Free Daddy's Little Girl (A Homespun Romance) by Geeta Kakade Page B

Sara.  I trust your judgment."
    "Why?"  Her gaze searched his face for an answer.
    "Because in the last two years, I've never thought of Kelsey needing love and stories.  I've just hired someone who would take care of her.  You've shown me what's really important."
    Sara blushed, then looked as if she was going to cry.  With a muttered `Excuse me', she dashed from the room.  Jason wondered what he'd said to upset her now.  Kelsey patted his head and he said, "Hold on now.  Daddy's ready to go."
    His version of a gallop through the dining area and kitchen had Kelsey in splits of laughter that warmed him all the way through.
    "I had something in my eye," Sara said, when he came back to the living room. 
    Sure, and he was the next heir to the throne.  Jason decided to let it pass for the time being.  He had something else on his mind right now.  Sitting down, he let Kelsey tumble off his shoulders onto the couch.  "One of my business colleagues and his wife have invited us out for dinner any day you feel like it."
    "I can't leave Kelsey." 
    She didn't want to go to any parties with him.  She was too afraid of letting him down.  The way he'd acted about her underthings told Sara her black skirt and pink blouse wouldn't do for these occasions.
    "Kelsey won't be alone.  The Bintys will be here.  You can even put her to bed before we leave."
    Sara bit her lip and stared into the fire.  Nervousness mingled with the fear that circled her heart.  She couldn't do it.
    "What's the matter, Sara?  Do you need a new dress for the occasion or something?"  Diana had always made a fuss about not having a thing to wear.
    "Of course not," Sara said quickly.  Did he think she was hinting he buy her more clothes?  "I'm just not sure I'll fit in with your friends.  I don't want to embarrass you.  Why don't you go by yourself?"
    Jason shook his head.  "I hired you as my fiancé.  Now the only way to give the situation credibility is for you to act like one.  You did great with Dee Dee, so I don't see what the problem is here.  Just think of it as another acting lesson, or whatever."
    Her face flamed at the memory of the kiss they'd exchanged.  Were there going to have to act the part of a couple madly in love in front of his friends? 
    Jason didn't want her to think he was deliberately embarrassing her by referring to the day Dee Dee had visited Kelsey.  "This is important Sara.  If necessary, the Wiltons will testify on our behalf that we are engaged, but I don't want my friends to have to lie for me."
    "But all this is a lie."
    "Only if you want to quit," Jason said.  "My offer of marriage is still open."
    Sara turned her face to the fire.  She had no intention of accepting Jason's offer.  Marriage was a bond between two people who loved each other. 
    "I'll come to the Wiltons with you a week after the Bintys have been here," she said quietly.  "That should give Kelsey time to adjust."
    "Fair enough."
     
     
    "It's very, very strange, father."  Mrs. Binty said as she rinsed a plate.
    "What is?"  Binty looked up from the dish he was drying.
    "Himself and Miss Sara, that's what."
    Mr. Binty sighed.  They'd arrived here Sunday night.  It was Tuesday morning.  He knew from past experience that it was long enough for the snap judgments his wife made.
    "It's not our business," he tried to remind her, though the statement had never had any affect on her.
    "They act very cool for an engaged couple.  No hugs or kisses, no time alone without the little one, and none of that other stuff we see on the telly, either."
    "Now Mother, that's none of our business.  They're both nice."
    "That they are," Mrs. Binty agreed.  "It's a relief to know they're nothing like that terrible couple we worked for last summer.  Sara asked me to tell you she wants us both to stop calling her `miss'.  She and the little one are real easy to take care of.  I don't know much about Himself yet."
    It was a relief to know she was off