Free Missionary Daddy by Linda Goodnight

Africa,” she said.
    “Did you?” His dark eyes were serious above the tea glass.
    “For the little time I was there, yes. It changed me. Made me think about things in a new way. I hope to go back someday.”
    “Me, too. Soon.”
    “For the boys?”
    “And for the program. In order to get international adoptions going, I’ll have to make frequent trips to meet the kids and the orphanage directors. I also got some great news from the Noble Foundation today.”
    Sam went very still, every nerve ending alert to his reaction. Now she understood why Eric was so upbeat tonight and hadn’t even mentioned their disagreement over Gina. “What kind of news?”
    As he explained the donation that had been made, Sam could sense his excitement. Rachel hadn’t called to let her know, but from what Eric said, everything would go just as she had hoped. Most importantly, Eric would be in charge. He would do the right thing with the funds. She was certain of it.
    “That’s wonderful.” Unsure how Eric would react if he discovered that she was the donor, Sam didn’t want to pursue the topic too far. She was happy knowing that the wheels had been set into motion.
    The salary she’d earned on the swimsuit shoot in Africa had gone into the fund. A ridiculous amount of money for cavorting on a beautiful, pristine beach. During her few hours at the orphanage, she’d made up her mind to donate the money, but after she’d returned to the States and landed the Style campaign, she could afford to be even more generous.
    Gabriel, tired of being ignored by the adults, reached for Eric’s tea. With uncanny reflexes, Eric caught the little hand, righted the tumbling glass and scooted sideways all in one quick movement. Tea and ice splashed out over the table.
    Sam hopped up and began sopping the liquid with paper napkins. “Eric, I am terribly sorry. Gabriel seems intent on getting your attention tonight.”
    Sandra noticed the commotion and brought a large sponge. When the mess was cleared away and Eric’s glass replaced, Sam said, “Maybe we should discuss the picnic committee before Gabriel starts in on the rest of the café.”
    “Ah, the little guy is bored. Hey, Gabriel,” he said to the baby and then took a clean napkin from the holder, using it to play a game of peekaboo. Gabriel’s sweet, gurgling giggle had both adults laughing aloud.
    “He’s so adorable. I wish…” Sam caught herself. Wishes were useless. She already knew that. Nothing could change what the pursuit of perfection had done to her body, but remembering always cut like a dull blade. She fished in the diaper bag and came out with a toy to occupy her nephew, a set of colorful plastic keys to fit various slots in a ball.
    Seeing the baby occupied, Eric wadded the napkin into a ball and tossed it on the table. “What’s left to do for tomorrow?”
    “The kids have everything ready. Nikki and I made a master list of all supplies, decorations, etcetera. This afternoon we borrowed a pickup truck to haul everything to the Noble Estate.”
    “Then the concession stand is already set up?” He lifted one of her manicured hands and teased. “Don’t tell me you were on the business end of a hammer again?”
    Warmth suffused Sam. She smiled into Eric’s dancing eyes. He could be so charming most of the time. It felt good to be back on joking terms after he’d hurt her feelings over Gina. Maybe she had overreacted to the girl’s upset stomach, but with her history, who wouldn’t?
    “Even though I am an experienced carpenter, as you well know.” She wiggled her fingers beneath his. “The boys insisted on playing macho and finishing the job themselves.”
    “Too bad. A few bent nails would give the thing character.”
    “Careful, Pellegrino.” She nodded toward Gabriel. “I have a secret weapon with me who could, at any moment, do something else unpleasant to you.”
    Eric eyed the baby with such mock terror that Sam laughed. “If you don’t stop being