Her Surprise Engagement (The Sorensen Family 4)

But Daisy’s job at the bakery didn’t offer her the luxury of paying for an expensive nanny or yearlong day care. She was fortunate in that her aunt lived next door and was able to help with the kids after school until Daisy could get home from work, which recently had been getting later and later.

Her aunt stopped in her tracks as she caught sight of the dog and looked up, her blue eyes puzzled.

While her aunt heated a mug of water for tea, Daisy explained to her what had taken place. Her aunt’s incredulous face after she told her who the guests were had Daisy laughing. Glenda only started to come around to accepting it after Daisy led her to the front window where she could see their classic convertible parked in the driveway.

“Well, I’ll be,” she mused as she sat down at the table, looking as dazed as Daisy felt. Ollie, not one for being ignored by this new arrival, butted his head against her aunt’s legs, seeking some attention. Glenda leaned over and rubbed the dog’s ears as she continued. “But they’re not staying? Are you sure there isn’t anything we can do to change his mind? I mean, the ladies in my bridge group aren’t going to believe me when I tell them I vacationed with the lieutenant governor.”

“It’s probably for the best. I can barely keep my own sanity with the three kids sometimes. Walking on eggshells for the next few days to make sure the kids don’t cause too much trouble doesn’t sound particularly relaxing.”

Her aunt studied her and smiled. “A lot of men would like to help you with a few of your troubles if you just let them.”

Daisy laughed and shook her head. “Sure. Until I lead with the fact I have three kids, and then they go racing in the other direction.”

The sound of feet hitting the stairs meant that the kids were up, and she and her aunt shared a knowing look, each understanding they’d be shelving the discussion for a later time—although Daisy would have preferred to shelve it permanently.

“Mommy! Is the puppy still here?” Natalie asked, scampering in. Her brother shoved past her and made a break for the dog.

“Paul, watch where you’re going, you nearly knocked your sister down.” But Natalie didn’t seem affected. With only a year separating them in age, they were close in height and temperament, which sometimes made things as difficult as it was easy between the siblings.

Natalie’s attempt at pigtails needed to be fixed, so Daisy took a minute to redo them as Paul and the puppy wrestled to the ground. Jenna joined her aunt at the table.

Either the yelps, the kids’ giggling, or a combination of both must have drawn the young teen from her bed because another minute later, Lily came sluggishly into the room. She plopped down on a couch in the main room with her phone in her hands, just short of joining everyone in the kitchen.

“Your dad’s in the shower, but he should be joining us soon. How did you sleep?” Daisy asked.

“Fine,” she said in a monotone voice, not looking up from typing a message.

“This is my aunt Glenda. She slept through your arrival last night.”

“Nice to meet you, Lily.”

Whatever response Lily might have offered, if any, was interrupted by the doorbell ringing then a quick succession of knocks, sending the dog in a flurry of barking as he raced to the door.

Daisy looked at her aunt in confusion as Paul sped after Ollie.

“Mom! There’s a woman here and a guy with a video camera.”

What on earth?

She came to her feet and followed the rest of the kids who had gone to see. As Paul had said, there was a woman who looked vaguely familiar standing on the front step, with a man balancing a video camera on his shoulder behind her. Both appeared almost as stunned as she was. Behind them, another van had pulled up.

Didn’t this woman work for their local news station? Back in Salt Lake?

The pup barked again and Daisy leaned down to grab his collar to hold him back.

“Good morning. And who might you be?” the woman asked, confused but notably curious.

“I’m Paul and this is my mom, Daisy Sorensen,” her son said matter-of-factly before Daisy had time to form a response. “Who are you?”

“Michelle Rodriguez, Channel Four News. I’m looking for Jack Harrison.” She paused. “Do I have the right place?”

Before Daisy could respond, Lily arrived behind her. “What do you want with my dad?”

The woman’s eyes widened as she seemed to recognize Lily, who, just like Daisy’s kids, was still in pajamas. Her gaze then settled on Daisy.

Daisy could see the wheels turning and the conclusions being jumped to. In an instant, the reporter signaled the guy behind her. “I’m sorry. Who did you say you were again?” she asked, this time more astutely.

The light on the guy’s camera turned to green and focused on Daisy.