When they exited Applebee’s, Casey continued to laugh. “Thank you so much, Will,”
she said, wiping tears from her eyes. “I really needed that. She even gave us a
free dessert!”
“You are most welcome, Missus Further,” he said, staying in character.
“Seriously though, I didn’t think you had it in you. You were brilliant! I don't
know how you came up with the imitation Bagel Bite factory thing.”
“I have no idea either.”
“I can’t wait to taste them though. You should take a few during your next shift
and bring them home.”
“I wouldn’t want to get fired,” he replied. “How could I help raise a baby with no
money coming in?”
After getting back to his car, William handed Casey the present.
“For Moi?” she asked, feigning surprise. “You did a marvelous job wrapping, Will.”
He laughed, knowing full well he shouldn’t wrap presents again.
Casey opened the paper with precise, practiced motions. She peeked inside.
“No! NO!”
William froze. Had she not liked it?
“No! No way!” she shouted, pulling the doll from the box. “Seriously. Seriously.”
Her eyes welled.
“You got me Love-A-Lot,” she said, a single tear sliding down her cheek.
“You mentioned the day we first—”
She kissed him before he could finish.
“Oh my god, Will. This is so perfect.” She hugged the bear tight. “Thank you!”
Casey sat with the bear on her lap, gently stroking its head. “I want to be an
artist,” she said softly. “I told my dad, and he said I needed to find a more