Her Motherhood Wish. Keli Gwyn

he began the telltale cuts that would reveal a key part of the sculpture, he anticipated more guesses coming soon. Sure enough, Freddie’s wildly waving hand caught his eye. And was that Jasper with a hand raised, too?

      Tess chuckled. “It appears we have a tie. I’d like you both to come up and tell me what you think it is.” They joined her, taking turns whispering in her ear. She straightened and smiled. “We have two winners. I’ll count to three, and you boys can say what it is together. One. Two. Three.”

      “Humpty Dumpty,” they shouted in unison.

      Callie began clapping, and the others joined in. Pride radiated from her, reminding him of Tess’s response when he’d complimented her daughter earlier. He and Callie had only been caring for the children for several hours, and yet it was clear they’d already come to mean a great deal to her. She’d make a fine mother one day.

      The Plan didn’t call for him to find a wife to fill that role for three years yet, a fact he must keep in mind. But no harm could come from enjoying the company of his lovely assistant over the next few weeks, could it?