“Want a drink?”
Her body warmed at the sound of Arthur’s voice, and she turned to find him holding out a glass of water full of ice. She’d hoped some distance would dampen the emotions which had awoken last night, but it wasn’t the case. He appeared different, happier, which made him even more attractive. “Thank you.” She held the glass to her forehead and then gulped a couple of mouthfuls. “You look happy.”
He lowered his voice. “I spoke to Amy.”
Her heart swelled. “It went well.” There was no question about it, but he nodded. “I’m glad.”
He moved on, taking another glass to Faith and Georgie.
Even the way he held himself was different. He stood straighter, but not in the ramrod pose of a soldier in front of his commanding officer, more like a man who was sure of his place in the world.
Jordan spotted Arthur and dashed over, one hand holding a cup of cordial and the other a piece of watermelon. He came to an abrupt stop, eyes wide, and while Gretchen couldn’t hear his words from where she stood, she guessed he was asking Arthur about hide and seek last night. As Jordan gestured, liquid sloshed out of his cup, narrowly missing Arthur. Gretchen winced and stepped forward, but Arthur steadied Jordan’s hand and kept talking.
He was good with Jordan. It was gratifying he didn’t dismiss her son out of hand.
“He’s not bad to look at.” Georgie moved to stand next to her.
Gretchen rolled her eyes. “You’re obsessed with matchmaking,” she said. “I was watching my son.”
“Honey, if I thought that look on your face was for your son, I’d be calling the cops.”
Gretchen laughed. “Ew. That bad, huh?”
“Yep.”
With no need to pretend any longer, she continued to study the man in front of her. “Does that mean he’s no longer public enemy number one?”
“We had a chat on the way out. I get a good feeling about him.”
“He spoke to Amy while we were riding.”
Georgie smiled. “Good. Amy seems happier. What’s your take on him?”
“Uncertain, yet sweet.”
“He’s good with the kids.”
“Yeah. They don’t judge him. The boys think he’s amazing, and that has to be good for his ego.” He’d had so many hits to it lately.
“You two look as if you’re scheming.” Matt joined them and Georgie slid her arm around his waist.
“Merely observing,” Georgie replied with a smile.
His grunt of disbelief made Gretchen laugh.
The first parent arrived to pick up their child and there were choruses of goodbyes as one by one, the children left. Gretchen carried plates inside and stacked them to be washed. Arthur joined her.
“I hope Jordan wasn’t being too insistent,” Gretchen said.
Arthur smiled. “He’s enthusiastic. He wants me to teach him how to hide. Thinks he’ll be king of hide and seek if I do.”
“I’m not sure he has the patience to stay in one spot for so long,” Gretchen replied. “He’ll want to be part of the action.”
“If you’re all right with it, I’m happy to teach him.”
“Sure. Thank you.”
Darcy entered the room, trailed by Lara.
