She didn’t know why his praise flustered her, so she ducked her head and mumbled that it was nothing as she put the chicken cutlets on the table.
He placed Addison in a chair and grinned. “This looks amazing. And it smells terrific.”
She fidgeted like a klutz and dropped a serving fork with a loud clatter, catching it awkwardly before it landed on the floor. She should confess she didn’t make the food. “Well, enjoy.”
“Wait a minute. You have to eat, too.”
She paused at the door, hesitating. This was his time with Addison and she had a sink full of scorched dishes to handle. “That’s okay—”
“Nonsense. Take a seat.”
“Yeah, Skylar, sit down,” Addison commanded with a bright smile. The nap had served her well today.
Before she could make another excuse, Mr. Buchanan gripped her shoulders and steered her toward the table. The weight and heat of his large hands frayed the last of her wits and she dropped into a seat without objection. It was the chair meant for him.
“I only set two places,” she murmured.
“I’ll grab another plate.” Already on his way to the door, he glanced over his shoulder and pointed at her. “Stay put. I want to hear all about the day you two had.” He disappeared into the kitchen, and she regretted the mess he found on the other side of the door.
As soon as he returned, she confessed, “I had a little trouble with the oven. I’m not used to cooking with gas.”
He glanced at the feast laid out before them. “If this is what trouble looks like, I think we’re fine.”
“I can’t take responsibility for this. It’s from my family’s restaurant.”
“Vincenzo made it!” Addison announced.
Mr. Buchanan paused from serving. “Vincenzo Marcelli?”
Skylar bit her lip. “I hope that’s okay.”
He hesitated then laughed. “Well, this finally gives me a chance to taste his cooking. Everyone’s always raving about it.” He didn’t need to state that he wasn’t welcome in the restaurant. Her grandfather made that clear enough. “So, tell me what you two did today.”
His genuine interest was unexpected, as was his enthusiasm for the meal. It made it worth all the trouble of cooking.
Addison reviewed every detail of their day while they ate. Not only did Mr. Buchanan enjoy the meal, he had seconds followed by thirds. It was safe to say he loved it.
“Well, it sounds like you two are off to a great start.”
“Tomorrow, we’re making a snowman! And Skylar promised to teach me how to bake a pie!”
“A pie?” His attention returned to Skylar, and his eyes smoldered as his voice dropped low. “I love pie.”
Addison bounced with excitement. “It’s gonna be an apple pie! We bought the apples today at the farmer’s market and I made friends with Hunter, the farmer’s son. The farmer’s a girl, daddy!”
Captivated by his daughter’s enthusiasm, he glanced at Skylar and smirked. “Who is this Hunter?”
She laughed. “He’s my cousin. He helps out at the market.”
“Ah, I think I know who he is.”
Hunter was older, but had a very young heart and a unique mind. He loved their town and every person in it. She wasn’t surprised that he was thrilled to meet Addison today. Now that he associated the young girl with Skylar, he’d likely ask about her every time they crossed paths.
After dinner, Skylar cleared the table while Addison retold the story they read before her nap. “Will you read it to me, again, Daddy?”
“I’d love to.”
Skylar pressed a hand to her heart as she slipped into the kitchen, giving the father and daughter some privacy. Mr. Buchanan was a good father for the simple fact that he showed so much interest in the things that interested Addison.
Rinsing off the plates, Skylar set the dishes on the rack to dry and scooped out three servings of fruit salad, topping each one with a dollop of whipped cream they made from scratch.
The door opened and Mr. Buchanan appeared, startling her. “Addison’s using the bathroom.”
“Oh.” Awkwardly balancing the three bowls in her arms, she waited for him to hold the door or step aside. He did neither. “I was just going to bring out dessert.”
He stared at her, stared at the fruit salad, and the mess behind her in the kitchen. Then he frowned.
“I’m sorry about the mess. I’ll clean it—”
“Forget the mess.”
Her breath hitched. Was this it, the moment he’d call her out for trespassing in his private room and being a no good snoop?
“I want to thank you.”
“Huh?”
“This is… I can’t remember the last time we shared a meal like this, at a table, with actual conversation.”
Was there another way to eat? In her family, meals were the only way they communicated. “It’s no big deal.”
He caught her arm. “It is a big deal, Skylar. It’s a big deal for Addy and I should have realized that. She doesn’t always know what she’s missing because she’s young, but I should know better. I appreciate you reminding me of the ways I can do better by her.”