"He certainly gets to help clean up the mess," she responded with a chuckle though she had no doubt that Colin would help. Especially since the thing had been his idea. "I'll swing by another day so we can go through everything. I'll get someone to keep an eye on Kayla for me so she won't get fussy in the middle of me trying to decide what the most adorable thing in the place is or which of your delicious cakes would be the preferred choice."
Cate shook her head and tried to look annoyed but couldn't stop herself from laughing. "That's fine. I'll just make sure to leave the toy at Colin's. He'll love it." Another one of the best things about having a brother.
The instant she was back in her mother's arms, Kayla leaned heavily into her and started to fuss. Cate rubbed her back gently. It was time to see if she could get her daughter down for a nap from the sound of things. "No. It's alright. I come on a little strong sometimes. I'm sorry about it. Catches people off guard when they don't know me. Thank you. You're really nice, too, AJ, which is part of the reason why I wanted to invite you in the first place."
As soon as any of the workers caught the whiff of a donut, Cate was sure they'd all be taking their break for a sugar fix no doubt. "You haven't been in my hair. I'm sorry that you're having problems with your truck, but at the same time I'm glad you came in here. Nice to talk to people."
Taking the form with her free hand, she nodded. "I'll do just that. And she come show me those photos when you're free, too. I'm looking forward to seeing them. And to seeing you at the party. It'll be okay, AJ. It's a new area, lots of people, tons of things to do and see. You'll find your place, hon. You'll be okay."
She could tell that he was getting a bit frazzled again. "My pleasure. You have a good day. I'll call you." Kayla responded to his touch by looking at him and smiling. "Bye," Cate called out after him as he all but fled from the office. Poor man. Poor sweet, kind man. Hopefully he would show up for the party. Cate would hate to have to go track him down at work sometime to check in on him.
Then all of her attention went back to her daughter as she placed the form AJ had filled out down on the desk. "Hey baby girl. Let's have a donut before your uncle comes and steals them all, huh? How's that sound?"