When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,47

opened a long cabinet.

I must have missed that one somehow. Magnets of all shapes and sizes were attached to a board fastened to the cabinet. “Do you collect magnets from every place you visit?”

He took a quick glance at his cell before meeting my gaze. “It’s not for me. Bridget likes to collect them.”

Bridget surveyed the board, trying to find a place for it. “I’ll put it here,” she said finally and climbed back in her seat. “My teacher said there’s a family picnic at the beach this Saturday. Can we go Papa?”

Leonardo caressed Bridget’s check. “I think I have a meeting that day, but I’ll have to check my schedule to be sure.”

Bridget groaned, turning her lips downward.

“If I can’t go then Kate can take you.” He looked at me to confirm.

I licked a drop of wine from my lip.

“Yes, of course.” I’d been hired for two weeks, weekends included.

“What time?” Leonardo asked.

She jerked her shoulder with a pout and crossed her arms. “I don’t know.”

Leonardo shifted his position to face her. “Do you remember what happens when you give me a mean face?”

Her lips parted wide and she raised her hands as if bracing for something.

“The tickle monster,” Leonardo said in a deep, growling voice.

“Ahhhh!” Bridget jumped off her seat and ran.

Leonardo chased after her. Their running footsteps pounded around the sofa, the tea table, and then the dining table before he caught her and swung her onto his lap. She laughed and squealed as he tickled her. He stopped, both of them panting as her giggles subsided.

“Okay, young lady. No more pouty face. I promise to do my best.” He put a hand to his heart. “I’ll pinky promise too.”

“Deal.” She curled her pinky around his.

I cleared my throat and then my lips tugged up at the corners. “Don’t forget to make him say our mantra.”

“Oh, yeah.” Bridget bounced on her toes in front of me but faced her father. “Repeat after me. To unicorns, rainbows, and all the sparkling things.”

Leonardo chuckled, his grin wide and beautiful. “To unicorns, rainbows, and all the sparkling things.”

“Yah.” Bridget clapped.

Leonardo turned to me, playfulness gone. “Kate, Phillip will take you home when you’re ready. No need to call a cab. Can you come back tomorrow evening about five?”

“Sure. I’ll leave after I clean up.” I picked up my finished plate and rose.

“That’s okay. I can clean it. It’s getting late.”

I assumed he wanted me out of his house so he could rest. “Okay. Goodnight, Bridget. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I headed toward the spare room where I had left my purse.

“Wait.” Bridget rushed over and wrapped her thin arms around my waist. “Thank you, Kate. See you tomorrow. Say hi to Tyler for me.”

“I will.” I patted her back in a steady rhythm.

Her gratitude and her hug were a nice surprise. I wanted her to be comfortable with me, but she had warmed up to me faster than I’d expected.

When I peered up, Leonardo held a small grin, watching us. I offered a quick smile and left.

Chapter Twenty — Sisterly Bond

I texted Abby, letting her know I was on my way home when I got inside the black SUV with tinted windows. Leonardo must have given Phillip the address, since he hadn’t asked for it.

Phillip wasn’t much of a talker and neither was I. In the quiet, I stared out the window. Nothing but darkness aside from the occasional streetlight, and then my heart bloomed.

Countless twinkling stars filled up the black canvas of night, anchored by the two brightest, reminding me of my painting My Soulmate. In reality, the soulmate stars were light-years apart. They would never meet.

My mind drifted to Bridget’s mother as the grassy hills became a blur in the darkness. Dead? Divorce? Separated? Though I reminded myself dozens of times to mind my own business, I couldn’t help but wonder. The questions would probably nag at me until I found out.

I thought about asking Phillip, but instead I leaned my forehead against the cool window, not looking at anything particular the whole ten-minute ride home.

“Auntie Kate.” Tyler tackled me by the entryway table after he shut the door. “I’m glad you’re home. You’ve been gone so long.”

“I missed you, too.” I rubbed his back, his PJs soft on my hand.

I ruffled his hair and planted a kiss on his forehead. He clutched my hand and led me to the dimly lit family room.

“Come.” Abby patted the cushion beside her and sipped a cup of tea. “Do you