“I’m definitely not saying that. Emotions are funny that way. When you talk about them, sometimes they seem laughable. The problem is that feelings aren’t logical. So if you’re upset, I want you to talk to me. Can you promise me that?”
“Yes, Daddy. I promise.”
“There’s my good girl. Now, it’s almost dinnertime. Shall we go join Sara in the kitchen?”
Essie played with the top button on his shirt. “I had a lot of cookies earlier.”
“You did, huh? So, you’re not hungry now?” he asked, lifting one eyebrow quizzically at her.
“No, Daddy. Maybe we should have a quiet evening together?”
“You’re not quiet, Little girl,” he teased.
“I could practice?”
“I think that is anincredibleidea.”
She wiggled at his deliberate use of that adjective. Incredible had become a code for hot sex in her mind.
Zander shifted slightly to pull his phone from his pocket. He contacted Sara to inform her they’d skip dinner and perhaps come down later for a snack. She shouldn’t worry about them. Then he disconnected the call and lifted Essie into his arms, heading for the stairs.
“I forgot my tablet,” she said, looking back over her shoulder.
“You won’t be reading tonight, Little girl.”
She giggled happily as he walked up the stairs. Essie had hidden in a book enough for one day. Now, she got to play.
Chapter Seventeen
“Hi, Essie! You wanted to talk to me?” Ivan asked the next morning when he arrived.
“Oh, good. Sara caught you before you got too busy.”
His smile vanished as his hand tightened on the door frame. “Did you need me to take today off?”
Essie could have kicked herself. He was worried she was going to cut his hours. “Oh, no. I definitely need you working. Could you come in and sit down?”
“Sure. What did you need to discuss?”
“After our chat about projects, I worked on the books and crunched the numbers. I would like to offer you a full-time position here at Ferguson’s Folly as the caretaker. Aunt Esther always had someone on staff to address things that cropped up. When that man retired, I guess she never found someone to replace him.”
“A full-time position?” he repeated.
“I came up with some pros and cons to the job, so hear me out. On the positive side, you and Tiffanie, if you wish, are welcome to move into the carriage house to live rent-free.”
“That is very generous, Essie.”
“Not generous at all. I would love to have you on-site. I promise not to take advantage of you, but I have to admit, I’d probably call you in an emergency even after hours.”
“Of course you would. Why would you let broken pipes fill the basement when I could come turn off the water until we get the parts needed to fix the problem?” Ivan looked appalled at the idea of more damage.
Essie didn’t allow herself to smile at his indignation. “Another pro: You wouldn’t have to check that phone of yours to see where you’re headed next. Ferguson’s Folly always has something for you to work on.”
“That’s true.”
He sat a bit taller in his chair. Essie suspected she’d already convinced him. She braced herself. Now for the tough part.
“Let’s talk cons. As a small business, I won’t be able to provide health coverage. At least, not at this time.”
