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 I d really like something from you, but only if you want to do it.
She didn t move, but he felt her hand tense under his, as if she was preparing to bolt.
 Your dad could really use a hug, he said, his voice a little raw.
Angel jumped out of her chair and threw her arms around his neck and squeezed
him. He shut his eyes and breathed in her little girl scent of strawberry shampoo.
Drawing her up onto his lap he rocked back and forth.  I love you, Angelina. I promise I
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do. He took a deep breath and slowly let it out.  I want to be a good dad. It s what I
want most in the world. I just don t really know how.
 You are a good dad, Angel whispered in his ear.
Even though he knew she spoke the words she thought he wanted to hear, that he
hadn t been a good father at all to her, he took comfort in the tight hug.  Thank you.
Jacob glanced up to see Mary standing in her doorway, tears shining in her eyes. She
gave him a sweet smile and a thumbs up.
He nodded.  Thank you, he mouthed.
Mary turned around and went back into her room.
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Leanne Karella
Chapter Nine
Jacob stayed a little later than usual with Angel and finished his breakfast, chatting
with her about her new book--it was the new one in the Harry Potter series--and she was
so excited about it, she wanted to start reading it right then and there.
After he left, Mary helped Angel gather up some clothes for her overnight with Mrs.
Brocton, and put them in a little carryall. As they rode down to the lobby in the elevator,
Angel grinned up at her.
 I told you, Mary said with a big smile, so happy that things were going to be all
right between Angel and Jacob.
Angel nodded.  He said he loves me.
 Of course he does, sweetie, he s your daddy.
 He never said it before. Angel s happy face never wavered.  But he said it today.
And he hugged me, she added in an awed whisper.
 Maybe he just didn t know how before, Mary said as the elevator door silently
opened and they stepped into the marble and mirror lobby.
 He says we re going to Aspen next weekend.
Mary kept the smile plastered on her lips, but disappointment shot through her with
the speed of a bullet. Next weekend was Thanksgiving. If Jacob and Angel were leaving
town, then she d be spending the holiday alone.  That sounds like fun. Do you like to
ski?
 I dunno. Never did it before. But Father said he d teach me.
Sam waited by the glass double doors. He tipped his hat to her.  Ms. O Toole.
 Good morning, Sam, she said. It was the same every morning. He was so polite,
so... She shook her head.  Did Mr. Stone tell you that Angel is to be dropped off with
him after school?
 Yes, ma am. Will you be needing the car today?
 No, thank you.
 Very well. Come along Ms. Stone. He pushed the door open and stood to the side,
waiting for Angel to precede him.
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Mary turned back toward the elevator. She smiled at Brent as she passed the security
desk, and he gave her a solicitous smile.  Good morning, Ms. O Toole.
She stopped and turned toward the desk. The old guy, she could never remember his
name, stood when he saw her coming toward them.  Is there something we can do for
you, Ms. O Toole?
She let out a quick breath.  Yes. Please, call me Mary.
Brent grinned. The old guy, not wearing a nametag, that s why she couldn t
remember his name, gave a sharp nod.
 Thank you, she said and pushed the button to call the elevator. She hated all this
Ms. O Toole stuff. It made her nuts. She worked for Jacob just like the rest of these
people, but they treated her like she was special. She wasn t. She was just another
employee of Stone Enterprises. Maybe she was a bit closer to the family than the rest of
them, but she was still just an employee.
When she entered the penthouse, the phone was ringing. Strange, it hadn t even
occurred to her that the phone never rang when Jacob wasn t home. She strode to the
small table behind the big leather sofa and lifted the receiver.  Stone residence.
 You didn t tell me you were his nanny!
Belle s girl-like squeal had Mary pulling the phone away from her ear.  Um. How
did you find out? Mary asked.
Belle laughed.  A little bird told me. Anyway, why did you let me think you were his
secretary?
Because she hadn t wanted Belle to know she d failed so badly at her job search.
 What difference does it make? I work for him, that s all that matters.
 And you live in his house? Is it amazing? Is it huge?
Mary swallowed and glanced around the room, at the expensive furniture, at the wall
of windows.  It s an apartment, she said. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]