“Papa bought our house,” Grace said.
“Even the furniture, Mama.” Alex reached up and, quite naturally, took Carlisle’s free hand and looked up at him.
The child’s simple admiration brought a lump to Carlisle's throat, and he had to cough to clear it. How he loved this family. He glanced at Merry and found her watching him, her face inscrutable.
“You bought that entire house full of furniture?” she asked.
“The realtor mentioned the home had been professionally staged, and I liked the designer’s taste. All the furnishings I own are in England, so I’d have had to purchase new ones for the house anyway.” He shrugged, something his coworkers did a lot. “Now our shopping will be much simpler.”
Merry nodded, but he wished he understood what he’d said to cause the crease between her brows.
“Well, we need to get home, Alex,” she said. “My feet hurt.”
“And I’ve been taking up your time.” Carlisle moved toward the door, still holding Alex’s hand.
They walked out to the parking lot together, and he helped the boy into his seat. Carlisle’s reward was a quick hug from the child. When he straightened, Grace climbed in beside Alex and the two started talking.
Carlisle glanced at Merry and once again found her watching him. With the children in the car, she stood alone, an almost forlorn look about her. Would only a mere friend be able to offer some comfort?
“Merry,” he whispered and opened his arms. She didn’t hesitate but walked straight into them.
He wrapped her against him, and she rested her head against his chest. She smelled of the fragrances in her salon with just a hint of a perfume she liked to wear. Carlisle wanted so much to tell her again that he loved her, to plead with her to marry him. His instincts told him she needed to work through this, and he didn’t have a sound offer to make her. He already understood she wouldn’t abandon her mother here, and Linda had a thriving business she couldn’t leave. He must be patient.
“I’m in need of a favor,” he said softly against her hair.
Merry lifted her head and met his gaze. With her chin slightly raised, she looked ready for a kiss. Once again, Carlisle resisted the temptation, looking into her eyes rather than at her lips.
“What?” she asked.
“Well, as I mentioned, we’re about ready to move. I hoped you and Alex might help us. We only have our belongings at the B&B to bring over, but I’ll need help with other things. I’m not experienced in setting up a home.” He tried to mimic his daughter’s pleading expression.
The forlorn look receded from Merry’s eyes. She stepped back, so Carlisle dropped his arms. If only she could stay there forever.
“What did the staging include?” she asked. “Was it superficial?”
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“They decorated the kitchen, but I didn’t open any of the cupboards. Are there any dishes?”
“None.”
“And sheets? Towels?”
Carlisle shook his head.
“Well, that’s where we need to start. How about you come to my house for dinner? It won’t be anything fancy, probably soup and sandwiches. The children can play while you and I make a list of what you’ll need.”
“Brilliant.”
She smiled, and her entire face lit up.
* * *
Merry couldn’t believeshe’d gotten so emotional earlier, and she was grateful Carlisle hadn’t taken advantage of it. But she was getting tired of the emotional mess she’d become.
Usually, she was a positive person, not easily depressed. One of her mother’s favorite sayings, one which had helped to get them through the last couple of years, came to mind.Cherish the moment.It’d been a family philosophy. Because they didn’t know when something bad might happen—and bad things happened to everyone—it was important to treat each moment as the special time it was.
Merry felt better as she and Alex drove to her house, Carlisle and Grace following. Merry could cherish what time she had with those two. She’d have to subtly prepare Alex to say goodbye.
