Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 49458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
“I’ll get out of here and let you talk money. I’m off to research nutrient-rich meals for people battling cancer,” Sara announced and disappeared with her empty tray.
“What are you comfortable with?” Ivan said.
Essie shared the number she’d come up with after several hours of financial planning. “Would that work for you to pay bills and survive?”
“As a steady paycheck, yes. Can I ask you to give me two weeks’ notice if you decide to end our arrangement? I’d need to find a place and stack up work.”
“Definitely. And we’ll revisit your pay in six months.”
“That sounds fair, Essie.”
“If you decide to leave, could you give me the same two weeks’ notice? And maybe the chance to counter any better offer that comes along?” she requested. A whisper of movement almost made Essie turn her head. She forced herself to focus on Ivan as Edmund emerged from one of the bookshelves.
“Yes, Essie. You have my word,” Ivan said.
“Do you have any other jobs to finish, or should we consider today your first day?”
“I’m free and clear to start now.”
“Perfect. Let’s walk to the carriage house to see what repairs we’ll need to make there before you move in,” Essie said, standing. She laughed before adding, “And by we, I mean you.”
“I could work on that after hours.”
“Not a chance. That’s part of the estate. I’m guessing a couple of weeks to whip that area into shape. We’ll see what you think. Hopefully, we won’t find anything structural or serious. If so, we’ll make other plans for you to stay in the manor while it’s being fixed.”
Ivan walked forward with his hand held out. “Thank you, Essie. I promise to work hard for you.”
“Welcome to Ferguson’s Folly, Ivan. I’m excited to have you here.”
“Why did you wash your hair five times?” Zander asked as he struggled to tame her tangled hair.
“A bat flew into my hair! The blasted creature got stuck and flapped around. Those icky, leathery wings touched me!”
“That had to be scary,” Zander said in a muffled tone that made her study him suspiciously. Was he laughing at her?
“Awful! The absolute worst thing ever! He could have had rabies. You better not laugh!”
“Did the bat bite you or scratch your skin?”
“No. He pulled my hair and flapped around to get free,” Essie admitted. “Thank goodness Ivan had his leather gloves on. He grabbed him fast and freed his feet. When Ivan had him loose, he took the bat outside and released him.” She shuddered, remembering those red eyes like a vampire in the old horror movies.
“Sounds like Ivan has dealt with bats before,” Zander said. “Let’s grab some conditioner. I think your tresses need a mega-deep moisturizing treatment. A bat getting caught in your hair is a perfect excuse for a spa night.”
“That would be nice, Daddy. I have those funny masks people wear. You could use some help for your pores,” she said, eyeing his complexion.
Zander laughed. “Bring it on, Little girl.”
“I’ll go get them for both of us. Would you do my nails too?”
“And toes,” he promised.
Several minutes later, Essie giggled happily as Zander, in his pore-cleaning mask, combed conditioner through her hair. He looked hysterical as he struck a pose for her every time she peeked back at him.
When a knock sounded on the door, she offered, “I can go answer it.”
“No way. I want to see Sara’s reaction.” Zander winked at her before leaving the bedroom to open the suite door. Essie trailed after him. She wouldn’t miss this.
“Oh, Zander. An evening of personal care tonight, I see. Great idea. Those pores of yours could benefit some treatment,” Sara said as she rolled the cart holding a laden tray to the table. A delicious scent wafted from the covered dishes, making Essie’s mouth water.
“Would you like me to set everything out for you, or do you need to finish something before eating? The food will stay hot under the domed lids.”
“I’ll finish Essie’s hair first, Sara. Thank you for bringing a meal up for us.”
“Of course. And good luck!”
Zander turned to wink at Essie through the eyeholes of the tissue mask clinging to his skin. “We may have to do this regularly. I never knew so many people were concerned about my pores.”
Essie laughed hard, wrapping her arms around herself. She froze before running for the bathroom. She was going to wet her pants if she didn’t go now!
When she emerged from the bathroom, she ran to hug her Daddy’s waist. He was the absolute best. “Your pores aren’t so bad, Daddy. Even if they were awful, it’s okay to have a flaw or two.”
“Thank you, Little girl. Let’s get your hair finished and go have some dinner.”
She ate her dinner sitting on her Daddy’s lap at the table. He cut the delicious lasagna Sara had created for them into small bites for her. Feeding her as they chatted about the day’s events, Zander cared for her so tenderly and… normally. Their time together wasn’t awkward at all.