Baby for the Billionaire(61)

He crouched beside her. “They’ll always be watching out for you, Isabella. Just like I will. Okay?”

Isabella nodded solemnly. Then Annalise crossed to join them. “Why don’t we go find that special room for the rest of your toys?” The gentle suggestion came at the perfect moment, helping to distract them from their sorrow. “Anytime you want one of the toys from that room, you can trade them. That means you pick one of the toys from in here and put it in the special room and take the toy you’d like to play with instead and bring it in here to live with you. Is that all right?”

Isabella sought Jack’s reassurance before nodding. Over the next hour, they made a production of choosing the perfect “special room” and transferring toys. When they were done, his niece’s room had been transformed from a toy store into a peaceful, uncluttered bedroom. Her favorite toys decorated the shelves lining her room, each assigned a place of honor. He noticed that all the books remained, as well as a small play station that contained puzzles, coloring books and other educational toys.

“Makes quite a difference, doesn’t it?” Annalise murmured. “This gives her a safe haven that should help her relax.”

“Instead of a place guaranteed to agitate.”

He glanced at her, driven to mention what had happened in the playroom. Before he could, she spoke again. “Did the caseworker see Isabella’s room with all the toys?”

He grimaced. “Yes.”

To his surprise she rested a hand on his arm and gave a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry. I’m sure it will help once she sees the changes you’ve made.”

It was the second time they’d touched since their embrace in the playroom. Not that she seemed aware of that fact. He wound one of her curls around his finger and tugged. “The changes you’re making, don’t you mean?”

She stilled and her pulse fluttered at the base of her neck. Standing this close he could see the smooth, rich texture of her skin, the color a gorgeous creamy shade accentuated by her dark hair. The attraction he felt drew him, even as he fought to hold himself at a distance. He shouldn’t be experiencing these emotions. They weren’t part of the plan. And yet, they were undeniable. What the hell would happen once they eventually married?

If they married, he hastened to correct himself. He had a long path to walk from here to the altar. Considering Annalise’s willful nature, it wouldn’t be an easy one.

As though underscoring that point, she eased free of his touch and focused her attention where it belonged … on Isabella. “I couldn’t have made any changes if you weren’t here to reassure your niece and lend support.” She shot him a warning look. “Nor will I be able to make any more if we’re not in agreement on how our … relationship should progress from here.”

He had to give the woman credit. Subtle, yet direct. Too bad she hadn’t chosen to enter the business world. She’d have been a natural. “So, what’s next on the agenda?” he asked with a calm he didn’t come close to experiencing.

“Lunch, I hope.” A swift smile flashed. “Dare I suggest something casual, either al fresco or in the kitchen?”

“We’ll eat on the patio. Sara’s not too keen on having her kitchen invaded,” he explained.

The choice proved a rousing success. The serene location had a beneficial effect on Isabella. After they arranged for a place setting for her doll, she ate without protest or tears, and afterward played beneath a nearby tree, rocking her “baby” while humming tuneless reassurances.

“It won’t last,” Annalise offered. She dipped a hand in a glass bowl containing a selection of olives and popped one in her mouth. “I just want to warn you so you don’t get your hopes up.”

“And here I was assuming you had waved your magical wand and fixed all our problems.”

She cocked an eyebrow. “Sorry. The fairy godmother association hasn’t issued me my official wand yet. Until they do, we’ll have to handle this the old-fashioned way.”

“Hard work and luck?” he guessed.

“Mmm. We were lucky today. Tomorrow …?” She shrugged. “Who knows? I do have another suggestion, however.”

“Go on.”

“If there’s any way you can arrange it, we should institute step two as soon as possible. Can you take a couple weeks off sometime in the near future?”

“And go where?” A hint of cynicism crept into his voice. “The Caribbean? Hawaii? Europe?”