Page 60 of Loyally, Luke
Her smile took on a desperate sort of look. “I’m bungling this beautifully.” She drew in a breath and steadied her shoulders. “Luke, I... I’m...”
He narrowed his eyes, waiting for the blow of whatever left her so flustered, and then... a chime sounded.
A chime?
He stared at her as if she’d explain, and the chime sounded again.
This was not the time when the Hallmark chime sounded.
As if he even knew.
She groaned and offered him an apologetic look. “Perfect timing.”
At least they weren’t about to kiss when the phone went off.
“That’s my father.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. “I need to check this.”
She turned away from him, sending another grimace of apology his way.
“Hey, Dad.”
And then she turned slowly toward Luke, her eyes growing wide as she listened.
“What?”
She held Luke’s gaze, her face growing paler and eyes wider.
“In five minutes?”
After saying goodbye, she pulled the phone away from her ear, staring at Luke before sliding it into her pocket.
“The king is coming here to see your progress.” She swallowed. “And he’ll be here in five minutes.”
***
Ellie barely got the words out, still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that her father was on his way to Cambric Hall.
Her father never just showed up places.
Any official call he made, he informed people well in advance.
She tried to catch her breath. Unless he planned for this visit to be unofficial?
Her gaze met Luke’s. He stood staring back at her, waiting for an explanation.
And she had to tell him now.
“Let’s get back to the hall to alert the workers so they’ll know.” She bypassed Luke, gesturing with her chin for him to follow.
“We don’t have to do anything special because the king is coming, do we?” He fell into step with her. “I mean, I reckon we won’t start back to work until he leaves?”
She kept her face forward, working up her courage. “Probably not. He’ll likely want to ask questions about your plans and progress.”
Luke nodded. “I worked on a vacation cabin for a governor onceand he was a down-to-earth sort. Didn’t have any trouble speaking with him at all.”
Ellie held back a whimper. They topped the hill and the hall came into sight. A few of the workers stood on the veranda finishing up their lunch.
“Luke, the king is a good sort. The best, in my opinion.” Her throat tightened. “And he appreciates honest and creative people, so I’m certain he will appreciate you.” She refused to look his way. “And I know he’s going to like you.”
