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She cleared her throat. “Well, you shouldn’t have, but it was very nice of you.”
“I surprised you,” he said. “You thought I was a selfish miser like Scrooge.”
“I never thought you were like Scrooge.” She paused and seemed to decide that she shouldn’t elaborate.
He would love to know what she was really thinking.
“Thank you again. I should go up to bed,” she said and paused. “I was wondering,” she began and abruptly stopped.
“Wondering what?”
“It’s really none of my business.”
“I won’t know if that’s true until you ask the question.”
“I was wondering,” she ventured. “Do you have any godchildren?”
He narrowed his eyes. “Why do you ask? Did someone mention that to you tonight?”
“At the auction?” she said. “Of course not.”
He tugged at his tie. “The truth is I have five godchildren.”
Her eyes rounded. “Omigoodness. So many.”
He waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. “I’m not expected to do any real parenting. I’m actually a co-godparent. The parents just want my financial management in case anything should happen to them. Along with the gifts and tuition,” he added.
“Gifts and tuition?” she echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion.
“They’re counting on me to provide a significant college fund.”
“For five children?” she said. “Isn’t that a bit much?”
“I’ve got it,” he said. “But I’ve started dodging the opportunity to add any more godchildren.”
“I can’t blame you for that. My goodness, no wonder you’re so cynical.”
“No need for flattery,” he said, chuckling at her assessment.
Her gaze softened. “But it is very generous of you to accept the responsibility.”
“Financial responsibility,” he corrected.
She gave a slow nod. “Whatever would you do if, for some unforeseen reason, you became the guardian of five children?”
“Boarding school,” he said.
Her face fell. “Oh. That’s why I’ll never sign your agreement for butter bean.”
“You don’t really have anyone in mind to be the guardian for your child, do you?” he asked.
She looked away. “I really am working on it.”
He touched her arm. “Lilli, tell me the truth.”
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