He chuckled as he tied it behind him.
“Now, you’ll butter one side of the bread and place the buttered side on the griddle. A slice of cheese comes next, then another slice of buttered bread but with the butter side on top.”
“What if I want more cheese on mine?” Carlisle asked, giving her shoulder a soft nudge.
“Add more.” Merry nudged him back. “But Alex is particular about his grilled cheese sandwiches. Only one slice and only American cheese. I have some cheddar if you prefer that for yours.”
“I’m finding I like a lot of American …things.”
Merry refused to look at him and stirred the soup instead.
“Not everyone of affluence lives the lifestyle of the wastrel,” Carlisle said, thoughtfully. “Perhaps because my father did and because my grandfather puts such store in money and status, I’ve chosen another path.”
Merry tilted her head and shot him a doubtful glance. “How much did you pay for your cologne?”
“I—” He broke off, looking thoughtful. “I have no idea. I don’t look at prices. If I want something, I buy it.”
“And that’s one of the differences between having a lot of money and not. I never buy anything without knowing the price.”
“Good point. I should make a practice of doing that myself. You must have learned it from your mother. I must tell you how much I enjoy the comfortable home-life she’s created.” He glanced over his shoulder to where the children were arguing again. “I want Grace to learn it too.”
With a piece of bread in one hand and a butter knife in the other, he strode into the living room.
“The meal will soon be ready,” he told the children. “You need to wash your hands.”
Merry smiled to herself as she flipped the sandwiches on the griddle.
“Oh,” he said when he returned, sounding chagrined. “I suppose one shouldn’t step away while food is cooking.”
“Always a good plan.” Merry hesitated but decided to say what was on her mind, “About what you said before. How does that fit with having just bought a multimillion-dollar house with cash?”
“I refuse to apologize for it.” He lifted his chin, his voice stern, making Merry wonder if he’d learned that from his grandfather. Carlisle said, “The funds came from my late wife’s life insurance, which I used to make what I anticipate will be an investment for Grace’s future. I hope she’ll grow to love the land and will be happy to own it once I’m gone.”
“Good answer.”
Merry found that she underestimated this man all the time. The more she learned about him, the more she admired him.
“I’m hungry,” Grace whined this time.
“Good. The food’s ready.” Merry picked up the little girl and tickled her before setting her in a chair at the table.
Later, when they had almost finished eating, Merry asked, “What kinds of dishes do you like?”
“Ones I can eat on?” Carlisle chuckled at her expression. “Truly, I have no idea about anything domestic. I’m a complete ignoramus. What do you suggest?”
“Are you concerned about impressing those business guests you mentioned?”
“No. If I wish to do that, I’ll cater the event or take them out.”
“Right answer,” Merry said, “because if you need designer anything, I’m not your girl.”
He glanced at the table. “I like your taste.”
She shot him a flat look, trying not to imagine the kinds of sophisticated tables he’d have regularly eaten at.
“We’ll pull up those photos of the house. That’ll help with colors.”
Merry ended up spending a pleasant evening with Carlisle at her computer desk. He kept trying to leave decisions to her, but she wouldn’t let him get away with it.
