t eat corn.”
Renata nodded, looking confused.
“They went to see the baby goats today,” Teddy Boone offered as an explanation. “Baby goats crawl on all fours. Like babies.”
“Aw, right,” Renata said with a smile. “Nope, no corn for Lily yet.”
“I think we’re ready,” Teddy said.
“Smells good,” Eden said, sliding Lily into the high chair and snapping on a bib.
“Just grilled some chicken. Corn on the cob. And a salad fresh from the garden.” Teddy put the serving platters on the table.
“And biscuits,” Ivy said.
“Yes, ma’am, can’t forget those. They’re the best part,” Teddy said, patting Ivy’s cheek.
Ivy sat between Clara and Teddy, smiling proudly. Serving dishes were passed, drinks were poured and conversation never stopped. Eden put a few Cheerios on Lily’s tray and served herself.
“Sorry I’m late.” Archer paused inside the kitchen, his gaze sweeping the room.
“Dr. Boone, I made biscuits,” Ivy announced.
Archer smiled. “You did?”
“Clara helped,” Ivy added.
“Sounds safe,” he said, crossing to the table.
Only one seat was open, the one next to Eden. And when he sat beside her, she nodded at him. Try as she might, she was acutely aware of his presence, his scent and her instant reaction to him.
“Day two,” Renata said. “How’s it going?”
Had it only been two days? In two days they’d argued; she’d been bitten by a scorpion and adopted by a horse; and she’d questioned her mother’s past and her father’s motivation; and been offered a permanent position by a man she was far too attracted to. Thank God it was just attraction. It was... Anything more would be oddly out of character. She didn’t rush into things. She was careful, methodical. She kept her heart under control.
She put her fork on the table, glancing at Archer.
His attention was fixed on his plate, even as the rest of the table waited for an answer.
She swallowed and said, “Fine.” Was it fine? She wasn’t feeling very fine at the moment. She was feeling peculiar. She was not interested in Archer Boone.
“Fine?” Teddy asked. “Meaning you’re feeling better about the budget review, son?”
Eden’s heart picked up. He didn’t fit in her life. Her goal. And...he was only interested in what she could do for him—like every other man in her life.
“I have every confidence in Miss Caraway’s skills.” Archer’s answer was soft.
She glanced at him.
He looked at her.
She was fully aware that conversation kept going. But she had no idea what the topic of discussion was. Or who was talking. Archer was staring at her, his blue eyes intent and searching. And she was...desperate for air.
“Fester came back,” Archer said, his gaze wandering leisurely over her face.
“I’m glad.” She was glad. About Fester.
“I’d like you to reconsider my offer,” he said.