Page 14 of My Boyfriend Marks Trees
He lifted and tossed her into the air, to her squealing delight. He then settled her on his hip as he beamed. “Sis, I’d like to meet, her highness, Princess Greta.”
“Hi. Nice to meet royalty.” Selene waved.
“I’m not a princess for real, silly,” Greta snickered. She cocked her head before saying, “You’re the bunny lady.”
“I am. Guess Ares told you about it.”
He hadn’t actually, but she might have overhead him with Charly. “Maybe your mom will let you come visit them sometime. We also have chickens and goats.”
“What, no cows for your cheese?” Charlotte inquired.
“Nah. Goat’s got a nicer flavor to it, and the lactose in it is easier to digest.”
“I like cheese,” Greta admitted.
“Me too, princess. Me too.”
“Come in.” Charly stepped aside. “Would you like some coffee?”
“I can’t stay,” Selene stated. “I need to go shop for a suitcase since mine decided to croak. Stupid zipper busted.”
“Maybe if you packed less clothes…” Ares teased.
“Now them’s fighting words,” Selene growled, which led to Greta giggling and whispering, “She’s funny.”
“Glad to see someone appreciates me.” Selene flicked her hair.
Greta tucked her head against Ares. “I’m helping Mama make dinner.”
“Which is going to be delicious.” Over Greta’s head, he addressed Charly. “I’ve got to chauffeur Ms. Packs-too-much to the store before dropping her off at home, but I promise to be here by six at the latest.”
“Your sister is welcome to join us.”
Before Ares could refuse on her behalf, Selene chirped, “I’d be delighted. Need anything while we’re out?”
“We should be good.”
“We’ll be back in a jiffy then,” he murmured to Greta as he pried her from his chest.
Her lower lip jutted.
Charly tucked Greta against her and murmured, “Guess we’d better make sure we prepare the bestest supper while we wait.”
“Okay.” The pout tugged at his heartstrings.
The pup is sad.
Ares knew better than to counter Charly’s parenting, but damn, it wasn’t easy. He wanted the little princess smiling.
Selene mocked him as they left. “You are so in trouble.”
“Trouble how?” he asked as he headed for a store that sold luggage.
“That little girl adores you.”
“Can you blame her? I’m awesome.”
“Mom’s got eyes for you too.”