Make Me Yours(23)

Her cute nose wrinkles. “I had a late breakfast. I’m good. By the way, having lunch with your daughter pretty much confirms you’re not a distant or detached father.”

“It’s something I try to do every day. You’re welcome to join us.”

“I think it’s better if you have that time with her.” She tilts her head and gives me a little smile. “She gets you all to herself.”

I don’t know why that pleases me so much. Still… “What are you doing?”

“Would it be okay if we set up easels out here?” She gestures toward the lake. A bridge arches over one end, and cranes stand beneath it. “That’s a really nice scene. I’d like to try painting with Lillie.”

“Do you paint?”

“Just for fun.” She shrugs, seeming embarrassed.

“I think it’s great. I’d love you to give Lillie art lessons.”

“Okay.” She starts for the door, and I catch her hand. Her eyes fly to mine, startled, and I release her. “Sorry. I just wanted to say I think you’re doing a great job with her. I hope you like it here.”

Her shoulders relax, and she smiles. “I do. I like it very much. More than I thought I would.”

“Daddy?” Lillie’s voice is serious. “I finished my lunch. I think you’d better finish yours and get back to work.”

She’s standing in the French doors with her little hands on her hips, and I can’t resist picking her up again. “Is that so? You think I need to get to work?”

I tickle her, and she laughs. Ruby’s hand goes to her mouth, and she’s laughing as well. Our eyes meet, and those feelings are so strong. I was going to apologize for almost kissing her. I wanted to make it clear I’m not trying to crowd her or make her uncomfortable.

Her answer to my question gives me some relief, but I’ll make a point of clearing the air later, once Lillie’s not around to misunderstand.

Giving her a wink, I put my daughter on her feet. “I guess I’m getting back to work now.”

Ruby holds out a hand to her. “How do you feel about painting?”

It gets about the exact response I’d expect. Lillie starts jumping up and down, clapping and cheering. Walking to my office, all I can think is this is exactly how I want it to be.





9





Ruby


Dinner with Eleanor is an unexpectedly formal event.

I didn’t get the memo to wear a ball gown, so I showed up in the same outfit I’ve worn all day—my purple skirt and “Stay Gold” tee. Eleanor’s wearing a fancy beige pantsuit with another one of those little scarves tied at her neck.

Lillie changed out of her sparkly mermaid costume, and now she’s wearing a fancy version of Belle’s dress from Beauty and the Beast. It has sparkly gold tulle and a full skirt and looks nicer than anything I own.

Remi’s drop-dead gorgeous as always in his jeans and tee, but he pulled a navy blazer over it. When I enter the room, he gives me that swoony smile, and I swear, I’m never going to get used to it.

Everyone’s standing behind their chairs looking at me. “Were you waiting for me?” My face gets hot. “I was…”

The sentence is started, but the way Eleanor glares at me, the words die on my lips.

I was on the toilet.

“You were saying?” She raises her eyebrows, but I only wave my hand.

“It was nothing.”

We take our seats, and I nearly jump up again when a woman I don’t recognize appears at my elbow. “Roasted beets with organic kale, avocado, and a splash of balsamic vinaigrette.”

Wow. She moves down to Remi, and I watch as a male server puts plates in front of Lillie and Eleanor. The woman who served me opens a bottle of white wine and pours Eleanor a glass. She stops by Remi’s seat and he holds up a hand.

“I have a little more work to do tonight. Thanks.”

“You work too much.” Eleanor’s voice is condescending, and I see him bristle.

The server is at my side. “None for me, thanks!” I cover the rim of my glass. “I still have work to do, too.” Eleanor glares at me, and I smile. “Lillie won’t put herself to bed!”

“Honestly,” she shakes her head. “One glass of wine won’t hurt you. It’s actually good for you.”

“What’s this red thing?” Lillie pokes at the beet on her plate.

“It’s called a beet.” Eleanor touches her small wrist. “Don’t play with your food.”

Holding my breath, I watch as Lillie stabs the dark red slice and pops it in her mouth. Her little eyes widen, and I have no idea what’s about to happen.

“It tastes like dirt!” She announces, and I bite my lip to keep from laughing.

Eleanor is undeterred, calmly taking a bite of her salad. “And how do you know what dirt tastes like?”

“Louie made us all eat dirt to prove we could be good soldiers.” Lillie stabs another beet. “I can eat dirt. I’m going to be a general.”

Remi laughs as he shovels another bite of salad into his mouth. “Take it from me, soldiers don’t eat dirt, honey.”

Eleanor puts down her fork. “While I admire your fortitude, Lillian, you are not to eat dirt at school or anywhere. That’s how you get worms.”