“My position? Is it in question?”
“I’m doing this all wrong. We’ve finished the interviews for the marketing director, but the person we’d like to hire is strong in public relations too. What I’d like to do is move you over to marketing director.” Gretchen’s face pinched, a look of wary anticipation on her face, like she expected some kind of explosion.
“So you’renotletting me go?”
Her head jerked back. “Good grief, no!” Eb took a relieved breath, and Gretchen continued, “But the most enthusiasm I’ve seen from you the last couple of years has been when you’re handling marketing things, so I’m giving you the choice. If you want it, we’ll offer your job to our top interviewee.”
“It’s a simple choice. I’ll take it. And thank you.”
“Great! You’ll be busy the first bit, but we both already know you can handle it.” Gretchen stood and put a hand on his desk. “From the looks of the picture, your daughter’s good for you. I know some good custody lawyers. Let me know if you’d like their names.”
“I would.” He jumped to his feet. “And thank you for your support.”
“And I’ll try really hard not to switch Santas on you again.”
“Like you control that.”
“Keep that in mind if I can’t.” With a grin, she turned and left his office.
Still a little stunned, Eb went back to his desk. He couldn’t believe she’d given him the marketing job.
But had Rue’s arrival already changed him so much it was obvious? He hadn’t thought about how much his isolation over the last four years had shown itself. He opened the picture of him and Rue again. It made Eb happy in ways he couldn’t remember being. On Friday, he’d thought he was in a rut, but Gretchen was right; he’d dug himself into more of a trench. And then he’d covered the hole and shut everyone else out. Eb had let Paige not only steal his daughter but four years of his life.
Well, it was time for him to take it back. Eb checked the time. He’d need to hurry if he wanted to pick up Rue a little early.
As it turned out, he had a few fires to put out before he could get to the daycare center. The lobby had several parents picking up their children. He had called the owner Millie a couple of times—all right, six times—to see how Rue was doing. The woman had assured him his daughter was naturally outgoing and had fit right in.
He’d just signed her out at the computer when he heard Rue’s sweet voice.
“Daddy! Daddy!”
The joyous sound made his throat tighten. He hadn’t noticed Carlisle Wyndham on the other side of the room, but he had opened the half-door which separated the children’s indoor play area from the lobby. Rue, Grace, and Alex practically fell over each other to run to Eb. They surrounded his legs with their arms and nearly brought him down.
“Take care, children.” Carlisle grabbed Eb’s arm to steady him. “I can see you’re a hit with the youngsters.”
“I never knew it could be so hazardous,” Eb said with a chuckle. He bent over and gave the three a group hug before picking up Rue.
“Did you have fun today?” he asked.
“Oh, yes, especially once Grace and Alex got here. Did you know they decorate scarecrows for Grammy’s store? Please, can I help too?”
“When is it?”
All three children turned to Carlisle, who sent Eb a sly look.
“Friday. We would love to have you join us. It’s a bit of an anniversary for Merry and myself.”
“You two met at a scarecrow decorating party?” Eb found himself curious.
“We met here, actually, but then Alex insisted Grace should come, and she begged me, so… But be sure to wear old clothing and not business attire as I did.” Carlisle chuckled. “I never did get the straw completely out of my dress coat. Merry said I must invite you and Rue to join us this year.”
“Please.” Rue squeezed her hands together in supplication.
“We wouldn’t miss it,” Eb said.
“Yay.” And his daughter kissed his cheek.
CHAPTEREIGHT
