Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 81930 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 410(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81930 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 410(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
“That’s good.”
“And he still had my grandma’s necklace on him.”
“Oh, little one. That’s amazing news.” Eliot cupped the side of her face.
“I know. I’m just so relieved. It all got on top of me, I guess.”
“And you didn’t sleep that well,” Marcus pointed out.
“You didn’t?” Eliot frowned. “You should have called me. I would have come over and helped. You know you can call me for anything.”
Don’t say it. Don’t say it.
Sheesh. Look at him, holding back. He rarely filtered what he said. But as Isla said. They had to make the best of the time they had left with Eliot.
“You feeling better, little one?”
“Yeah, I am,” Isla said.
“Come on, let’s go wash your face and then we’ll have breakfast before the big Easter egg hunt.” Eliot stood and lifted her off Marcus’ lap.
“I can’t eat anything,” Marcus said. “I need to save room for the chocolate!”
“You’re going to eat,” Eliot countered.
“I’m too excited!”
“You can eat a little bit,” Eliot warned. “Or you’re not going to the hunt.”
Marcus gaped at him.
So. Mean.
Chapter 22
Isla was really nervous as she and Marcus gathered with the other Littles to hear the rules of the Easter egg hunt. All the Daddies and Mommies were standing off to one side, talking to each other and looking on proudly.
Ivy stood on Marcus’ other side and sent her a smile.
But it didn’t help the butterflies in her tummy. And it was so hot today. She shouldn’t have worn a sweater and pants. She was already sweating. At least she’d put her hair up into a high ponytail. She’d given up on the buns since Marcus was always pulling them out.
“This is going to be so much fun! It’s like a big adventure! Don’t you think?”
“I guess so.” This whole holiday had felt like an adventure of sorts.
Marcus reached out to take her hand, and she squeezed it tight. He glanced down at her. “Your hand is hot.”
“I know. I shouldn’t have worn so many clothes. I’m also super excited. This place looks amazing.” And she wasn’t going to ruin the hunt for Marcus. He’d been looking forward to it for ages.
There were several tables with pastel-colored tablecloths covering them. They were filled with water and juice in cups in soft complementary hues. And there were some snacks waiting on another table. The trees had been decorated with hanging paper decorations that she thought the Littles must have made.
It was all rather magical.
She just wished she wasn’t so tired. That had to be why she had a bit of a headache and the ground was kind of moving.
“Hello, everyone, welcome to the Easter egg hunt,” Master Derek called out, waiting patiently while all the Littles cheered. “I’m happy to let you all know that the Easter bunny has been to visit.”
“Oh yay! The Easter bunny!” someone called out.
Derek smiled at them all.
“He’s left lots of chocolate surprises for you around the gardens. You might even see him around as you go on your hunt. But he wants you all to be safe, so there are some rules.”
“Rules schmules,” Marcus muttered.
“Anyone who breaks the rules will no longer be allowed to take part in the hunt.”
There was a murmuring of disappointment.
“You are allowed to run at a jog, but no racing. You have to be careful of each other. There’s no shoving or being rough. You must not steal any goodies from anyone else. Be respectful. You aren’t allowed to go beyond the gardens. If you get hurt, come immediately back here or call out for help. There will be Tops positioned throughout the gardens to keep an eye on you and help if necessary. Sadie is going to come around and hand all of you baskets to collect your eggs. I’m going to tell you when you can start the hunt.”
She took the basket from Sadie with a small smile. The other woman was practically vibrating with excitement as she skipped around everyone, then back to Derek.
“All right, everyone, get ready and go!”
Around her, people set off with a squeal. Marcus skipped off with a whoop. Ivy grinned at her. “Want to come with me?”
Isla nodded gratefully.
“I think I know where some of the treats will be, let’s go this way.”
They looked under bushes, around trees, in the playground. There were lots of eggs everywhere, and it didn’t take her long to fill her basket. She didn’t want to be greedy, though so she thought it was time to stop. At one stage they even caught sight of the Easter bunny.
He was so cute.
“I’m heading back, you coming?” Ivy asked.
She wanted to do that, but she also wanted to rest for a moment.
“I think I’ll just look for Marcus. Be back soon!”
“Okay, don’t take too long!”
Ivy raced off. Where was Marcus? Isla knew he wouldn’t give up until he’d found every treat he could. She walked over toward a big tree. A wave of dizziness rushed through her, and her stomach turned.