"Good morning, Mr. Warbucks."

Looking up from his paper, Oliver smiled. "Morning, Annie. How'd you sleep?"

"Like a log," Annie said as she took her seat at the breakfast table. Drake set her plate in front of her. After thanking him, she questioned, "Where's Miss Farrell this morning?"

"Still asleep I think," Oliver answered. "We were working late last night. She deserves a rest."

Annie nodded as she started on her eggs.

"Besides," he added, "I was thinking of having another assistant come along with me today."

"You have another secretary?"

Oliver chuckled. "If you'd like the job."

"Me?"

"I've got a meeting at the Stock Exchange. It's an interesting place, especially these days. Not exactly a trip to Coney Island, but just as many bells."

"I'd love to go! I love learning about your work."

"Do you?" he replied, flattered.

"Sure! I mean, I still don't really get what you do… but everything is so important. And you live like this," she gestured at the large dining room. "Maybe if I learn enough from you, when I'm older I can have a big house, too."

"If anyone could outdo my billions, I'm sure it would be you. You've got the right attitude. Though there is one downfall…"

"What's that?" she asked nervously.

"You're too nice," he winked.

Annie smirked. "Tell that to Pepper when I'm threatening to knock her teeth out."

"Excuse me?"

"Hey, she asks for it sometimes."

"I understand. Some feist is good. Though, I probably shouldn't condone fistfights."

"Yeah, okay."

"Finish your breakfast. We'll get going in half an hour."

Oliver held up his newspaper again while Annie began shoveling forkfuls into her mouth. He tried to focus on the headlines, but his attention kept drifting to the little girl across the table. He'd grown accustomed to her company quicker than he wanted to admit. Having her around made mundane tasks more interesting. Instead of dreading the meeting on Wall Street, he was looking forward to it. He loved seeing her face light up with wonder at everything new she encountered.

It was hard to believe she'd only been here a few days. They'd all settled into a new routine. At the same time, her visit was passing far too quickly. Come 1934, she'd be back with Miss Hannigan and the house would feel as empty as ever.

With this realization, he started to question if he wanted to say goodbye at all.