e watc Alessia woke from a dreamless sleep , sat up in bed , and pulled back the curtains . Sh hed the quiet street outside for a moment , lost in thought . Eventually , she picked up her phone to check the time - 9 : 30 a.m. Just as she was about to set the phone down , it buzzed with an incoming call . " Hello ? " Alessia's voice was soft and a bit husky with sleep , carrying a lilting note that sounded almost playful . On the other end , Cole fumbled his pen , dropping it noisily on his desk . His ears flushed pink , and the tough tone he'd planned evaporated in an instant . " You just woke up ? " His voice was low , tinged with exasperation , but something about it made Alessia want to curl back under the covers . " Mmm . " She answered lazily , eyes half - closed . " So that's it ? I help you out and then you ignore my messages ? Is Miss Morton really that busy ? " He sounded more like a big dog left out in the rain than an aggrieved executive . " I was busy talking things over last night . By the time we finished , it was nearly morning , so I just crashed . " Alessia yawned , not bothering to hide it . Cole frowned . " Anything serious going on ? " " Nothing major . Oh , I need to head to Mr. Dawson's place the afternoon after tomorrow , and I'll be taking Zachary . " " The old man's going to complain you only call on him when you need something ," Cole said with a sly grin . Alessia just tapped her nose and didn't deny it . " By the way , I'll send you a list later . Can you drop the stuff off for me ? " " Seriously , Miss Morton ? I'm a CEO , not your personal errand boy . Is this what I am to you - a delivery guy , at your beck and call ? " Cole's protest was mostly for show . " Come on , Cole , you know the drill . Opening day got to stock up . " He sighed with mock resignation . " Alright , fine . Your order will be delivered within the hour , madam . Please remember to sign for it ." Alessia laughed , tossed a half - hearted insult his way , and hung up , feeling more awake than she had just minutes before . Cole , meanwhile , was still smiling as 1/2 15.36 Larkin walked in with a fresh cup of coffee ; even Larkin seemed less annoying than usual . Alessia left her room and wandered into the kitchen , where Karen was busy assembling sandwiches and rolling up seaweed wraps . When Karen saw her , she waved cheerfully , then popped a piece of sandwich into Alessia's mouth before she could even say good morning . " Well ? " Karen's eyes shone with anticipation , though she seemed a little nervous . Alessia chewed , swallowed , and nodded . " Perfect . Not dry , not tough - just right . " " Try this , too . " Karen , relieved , sliced off a piece of seaweed roll and offered it to her as well . Alessia's eyes lit up , and she happily accepted another bite . " We got everything fresh at the market this morning - your dad and I went early . I had a chat with the vendor , and they'll give us a better bulk price from now on . " Karen looked proud , clearly pleased with Alessia's approval . " That's great , " Alessia said , nodding . " By the way , where's Dad ? " " Zachary and your dad went out early to pick up the car . Zachary dropped it off and then headed to the shop , and your dad's downstairs cleaning the cart . " " I'll go check on him ." " Alright . Oh , and take some water and snacks down for him , will you ? " " Got it ," Alessia replied , grabbing a cup and heading downstairs . She'd only been in this house for two or three days , but already , everything felt so natural - like she'd always belonged . At the front door , Brendan was hosing down the small cart , scrubbing away the last stubborn streaks of grime . The metal gleamed in the morning sunlight . " Dad ," Alessia called , " Take a break and have something to eat . " Brendan glanced up with a smile , turned off the hose , and walked over . He took the water from her and drank deeply , finishing half in a single go . " Well , Brendan , who's this ? " A woman carrying a trash bag appeared at the doorway , her tone warm and friendly . " My daughter , Lessie , " Brendan replied easily . " Come say hi to Carey . " 2/2