Chapter 2

Penny woke up with a smile on her face, like she did every morning since she started working as a kindergarten teacher. She considered her job very important, especially since the children were at such tender age and she could influence their personality. She loved them and they loved her back. And how wouldn't they? Penny was a very kind young woman with brown hair and warm hazel eyes that showed the sweetness of her character.

''Good morning, honey. I've prepared breakfast'', her mother told her when she entered the kitchen spotting immediately all the treats on the table: Milk, orange-juice, croissant, cake… Everything was there for her.

''Good morning to you too, mum. I'm afraid I don't have time to eat all that''.

''Breakfast is important. You must always start your day with breakfast'', Deirdre said trying to convince her daughter to eat.

''I have to go now. Bye, mum'', she said and headed to the bus stop. When she arrived, she met with her colleague, chatting until the bell rang. The kids started to gather and soon the school yard was filled with their voices.

''Uncle Andy!'', Annie shouted happily running towards him.

''How is my girl?'', he said lifting her up. ''Happy to spend the afternoon at my place?''

''Yeah!'', Annie answered with a kiss. She had a soft spot for him and Andy loved her so very much. She was the most adorable creature he had ever met. Annie was a spitting image of his sister. They looked alike not only in appearance but also in personality, which made Andy wonder how could it be possible that Dean Mervan was the father of such a sweet little girl.

''Ready to go?''

''Ready'', the kid said while Andy put her in the back seat and helped her fasten the seat belt. He sat behind the wheel with his seat belt on and drove home. ''Are we having fishsticks?'', Annie asked running eagerly to the kitchen.

''I'll cook whatever you want'', Andy answered, unable to say no to her.

''I want fishsticks'', she insisted.

''Your wish is my command'', Andy said with a bow and the girl laughed. Soon, lunch was ready and they ate together talking and laughing all the time. Andy had brought some cheesecake for her, which enthused her so much she ate the whole piece. After the meal was over, Timothy visited.

''So, the party I told you about is taking place on Saturday at the bar. You'll be there, right?''. Before Andy had a chance to answer, Annie ran to them.

''Can I go to the party, too?''

''Sweetheart, you are too young to go to a party and even more to go to a bar'', he said picking her up and the girl pouted. ''I won't say yes, no matter how much you frown''.

''Sure, Annie can't go but Erica could''.

''I haven't asked her yet but I'll tell her tomorrow, don't worry''.

''I'm not worried…'', Timothy said. ''I just made a suggestion. It doesn't mean… Well, I'm going home. Bye, kid''.

''So, how is kindergarden?'', Andy asked when he and his niece were alone again.

''Very nice. I play with my friends and Miss Penny''.

''Miss Penny is your teacher?''

''Yes. Miss Penny is the best teacher in the world''. The doorbell rang and Andy hugged his sister.

''I don't know how to thank you. Whenever I need anything, I always know I can count on you'', she said to her brother. ''Annie, baby, get ready''.

''I told you, you owe me nothing. I love both you and Annie. You are not a burden to me''.

''If only everyone had a big brother like you!'', Heather said hugging him again. ''I had an urgent meeting and Dean is away on a business trip. That's why he couldn't take Annie today''. Andy turned his look elsewhere and made no comment. 'As if he were here he would'. That's what he wanted to say. But once more, he respected her wish and his niece, who was already standing by their side holding her school bag. He caressed her head and walked them to the door.

''Tomorrow I can get her from school again, if you want. We can have lunch here together. What do you say?''

''Sure. Will you cook my favorite dish?'', she asked and he immediately agreed. The next day was expected to be very pleasant since he would spend it with the two women he loved more than anything.