He heard his son’s voice as he walked down the hall. “And then, Miss McKinnon swatted her shoe through the air and screamed that it was going to sting her!” Thomas said, laughing hysterically as he recounted a story.
Mrs. Farnsworth was laughing as Cam rounded the corner, and the domestic scene in front of him surprised him. Thomas and Phoebe sat patiently at the table, while Mrs. Farnsworth placed a heaping bowl full of potatoes on the glossy surface, laughing at his children’s words. But what startled him most, was that Miss McKinnon herself was there, seated next to the head of the table.
“Father, you’re home!” Phoebe jumped from her chair and raced to him, before wrapping her arms around his legs.
He chuckled and patted his daughter’s back. “It’s good to see you, Phoebe.” He nodded to his son. “And you too, Thomas.”
His son stood from his seat, the gesture both mature and calm. “Welcome home, Father. I hope you don’t mind, but we invited Miss McKinnon to dinner.”
The formality in his young son’s voice pleased, but also disturbed, Cam. Thomas sounded like an adult. But isn’t that what Cam wanted? For his children to grow up faster and behave themselves? He wasn’t so sure anymore.
He pushed the thought away. “That is just fine. Thank you for joining us, Miss McKinnon.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
He didn’t know how much truth there was to her polite words. He couldn’t imagine she would want to spend any more time with him than she needed to after their conversation yesterday.
He walked to the head of the table and seated himself, and the children settled back in their own chairs. They said grace and began serving themselves from the different dishes around the table.
“What did you do today?” he asked, once they were all served.
Thomas and Phoebe looked to Aria, but didn’t speak, so she cleared her throat and answered, “We followed the schedule you provided. The children found the topic of insects rather fascinating.”
Thomas and Phoebe stifled more laughter.
He looked between the two children, trying to figure out what was so funny, but neither of them gave any hints.
Aria sighed. “I’m afraid they’re still laughing about an incident we had earlier.”
“Oh?” He was even more intrigued because Aria looked embarrassed by it.
“Yes. You see, after we had learned about some of the insects in the area, I thought it would be beneficial to take the children out and see if we could find some to study.”
“That was a good idea.” She seemed a little relieved that he thought so, and he felt another jab of discomfort over how their conversation ended yesterday. “Were you able to find any?”
More giggles.
“Well,” she hedged, “We did find some.”
“Which ones?”
She shifted in her chair, and Cam could see she clearly didn’t want to tell him.
Finally, Thomas couldn’t hold back any longer. “We found ants, and a butterfly, a spider, and a bee!”
Aria put a hand over her eyes as Phoebe chimed in with, “Aria— I mean, Miss McKinnon is afraid of bees. She started screaming and swatting at it like this.” The little girl’s arms swung around, and Aria buried her face further in her hands.
Although he should probably reprimand his daughter for such behavior at the table, he was having too hard a time trying not to laugh. He coughed, and once he was certain he could control his laughter, said, “That sounds like an adventure-filled afternoon. I’m glad you were able to apply the knowledge you learned.”
He picked up his fork and was about to take a bite of his roast beef, when Thomas interrupted him. “And then after we did our math work, Miss McKinnon had us gather rocks, and we added and subtracted them as we skipped them in the river.”
Aria reached out and took a long swallow out of her glass. He could only guess what she imagined he would say about the outdoor time, but she was wrong. He didn’t dislike outdoors, he just wanted his children to use their time wisely. If Aria could apply the lessons to the outdoors, that was great. “It sounds like you all had a very full day.” He took a hardy bite while the three of them looked at him.
Finally, Phoebe asked, “You aren’t mad, Father?”
Was he always so stern that his children thought him mad all the time? “No. As long as you get all of your work done, and you follow the schedule, I am very pleased.”
Aria smiled. “See, children? I told you your father wanted you to be happy.”
The kids smiled and ate their meal, but Cam just gaped at her. Of course he wanted them to be happy. Had that ever been in question?
As he studied his kids, he realized it had. His children hadn’t known. He may not be the most affectionate parent, but he did love them. They should know that.
Perhaps he needed to tell them more.
Chapter 4
As stated on Mr. Grant’s list, the children were required to do a project, and she needed to stop by the mercantile and pick up a few pieces of twine. She rolled her eyes a little. The man needed to realize that he could let go of his death grip on a few things and let others help. Everything wouldn’t fall to pieces if he stepped away. Perhaps the children would even thrive.
Aria was plenty capable of teaching the kids. And it was fortunate for him, because Promise Creek didn’t look like it would have a schoolhouse any time soon. It was a shame, because Thomas and Phoebe would benefit being around other children more often.
The thought sparked an idea.
She grabbed the few items she needed and stepped up to the counter. “Good day, Mr. Stevens.”
“Miss McKinnon, it’s always a pleasure. Will this be all?” He glanced at her small pile.
“Actually, there is something you could help me with.”
The man held out his hands. “Name it.”
“Do you know of anyone else in town with kids the same age as the Grant children? Seven and five?”
He rubbed his chin. “There are a few families around with young ones that age.”
“Excellent. When they come in next, would you mind asking them to stop by the Grant home? I’m hoping to find a few other children for the Grants’ to play with.”
“I sure can. Although some of the kids around here don’t have much time for that sort of thing between chores.”
“I understand completely.” She’d had plenty of chores when she was younger, but no matter how much there was to be done around the house, her and her siblings had always managed to find time to play. “I appreciate it.”
She paid him what she owed and gathered her items, before heading out. As she walked out, Mr. Templeton, a man who had slowly been working his way through courting Ivan’s other would-be brides, held the door open for her, and she nodded at the kindness. “Thank you.”
“Of course, Miss McKinnon.”
She started walking down the boardwalk back toward the Grant’s home, but noticed the young man following her, so she stopped and gave him her full attention. “Is there something I can do for you?”
Mr. Templeton took off his hat. “I don’t mean to trouble you, but I’ve been meaning to ask if you’d like to join me for dinner sometime?”
“Oh.” She really should’ve expected the invitation. It was only a matter of time until he asked to court her, but truth be told, she hadn’t thought much of any man in particular since she’d set her mind on working.
But she did want to marry, and while she doubted Mr. Templeton was the man for her, her mother had always told her to never judge by appearances. He may end up being the person she’s always dreamed of. “I’d be delighted.”
“Good.” His smile almost blinded her it was so big. “Which day works best for you?”
“I have Saturday off from work. We could catch an early supper then.”
“That’s perfect. I’ll pick you up from—”
Another deep voice entered the conversation, and it was then she realized she’d stopped in front
of the bank. “I’m sorry, but Miss McKinnon will be busy that day. She won’t be able to join you.”
Aria turned to Mr. Grant, looking at him as if he’d sprouted a third head. “Mr. Grant… I thought I wasn’t needed on the weekends. Did I get that wrong?” She knew perfectly well she hadn’t.
Mr. Grant didn’t seem at all affected by her stern tone. “No, you’re correct. But there’s a special circumstance I’ve been meaning to discuss with you, and you’ll be needed on Saturday.”
Mr. Templeton shifted his feet, looking between her and Mr. Grant. Aria stared at her boss and wondered what on earth was wrong with him. And what was he doing standing outside the bank, anyway?
Finally, she turned to her would-be suitor. “It appears I’m unavailable that day.” She offered him a contrite smile. “Perhaps you’d like to join me for a picnic after church on Sunday?”
The man smiled again and she had to fight the urge to step back at his excitement.
“Only if you’ll let me bring the basket.”
He’d no doubt order one from Sally’s café, but that suited her just fine. She would’ve begged the cook at home to fix something up for her, and this saved her the trouble. “Sounds perfect.” She gave him an extra smile, hoping he couldn’t see her annoyance. Cam had no business interfering in her private life.
He nodded his head one last time, before saying goodbye and whistling down the boardwalk.
When she knew they wouldn’t be overheard, she looked at Mr. Grant. “Is now convenient to talk about Saturday?”
His jaw clenched before saying, “Come back to my office.”
She followed him in silence, and tried to calm herself. Mr. Grant really could have a genuine reason for having her work on Saturday. She shouldn’t jump to any conclusions about him spoiling her chances at marriage just to keep her in his employ. He wouldn’t do that, would he?
Once they entered the room and closed the door, she didn’t bother waiting to take a seat. “What is happening on Saturday that is so important?”
He didn’t answer after a moment. “I need you to come over so we can discuss the children’s schedule. I’d like your input.”
For him to loosen up about the day-to-day and put more trust in her regarding the children was something she’d hoped for not ten minutes ago, but at that moment, his offer didn’t justify preventing her from enjoying her day off. She scoffed. “And that’s what was so important I couldn’t have supper with Mr. Templeton?”
When he didn’t argue, she pressed. “Did you really need to speak with me on Saturday, or are you just trying to keep me from courting? Is that what this is all about? You want to keep me in your employ forever?”
She thought he would clench his fist or jaw, or rake a hand through his hair, or something to show his irritation, but he did none of those things. In fact, he did nothing at all. He simply stood there like a statue, glaring at her with hard eyes.
“You did say that you weren’t planning on marriage any time soon.”
“Of course not! I haven’t courted anyone consistently, and there’s been no one I’ve seen that I wanted to make that sort of commitment to.” She stepped closer to him so they were toe-to-toe. “But all of that is none of your business. You have a say in what I do while I’m with your children, but you don’t run my entire life. You have no say in who I see on my time off or who I court or when I’ll marry.”
She poked his chest with her index finger to drive her point home, but before she could pull it away, he grabbed her hand and held it. She tried to pull from his grasp, but he wouldn’t let her.
“I know I have no say, but what you do affects my children, which also affects me. I didn’t expect you would continue dating when you so emphatically told me that you didn’t plan on marrying for some time.”
She didn’t bother trying to pull free from him again. Only a small space separated them, but she didn’t feel intimidated when she glared up at him. “But I did say that I planned on marrying one day. I fully intend on courting until that happens, whether I’m in your employ or not.”
A muscle in his jaw flicked, and she stared at it in fascination. “Why do you care, anyway? I would never leave you in a bad position. If I ever get serious with someone, I would give you plenty of advanced warning to find a replacement.”
“It isn’t about that. Placing an ad isn’t an issue.”
She glanced to his lips. “Then what is it?” Her voice was a little breathier than she would like, but suddenly, she realized he was still holding her hand, and that she was standing very close to him. Close enough she could smell peppermint on his breath from one of the candies on his desk. Does he like sweets? she wondered. It seemed so out of character for him, but then again, she hardly knew the man at all.
He started at her for a long moment, before pulling in a deep breath and looking away. His shoulders lowered as he said, “I overreacted.”
“What?” She wasn’t sure what startled her more, the fact that he would admit such a thing, or that his expression was tired and unguarded. He appeared younger, less intimidating.
“I overreacted. It’s been a long morning, and things haven’t been going my way. When I saw Mr. Templeton following you, I assumed correctly what he wanted to talk to you about, and intervened because I don’t want to risk losing you so soon. You haven’t been with us long, but the children have grown attached to you. I can see a difference in them already.”
She hadn’t thought Cameron Grant, the owner of Promise Creek’s bank, paid much attention to his own children.
As if sensing her thoughts, he said, “I see them in the morning and for a little at night. They’re more carefree than they were. I admit that I expect much of them, perhaps too much.” He shook his head. “But I don’t know what else to do. All I know is, they seem happier since you’ve started.”
His words and obvious feelings for his children melted her heart. “And that matters to you?”
“Of course.”
She shook her head. “Not of course. I’ve seen plenty of fathers that gratefully wash their hands of their children and see them one time a month. The fact that you care says a lot about you.”
His eyes softened a little and he rubbed a thumb over the palm of her hand. Her breath clogged in her chest as sensations tingled wherever he touched. She wasn’t even sure he realized he was doing it.
“No matter what anyone else says, or how it may appear, I love my children. They are the only good things in my life, and I intend to give them the best I can.”
The emotions she saw in his eyes for his children made her stomach flutter. Those dark brown depths hinted of a man she could come to care for. “Why won’t you remarry?” Her eyes widened when she realized what a personal question she’d just asked. “I mean, it would probably be good for the children to have a mother.”
At her words, he released her. “I told you that will never happen.”
“Why not?”
He finally looked at her again, his eyes hard. “Because once was more than enough. I don’t need that kind of agony in my life again.”
She wanted to reach out and sooth him. “Losing someone we love is always hard, and while not guaranteed, you could have someone with you for the rest of your life.”
A harsh laugh escaped his lips. “You misunderstand. Losing her wasn’t the hard part, living with her was.”
Her jaw dropped in shock, but she didn’t know what to say. Luckily, he didn’t need her to.
“Penelope and I had an arranged marriage. We both came from money, and our families wanted to keep the money in the family. I wasn’t opposed. It made sense, and she was beautiful. I thought we could be happy.” He shook his head while he thought of the past. “We might have been, but it wasn’t until after we were married that I found out she was in love with another. She despised me, refused to give our marriage a chance.”
“But the children…?”
“She was willing to do her duty. And although it was a
chore, I wanted children. And then she died right after Phoebe’s birth.”
His words sank deep into her soul. She mourned for the young man he’d been, who’d been so willing to take what their families offered and make the best of it. He’d sounded hopeful, but it had all turned out terribly. No wonder he was so distant.
He looked like he was about to say more, then thought better of it. He gestured to the door. “You can go.”
She tried to think of something she could say, some way to heal the gap this conversation had opened, but there was nothing. Why would he open up to her like that? Why would he tell her those things? Did he think she needed the information to take care of the kids?
As much as she wanted to demand answers from him, she knew she had no right. He was probably already regretting talking to her about it.
As she walked out the door, she paused and looked back at him. His back was turned to her, but she didn’t care. “You know, your kids love you. Very much. I think they behaved poorly with the other nannies because they wanted your attention. They are such wonderful children.”
When he didn’t respond, she walked out the door.
Chapter 5
It was a glorious day for a picnic. Church had been pleasant, but Aria was looking forward to spending some time in the sun. She just wasn’t sure she would enjoy spending that time with Mr. Templeton.
As if appearing by her thoughts, he waved her over to his wagon. She’d told the other brides she was picnicking with Mr. Templeton, and to go on without her. She regretted that and wished they were here now. She also regretted her agreement to picnic with the man.
He wasn’t bad, he just didn’t seem all that appealing to her. He was easygoing and kind, but she wanted someone passionate, someone who would love her with all the heat and passion in the world.
Someone like Mr. Grant.
Her steps paused as the thought flittered through her mind. Where had that come from? Mr. Grant was emotionally unavailable. More so than any other man she’d ever known. He was handsome and broody in a way that attracted her, but she’d learned long ago that you couldn’t change a person. And Mr. Grant didn’t seem to want to change one bit.
A Mail-Order Dream (Miners to Millionaires Book 4) Page 3
