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My gaze instinctively shifted to Wren. Her ebony hair was curled at the bottom and a bright red ribbon was wrapped around her head, ending in a large bow on top. The blue bodice and puffed sleeves were clearly a period piece. Snow White maybe? My eyes drifted to the neckline that dipped deliciously down in front, giving a tantalizing peek at the rounded globes hidden by the rest of the modest top.
Shit.I needed to stop checking out my kid’s teacher. Reluctantly, I forced my gaze upward, not missing her narrowed eyes and arched brow.
Ruby stepped around the counter and held the tray away from Grayson. “Not for you. These are for our guests.”
He slid his hands around her waist and nuzzled her neck, whispering something into her ear.
A rosy hue spread across Ruby’s cheeks. “Stop it,” she whispered.
“What did you say, Uncle Grayson?” Zoey asked.
Grayson blinked. “Uh—”
I held back my snicker, knowing that his response would not be child appropriate.
“Were you asking her if I can call herAuntieRuby?” My kid was like a dog with a bone. She didn’t let something go until it was resolved to her satisfaction—another trait we shared.
“Yup, sure was,” Grayson responded smoothly.
Her blush fading, Ruby put down the tray on the counter. Her heart-shaped face broke out into a smile. “Oh, Zoey, I’d love that.”
I didn’t miss Grayson snagging a cake and helped myself to one too. They were fucking delicious.
Zoey wrapped her arms around Ruby. She was so damn loveable. I knew she missed her mom, and having women around like Ruby and Wren seemed to help.
“Do you want to help us take food out to the tables?” Ruby asked my daughter.
Wren lifted the tray from the counter when Grayson tried to sneak another one. She shook her head in warning.
Zoey nodded enthusiastically. “Sure. Can I help make the desserts tonight too?”
She’d been learning to bake with Marjorie. Now that that wasn’t an option, I wondered if Ruby gave lessons.
“I bet you’d be an excellent baker,” Ruby responded. “But we’ve made all we need for tonight. Maybe you can come back next week after school and help me out. Would Tuesday work?”
“That would be amazing!” Zoey gushed. Her hopeful blue eyes gazed up at me. “Can I, Daddy?”
I steeled myself to disappoint her. “Maybe another time, Zo. That’s the day you stay at school until I can come to get you.” Lila had a doctor’s appointment, so I signed Zoey up for the school’s aftercare program. Thankfully kids could drop in as needed until 5:30 p.m.
“Oh, I’d forgotten about that.” Sadness was etched into the frown that settled on her face. She rubbed at a spot on the floor with the toe of her sneaker.
“We can find another day. I promise,” Ruby reassured her and gave her a quick hug.
“I could drive her from school with me and bring her here if that would help.” Wren’s wide-eyed stare seemed startled that she made the offer in the first place.
“Are you sure?” I had no doubt Zoey would be safe with Wren.
She nodded. “I’ll just need you to submit a written letter of permission to be able to drive her in my car.”
I smiled at her. “Absolutely. I’ll be sure to send it in with Zoey in the morning. I appreciate your help.”
She seemed startled by my honest expression of gratitude.
“That’s so awesome, Ms. Winter. Thank you.” Zoey jumped up and down in excitement.
Wren high-fived her. “Let’s get these cakes out to the crowd before your dad and Grayson eat them all.”
Zoey giggled and took a tray from her. With an eager spring in her step, she followed Ruby and Wren to the table full of food and helped set out the new desserts.