Indigo grinned and gave him a nod. “It is.”
“That is one of the most fascinating things I think I’ve ever heard. I also learned that you like to watch hockey.”
“I don’t like it,” Indigo told him, “I love it. I want to learn how to play.”
“Well, you probably already know this, but it sounds to me like Jordan plans to teach you.”
“I did know that.”
Hayes laughed and Theo liked the deep rumbling sound.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” Ashley said, still wiping tears from her eyes.
“Well, when Theodora called me and told me what had happened, I sat down and had a talk with Celeste. We had plans to go to Corpus Christi to spend Christmas with her youngest. We packed ourselves up and headed to the airport. She hopped on a plane and headed down there. I got an another one and came up here to see you. And don’t go stressin’ out about the cost of flights. You already know I didn’t spend one red cent to get myself here.” He nudged Theo with an elbow. “One of the perks of bein’ married to an airline employee.” He turned to look at his daughter again. “Celeste wanted to come with me, but I thought maybe it was best under the circumstances that I make this trip on my own. She’s thinking about you, though, and she told me to give you plenty of hugs and kisses for her.”
“She really is a sweet woman,” Ashley said, pulling more tissues from the box. “But how is this going to work? I don’t want you to spend money on a room.”
“He’s going to stay right here,” Theo replied. “There’s a twin bed downstairs. I figure without the head and footboards we’ll get it to fit in here with you. It might be a bit tight, but if I eyed it correctly, I think there will still be plenty of room for your wheelchair to move around.”
“You mind bunking with your old man?”
“I can’t think of anything I’d like more.”
“How do you feel about animals?” Theo asked. “I know you said you weren’t allergic, but that doesn’t mean you like cohabitating.”
“Oh, I’m just fine,” Hayes assured her. “I’ve got no problem at all with pets.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Jupiter here has been rather protective of Ashley. I think it would break his heart if he wasn’t allowed to come in and check on her.”
“Caleb’s on his way over,” Jordan said, poking his head back inside the room. “He’s going to help me move the mattress, the box springs and the stand up here.”
“Great,” Theo said with a nod.
“I think it will only cost you a few cookies.”
“Did I hear you say cookies?” Hayes raised his brows inquisitively.
“Are you hungry?” Theo asked. “Come into the kitchen. We’ll get you taken care of.”
“Hotel Theodora is amazing, Dad,” Ashley said with a sniff. “The beds are comfortable, the company is extraordinary, and the food is like eating at a five-star restaurant.”
“You eat at a lot of five-star restaurants?” Hayes teased her.
“I don’t have to,” Ashley shot back. “I have my own personal chef.”
“Still sharp even on pain medication.”
Theo pressed a kiss to the side of Indigo’s face before she put her down outside of Ashley’s room. “How does a movie sound?” There had been a lot going on in the last couple of weeks. The next day was Christmas Eve, and everyone would be gathering at the Reilly’s house. They had another house guest, and even though Hayes was friendly and seemed easy going, his presence was still another disruption in the child’s life. If all that wasn’t enough, Cleopatra was back at home and schedules would shift once again. Even good things were hard to adjust to sometimes, and Theo thought a little downtime might not be the worst idea.
“I’m good with a movie,” Indigo agreed. “Can I watch whatever I want?”
“What did you have in mind?”
Indigo thought about it for a few seconds. She scrunched her face up and tilted her chin to the side. “How about Muppet Christmas Carol? Or The Grinch? Maybe Gremlins?”
Theo smiled and shook her head. “Yes, yes, and are you kidding?”
Indigo giggled and ran into the living room. “Okay,” she said throwing herself onto the couch. She found Pickles where she’d left him earlier and hugged him against her. “Kermit.”
“We are so related,” Theo told her. “It’s a very dangerous topic, so I don’t bring it up, but just between you and me, Kermit is by far the best Muppet.”
Theo got the movie started for Indigo and ushered Hayes into the kitchen.
“Dear lord, what is that heavenly smell?” Hayes sat down at the table and Theo brought over a large plastic container full of Christmas cookies. She pulled the lid off and put a plate in front of him.
“Jambalaya with chicken, shrimp and sausage.”
“You didn’t leave anything out.”
Theo smiled. “I know most people don’t put in all three. That’s the way Jordan likes it, so that’s the way I make it. And if jambalaya isn’t to your liking, I’m about to put a big pan of macaroni and cheese into the oven.”
“Let me guess,” Hayes said, picking out an overly iced sugar cookie and putting it on his plate. “The little one hasn’t yet cultivated a palate for jambalaya?”
Theo smiled. “Exactly. She will eat her weight in the hush puppies I’ll be making, though.”
“My kind of kid.”
“Would you like some milk? Tea? Coffee?”
