“Yes, you may.”
The words had barely left her mother’s mouth before Katie tore into the colored paper and torn fragments were floating to the ground. She opened the box and pulled out the gold-plated cell phone that lay inside. Her eyes widened to double their normal size. Because purple was her favorite color, he’d had amethysts added around the frame as a surprise.
Holding up the phone so her mother could see, she squealed, “Mommy, look!”
“I see,” Ivy said dryly. Now she directed her disapproval at Cyrus.
Katie flung her arms around him again and kissed his cheek. He held onto her tiny body just as tight. She smelled like chlorine and the sweetness of little girls her age. “Thank you so much. I love you, Uncle Cyrus.”
He kissed her temple. “Love you, too, Munchkin.”
She grinned and ran toward her friends to show off her gift.
“Don’t get it wet,” Ivy called after her.
“It’s water proof,” Cyrus said.
“Of course it is.” Ivy placed both hands on her hips. “I try to keep her grounded and you do your best to spoil her.”
He shrugged. “What are you worried about? You’re doing a fine job. She’s a great kid.”
“Well, still…” Ivy demurred, obviously pleased by the comment. “Did you have to buy her something so extravagant?”
“That’s what uncles do. Besides, Mother and Father gave us extravagant gifts, and we turned out fine.”
“We did?” She arched an eyebrow and a faint smile came to her lips. “You’re spoiled.”
“I like nice things. That’s not the same as being spoiled.” Cyrus rose to his feet. Their father used to tell them they should never let anyone make them feel ashamed for enjoying the fruits of their labor, and he wholeheartedly agreed. He worked hard, and he should be allowed to indulge in the luxuries that came with their level of wealth.
Knowing it was a waste of time to argue with him, Ivy pursed her lips. “Thank you. I know how much you love her and she adores you.” She came closer and studied him. “You okay? You look tired.”
“I am tired,” he admitted, rolling his neck. “But I have more work to do before I can take a break.”
“When was the last time you had a vacation? You can’t keep up this pace.”
“Says who?”
She sighed wearily, as if talking to an obstinate child. “You need to take care of yourself. You’re not indestructible. Remember what happened before.”
Of all his siblings, Ivy was definitely the biggest worrier. Perhaps it was the nurturing part of her personality, but she always wanted to make sure everyone else was doing okay. It had been years since the incident she referenced, but Ivy was prone to bringing it up. During a short period in his life, he’d become vulnerable, and he’d much prefer to forget it and never go through the experience again.
“I’m fine. I eat right and I exercise.”
“Rest has to be part of the equation, too.”
“I’ll rest when I’m dead,” he said, to which she frowned. He changed the subject. The conversation about working too hard had been belabored to death. “Did Trenton stop by?”
“He did and gave Katie her gift.”
“So he actually made time.”
“I think he realized he didn’t have a choice after the tongue-lashing you gave him when he said he didn’t have time to attend a child’s birthday party. And just so you know, Xavier called and wished her a happy birthday.” Xavier was the second oldest.
“Glad to know he took a minute from saving the world to make his niece happy. What about your twin?”
Ivy’s eyes clouded over. “We didn’t hear from him.”