Hometown Proposal Read Free

job.”
    â€œThanks.” Seth wondered whether all included Elise. He guessed from her expression that it didn’t.
    Although warmth radiated from the rich oak cabinets, granite countertops and homey oak furnishings in the room, there was no warmth in Elise’s gaze. “Hello, Seth. How have you been?”
    â€œI’ve been good—busy, but good.” He couldn’t help noticing that she was the only one who hadn’t offered to shake his hand.
    â€œI’m happy for you.”
    Seth tried to measure the sincerity of her words. Was she really glad, or was she being polite in front of her family? He doubted that her parents, or at least her dad, knew the whole story about the end of their relationship. If her parents knew, he probably wouldn’t have gotten the job, much less this dinner invitation.
    Olivia squirmed as Seth held her. “Down, please.”
    â€œOkay, here you go.” Glad for Olivia’s polite request, he gently deposited her on the hardwood floor, which matched the kitchen cabinets. When he glanced up, Elise was watching him. She immediately averted her eyes, as if she were embarrassed to have been caught staring at him. Wondering what she was thinking, he could hardly wait for the chance to talk with her alone. He didn’t have a clue when that might happen. He had to get through this evening first.
    On the other side of the kitchen, Elise looked down at her brown clogs. Seth had caught her staring. How was it possible that he had the little girl he’d refused to acknowledge eighteen months ago? She wanted to ask, but tonight’s dinner wasn’t the time for such a conversation, and she intended to see to it that they wouldn’t meet again. Somehow she would get through this night. Then, hopefully, she wouldn’t have to see Seth for any length of time. She’d just have to live without answers.
    Elise shifted her gaze to the child. The sad, stricken face of the little girl’s mother swam in Elise’s mind as she looked at Olivia. She had her mother’s big, dark brown eyes—the color of black coffee. Looking at the child made Elise relive that day in Key West—the day Seth had shown his true colors as he turned Olivia and her mother away. Elise tried to block the scene from her memory as a lump rose in her throat.
    Turning from the drawer where she’d been rummaging, Barbara held up a small spoon and fork in triumph. “I found the things for Olivia. Just her size.”
    â€œLooks perfect.” Ray held out a hand to Olivia. “Should we put them on the table by your plate?”
    Barbara laughed as Olivia nodded and willingly followed Ray into the dining room. “Seth, I think Olivia has stolen my husband’s heart. He’s dying to be a grandparent like his brothers and sisters.”
    Juliane chuckled. “I think that’s the pot calling the kettle black.”
    â€œOkay, you’ve got me there.” Barbara glanced at Seth. “Seth, maybe you can let us borrow Olivia.”
    Seth smiled. “Does this mean you’re offering to babysit? I’m going to miss having my mother around.”
    Barbara clasped her hands. “That’s an excellent idea.”
    â€œI was kidding. I wouldn’t want to impose.”
    â€œNo imposition.” Barbara looked at Ray, who had just returned to the kitchen with Olivia still clinging to his hand. “Ray and I would love to watch Olivia, wouldn’t we?”
    â€œI think that would be great!” Ray voice boomed through the kitchen.
    Seth smiled as he glanced from Ray to Olivia. “Looks like you’ve got a new friend.”
    â€œMr. Kewwa is nice.” A little smile curved Olivia’s mouth.
    Being careful to keep a straight face, Elise smiled inwardly at Olivia’s assessment. Maybe tonight wouldn’t be so bad after all. Still, every time she looked at the child, she couldn’t help remembering how