Free Nothing Short of a Miracle by Carol Henry Page B

see him get hurt again by someone who doesn’t care.”
    So much for his good humor. At least he made it clear where they stood. And even though it was none of his business, the need to be honest about Dennis overwhelmed her.
    “I have no intentions where Dennis is concerned. Or any man, for that matter. I have enough problems right now, so don’t worry, you’re all safe from me.”
    “Listen, I didn’t mean anything…”
    “Yes. Yes, you did. Don’t worry, I’ll keep out of your way while you’re here, and I’ll put back all the silver when I leave so you won’t have to come back and count all the knives and forks.”
    “ Touché . Look, I think we’re getting off to a bad start. I apologize,” he said. “Dennis is right. Coming back home always has this effect on me. It takes several days to unwind. I’m sorry.”
    “Are you apologizing, or is your mother?”
    She was immediately contrite. Her words sounded waspish even to her own ears.
    His full, sensuous lips lifted into a hint of a smile. He was an extremely tall, handsome man, and his musky scent, mingled with the fresh outdoors, filled the room. It surrounded Gabriella in a heady warmth—his closeness had her heart beating a fast drum-roll.
    “I guess I deserved that,” he said, looking deep into her eyes. “Mother’s right. I do owe you an apology, even though I would have offered it without her suggesting I do so. As the baby of the family, and not married yet, she likes to think she has to keep me in line. I humor her.”
    His serious gaze turned warm and sparkly. Was he actually smiling at her? Her heart fluttered again and she couldn’t help but respond and smile back. Maybe he wasn’t the scrooge she had suspected him to be. But a niggling feeling deep down inside cautioned her to keep her distance.
    Before either of them could continue, Ethel barged through the doorway with a sleeping baby in her arms. Chad’s warmth from a moment ago vanished only to be replaced with a scowl. He quickly made his escape. Gabriella heaved a heavy sigh of relief. And frustration. Just when they were breaking ground and calling a truce, it appeared he still had reservations about her. And Nina. Maybe, like Charles, his temperament was because of Nina.
    Ethel laid Nina gently on top of the cozy bedding, and covered her with the warm downy blanket. Gabriella joined her next to the crib and together they looked at the sleeping babe.
    “She’s fed and sleeping like a lamb. What a wonderful little girl you have,” Ethel said. There was no hint of having overheard the conversation between her and Chad.
    “I hope she won’t be any trouble. I’ll try to keep her as quiet as possible.”
    “Babies cry, don’t you know? So don’t you be worrying. Why, she’s such a dear. And once Jodi and Sheila’s kids arrive, oh, my, there’s no such thing as quiet. We don’t mind a bit, though, especially during the holidays when they’re all so excited about Santa and presents.”
    “Thank you, Ethel. I appreciate your kindness.”
    “No need to thank me. Now run along. Helen is waiting for you in the library. She’ll be wondering why I’m keeping you. I’ll bring tea in as soon as the kettle boils.”
    “I’ll just freshen up before I go.”
    “The bath’s to the left of the stairs just down the hall.”
    Gabriella did a fast wash up in the very old-fashioned washroom. The claw-footed deep oval tub had a draw curtain around it, and the washstand stood on its own on the black and white tiled floor. The towels were fluffy and fragrant, but Gabriella didn’t waste much time, not wanting to keep Helen waiting any longer than necessary her first day on the job. She must have taken longer than anticipated because Ethel was just wheeling in the teacart as Gabriella entered the library.
    “Ah, Gabriella. Just in time, my dear. Come have a seat,” Helen called to her.
    “I’m sorry if I kept you waiting.”
    “Not to worry. Come, I’ll let you pour, if you