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Clark nearly choked on his coffee.
“That’s very nice of you, Jace. We’re actually going back to where we’re staying to eat. But thank you for the invitation.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Be safe,” Clark said, waving at the little girl, who gave him a dirty look.
“Thank you. Good-bye.” Patrice’s gaze lingered on Jace for a moment longer before they turned and left the donut shop.
Jace sat down with the donut bag in front of him. “Uh-oh. Some of my chocolate got on your glaze.”
“That’s all right, that just makes it better.” He took the donut from his son and said, “Hey, Jace?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m proud you’re my son.”
“Why?”
“I just am.”
“Okay,” Jace said, taking a bite of his donut. “You’re weird.”
“Maybe so, but you know what? This weirdo thinks you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to him.”
“Thanks,” Jace said, his mouth full of donut. “Where we going next?”
“Flowers and whatever you want to buy Merry. Then we’ll go home, put the cocoa in the thermos, get cleaned up and grab her.”
“Can Daisy come?”
“No, buddy, we’re going ice skating.”
Jace’s mouth dipped into an anxious frown. “But I don’t know how to ice skate.”
“It’s okay, you’ll learn. It will be fun.”
“Does Merry like ice skating?”
Clark froze. “You know, I’m actually not sure.”
“What if she hates it?”
“Then we’ll pick another activity.”
“Like what?”
“I have no idea. Now finish your donut. We got places to be.”
Chapter 29
Merry
Merry stepped out her door at 4:29 p.m. wearing her snow boots, blue jeans, and a blue sweater under her jacket. The invitation had said to dress warm, so with gloves and a knit cap in her pocket, she was prepared for whatever the Griffins had planned.
Clark was backing out of his driveway and made a circle, stopping behind her car. Before she could reach the door, Jace hopped out of the back and got it for her.
“Good afternoon,” he said in a lofty voice.
