show him how much she cared about him. When Ivan cleared his throat, Tiffanie ended the kiss and looked around in surprise. She’d completely forgotten everyone else was here. “Oh, sorry!”
Relieved laughter filled the room. Tiffanie didn’t feel like they were making fun of her. This group understood. “Thank you.”
“Everyone eat up,” Sara urged. “Get that sugar high going so you can dive into the plans you need to make today.”
“Definitely. We need to finalize the Blue Ribbon Knowledge Fair and get ready for the four-year-old’s birthday party,” Essie said and tugged at the sides of her hair like she was pulling her locks out.
“You’ve got more frosting on yours. Can we share this one?” Phineas asked.
“Of course. I didn’t know you had a sweet tooth.”
“Of course I do,” Phineas said, holding her gaze a few seconds too long.
Her cheeks heated with embarrassment as he lifted a bite of the cake to her mouth. “Try this, Princess.”
Tiffanie opened her mouth and accepted the bite. The taste was absolutely the best. She decided to pretend his comment hadn’t applied to an activity other than enjoying cake. His chuckle clued her in that he knew exactly what she was doing.
When Essie brought up the plans for the events, Tiffanie sent her a grateful glance and focused entirely on the conversation. She didn’t choose to move from her Daddy’s lap. Why do something so rash?
Tiffanie had brainstormed throughout the day to come up with a slick way to say something to Phineas. Now, standing in the kitchen, all her options seemed so silly. Choosing one randomly, she said, “Daddy? The cake was delicious today.”
“I enjoyed the treat as well. Would you like to watch a movie tonight?” Phineas asked.
“No, Daddy. I’d rather have something even better than Sara’s dessert.”
“Oh? Do you want to play a game in your nursery?”
“No, Daddy.” Trying to subtly guide him to sex would be so much easier if he could read her mind. When he looked at her puzzled, she blurted out, “Would you make love to me?”
His eyes widened for a split second before they darkened with desire. “Of course I will. That would be a much bigger treat than cake.” His slow smile ignited the smoldering desire deep in her belly.
“Come here, Princess.” He tugged her close and kissed her hard. “Are you sure you’re ready to take this big step?”