one interrupted him, he continued. “I didn’t say anything in my book against Christmas trees, giant or otherwise.”
“Yes, I know that, but it seems to me—”
“It seems to me that you’ve carried this a bit further than advisable,” Wynn said gently. “Despite what you and K.O. think, I don’t want to take Christmas away from your children or from you and your husband. It’s a holiday to be celebrated. Family and traditions are important.”
K.O. agreed with him. She felt gratified that there was common ground between them, an opinion on which they could concur. Nearly everything she’d heard about Wynn to this point had come from her sister. K.O. was beginning to wonder if Zelda was taking his advice to extremes.
“Besides,” he said, “there’s a fundamental contradiction in your approach. You’re correct to minimize the element of fantasy—but your children are telling you what they want, aren’t they? And you’re ignoring that.”
K.O. wanted to cheer. She took Wynn’s hand again, and this time he didn’t let go.
“By the way,” Zelda said, looking from Wynn to K.O. and staring pointedly at their folded hands. “Just when did you two start dating?”
“I told you—”
“What you said,” her sister broke in, “was that Dr. Jeffries lived in the same building as you.”
“I told you we went to dinner a couple of times.”
“You most certainly did not.” Zelda stood up, an irritated expression on her face. “Well, okay, you did mention the one dinner at Chez Jerome.”
“Did you know that I’m planning to join Katherine this Friday when she’s watching the twins?” Wynn asked.
“She’s bringing you along?” Zelda’s eyes grew round with shock. “You might’ve said something to me,” she burst out, clearly upset with K.O.
“I thought I had told you.”
“You haven’t talked to me in days,” Zelda wailed. “It’s like I’m not even your sister anymore. The last I heard, you were going to get Dr. Jeffries’s autograph for me, and you didn’t, although I specifically asked if you would.”
“Would you prefer I not watch the twins?” Wynn inquired.
“Oh, no! It would be an honor,” Zelda assured him, smiling, her voice warm and friendly. She turned to face K.O. again, her eyes narrowed. “But my own sister,” she hissed, “should’ve told me she intended on having a famous person spend the night in my home.”
“You’re not to tell anyone,” K.O. insisted.
Zelda glared at her. “Fine. I won’t.”
“Promise me,” K.O. said. Wynn was entitled to his privacy; the last thing he needed was a fleet of parents in SUVs besieging him about his book.
“I promise.” Without a further word, Zelda grabbed her purse and made a hasty exit.
“Zelda!” K.O. called after her. “I think we need to talk about this for a minute.”
“I don’t have a minute. I need to get home to my husband and children. We’ll talk later,” Zelda said in an ominous tone, and then she was gone.
Chapter Thirteen
I’d better leave now, as well,” Wynn announced, getting his coat. “Dad’ll need me to drive him back from the emergency room.” K.O. was glad he didn’t seem eager to go.
For her part, she wanted him to stay. Her nerves were frayed. Nothing had worked out as she’d planned and now everyone was upset with her. LaVonne, her dear friend, was inconsolable. Zelda was annoyed that K.O. hadn’t kept her updated on the relationship with Wynn. Max Jeffries was just plain angry, and while the brunt of his anger had been directed at LaVonne, K.O. realized he wasn’t pleased with her, either. Now Wynn had to go. Reluctantly K.O. walked him to the door. “Let me know how your father’s doing, okay?” she asked, looking up at him.
“Of course.” Wynn placed his hands on her shoulders. “You know I’d much rather be here with you.”
She saw the regret in his eyes and didn’t want to make matters worse. “Thank you for being so wonderful,” she said and meant it. Wynn had been the voice of calm and reason throughout this entire ordeal.
“I’ll call you about my father as soon as I hear.”
“Thank you.”
After a brief hug, he hurried out the door.
After a dinner of eggnog and peanut butter on crackers, K.O. waited up until after midnight, but no word came. Finally, when she couldn’t keep her eyes open any longer, she climbed between the sheets and fell instantly asleep. This surprised her; she hadn’t anticipated sleeping easily or well. When she woke the following morning, the first thoughts that rushed into her mind were of Wynn. Something must have happened, something unexpected and