Page 25 of An Unexpected Match

“I’d never contradict what your wife said. However, Hailey was younger than Avery is now when she died. As children grow and change, they need new boundaries and new routines. And to be allowed to explore and discover the world. What worked for a two-year-old won’t work for a child almost ready to start kindergarten.”

It made sense. But Brendan scarcely gave it the attention it deserved. He was startled to discover talking about Lannie didn’t cause the searing pain it once did.

Chapter Six

Today was Saturday and Arden intended to have her aunts visit. Aunt Love had promised to show the girls how to make thumb print cookies. She wondered if she needed to alter the plans since Brendan Ferguson was home. Sipping her morning coffee, she gazed over the backyard, trying to decide whether to ask his permission or just carry on.

Brendan came down to breakfast dressed in a suit. The girls were still sleeping.

“Are you going out?” she asked hopefully.

If he was gone for the day, she’d have free rein around the house. Not that she thought he’d object. She wouldn’t have invited them if she thought he’d mind. The girls loved her aunts and if they made cookies, they'd have something special for dessert.

“I know this is your day off, normally. But if you could watch the girls today, I’ll take a day off later in the week and spend it with them. I really need to go into the office today.”

“That’s fine. I didn’t know you’d be back, so I made no plans except for dinner tonight.”

And for the baking party. They'd have some cookies for dessert.

“Dinner?” he asked.

“Celebrating the success of your mission.”

He looked at her for a moment.

“I wasn't sure you meant it.”

“Of course I did. I wouldn’t have suggested it if I hadn’t meant it.”

“I appreciate your watching them today. Did you need me for anything here before I leave?”

The coolness in his tone struck her at odds with the man she’d talked with every night on the phone. For a moment she wished she could recapture the warmth of each call.

“Not at all. You will be here for dinner, right?”

He nodded.

“Where are the girls? Shouldn’t they be up by now?”

He checked his watch.

“They’ll be along when they wake up. I don’t think children should be on a strict schedule.”

“You mentioned that last night. They are, however,mychildren. And I decide how to raise them. Routine is important.”

“That’s the point. They arechildren. Give them love and attention and they’ll be fine. I don’t mind watching them today, but you’d want to spend some time together with them. They haven’t seen you in a week.”

“I’ll spend time with them this evening. One way I take care of them is to make sure I can afford this house, live-in help, nice clothes.”

“Things,” Arden said, waving her hand dismissively. “They want attention from you.”

He gazed at her for a long moment, his eyes narrowed.

“I have to go.”

Arden stared after him. Was the thought of spending time at home so awful he couldn’t even take time for breakfast? She frowned.

He seemed to genuinely love the girls. And last night he’d demonstrated a marked amount of patience with their endless questions and chatter. But there was something almost like he was unsure how to talk to them, except to answer questions.

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