Page 20 of The Payback Adventure
“Weekdays, we talk about how our day went,” Abby clarified. “On Sundays, we say what we are thankful for.”
Elisabeth glanced over at Henry. “You don’t have to participate.”
“I want to.”
He smiled, one of the most dazzling, genuine smiles she’dever seen, making her lightheaded. She must be more tired than she realized. That was the only explanation for her reaction. She sat, vowing to get more sleep tonight. “Whose turn to start?”
“Mine.” Caitlin placed her spoon on her plate. “My favorite thing was the tea party I had with my baby dolls and Sam. We ate cookies and drank iced tea. I like when we have real food. Sam does, too.”
“Only if it’s cookies.” Sam’s face was tomato red. Elisabeth was tempted to thank him for playing with Caitlin, but he looked too embarrassed as it was. No need to rub it in. She could talk with him later in private.
“You’re lucky to have such a nice big brother, Caitlin.” Henry scooped up another bite of pie and ice cream. “I don’t have any brothers or sisters to play with.”
Sam squirmed in his seat. “I just did it for the cookies, sheesh.”
“You can come to my next tea party.” Two lines appeared above Caitlin’s button nose. “Sam, is it okay if he comes?”
Sam shrugged. “Whatever. As long as there are enough cookies for me.”
He focused a little too hard on the dessert in front of him, trying to play it cool in front of Henry. Maybe having another male around would be good for Sam.
“I’m looking forward to it.” Henry smiled at Sam. “Like you, I’m always up for cookies. Especially chocolate chip.”
His sincere tone made Elisabeth believe he was being honest. Sam stopped shifting in his chair, so he must have believed Henry, too.
For a man who didn’t think he was father material, he sure had a way with kids. And it wasn’t only that. She’d never met anyone like Henry. Nothing seemed to faze him. Oh, that grin of his faltered when he saw Sam’s room, but within seconds, it had returned. He seemed to enjoy whatever life threw at him. At least he had so far. Tomorrow, when he had to work, might be a different story.
“You’re next, Sam,” Abby said, then shoved a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth.
“My favorite thing was seeing Aaron’s skateboarding accident. Blood was everywhere.” Sam mimicked the crash. “It was so cool.”
Boys.Elisabeth grimaced. Maybe if she were eleven… She didn’t think so. “No one repeat this to Aaron, okay?”
Everyone nodded.
“It’s my turn,” Henry said. “My favorite thing was meeting a nice family who lives on a farm in Berry Patch.”
“Do we know them?” Caitlin asked.
“He means us, dorkface,” Sam muttered.
Elisabeth narrowed her eyes. “Language, Samuel.”
He nodded.
“I’m happy to be here, and I can’t wait to get to know all of you.” Henry looked at each of the kids, then his gaze rested upon Elisabeth.
Especially you.
She thought he’d spoken the words out loud but realized his mouth hadn’t said them, his eyes had. She wanted to look away but couldn’t. She’d never felt anything like it, not evenwith Toby, and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to feel it ever again. Uncertain, excited, nervous. Her emotions were as varied as the lunch menu at the bistro.
Heat spread through her. It burned, and she didn’t like it. She took a bite of ice cream. Not that one spoonful would help. She would need the entire half gallon to cool herself down.
And once she cooled down, she could not allow this to happen again. She would have to be careful where Henry was concerned. Her life wasn’t her own. She had no time for romance or fanciful thoughts. No time to chase her own dreams. Her responsibility was to the children and the farm. It was what her parents would have wanted and expected. So why was the truth suddenly so disappointing?
“I’m next.” Abby’s eyes danced with excitement. “My favorite thing was being the second person picked for Madison Patrick’s team. I was the right fielder for most of the game, but I got to pitch at the end and struck Danielle McLean out.”
“That’s great.” Elisabeth forgot about her own troubles and clapped her hands. “Now tell us everything that happened. Don’t leave out any details.”
