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"I want to decorate, too"

"Me, too," Mackenzie chi and Dillon finished drying the last of the dishes and threw themselves in front of the television to watch their favorite DVD Carrie sat on a bar stool, her energy gone, while Mackenzie painstakingly added tiny red cinnamon candies to the cookie faces

"Dad’s late," she said with a knowing sigh as she forer than he says he’s going to be He has no life, you know" She glanced up fro attention

"We agreed," Carrie reer

"I remember" Carrie had insisted Mackenzie keep Philip Lark out of the conversation It seemed drastic, but was necessary, otherwise Mackenzie would use every opportunity to talk about her poor, lonely father, so desperate for fe up before her eyes Carrie could repeat the entire speech, verbatim

It had taken the better part of two days to convince the girl that Carrie wasn’t romantically interested in Philip, no matter how perfectly matched they appeared to be in Mackenzie’s estimation

Carrie suspected that Mackenzie was hearingfrohter playing matchmaker any , they’dto each other The last thing Mackenzie needed was evidence that her plan orking

"It’s a real sha her carefully "Madarees with h!" Carrie said, loudly enough to draw the boys’ attention away from the TV screen

When Mackenzie had finished decorating the last of the cookies, Carrie set them on three plastic plates, covered each with clear wrap and stuck a bright, frilly bow to the top

"I want to deliver Arnold’s," Doug told her The oldest of her brothers had developed an interest in the forht lifter Arnold fit the stereotype Froabout him said circus performer Sometimes, as a concession to holidays or other special occasions, he even wore red spandex shorts over his blue tights Doug was entranced

"Will Maria let me pet her cats?" Dillon wanted to know

"Of course she will"

"I guess that leavesdisappointed She cast a look toward the kitchen and Carrie guessed she wanted to h cookies left to take home to her father Carrie had already made up a plate for the Larks, and told her so

"Thanks," Mackenzie said, her eyes glowing

All three disappeared, eager to deliver their gifts, and Carrie collapsed on the sofa She rested her head against the cushion and closed her eyes, enjoying the peace and quiet It didn’t last long

Doug barreled back in moments later, followed by Mackenzie Dillon trailed behind

"She’s in here," Carrie heard her brother explain as he entered her apartment Philip walked with him