An Unexpected Match by Barbara McMahon

Author:Barbara McMahon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Making a Family Series, Book Two
Publisher: Barbara McMahon
Published: 2024-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Looking at the mess in the kitchen, he knew his father would have a fit if he ever saw it. But he wasn’t his father and his daughters seemed to be having the time of their lives. They’d never remember their mother, but he could give them happy memories of their childhood.

Arden was wise beyond her years, he thought as he began to relax and enjoy the afternoon with Avery and Hailey. Making happy memories was important.

Eugenia began washing the bowls.

“I can do that, Aunt Eugenia,” Arden protested, coming to stand beside her at the sink.

“I like the warmth of the water on my hands, child. Remember, Love is the cook, I always cleaned up. But you can help. Find a drying cloth.”

Arden was grateful for the task that took her away from the center island and gave her some space. Drying the bowls, she stacked them on the clean counter beside the sink. Who would have suspected they could use so many for just a few batches of cookies?

Eugenia added still another bowl to the soapy water, glancing around the kitchen for more. She smiled.

“Brendan is as dusty as his daughters,” she murmured.

She glanced at Arden. “He’s a fine young man.”

Arden nodded. She knew to her aunt’s eighty-some years, Brendan must seem young. But he was eight years older than she was and he had a wealth of experiences she didn’t.

“He seems to relate well with his daughters,” Eugenia continued.

“When I first arrived, they seemed very formal,” Arden said slowly.

“Of course, such a virile man needs some sons, too. I can’t see him playing football with those dainty little girls. Or taking them to ball games.”

Arden took a deep breath, trying to stave off the hurt. She knew her aunt would be shocked to learn how her words hurt. She was just sharing an observation. But to Arden, it again reminded her of why there could be nothing between Brendan and her.

If he ever married again, he’d want a woman who could give him healthy sons. Boys to play with, to roughhouse with, to teach manly things. And boys to perpetuate the family name.

“Does he come from a large family?” Eugenia asked.

“He has a sister. He’s never mentioned any other siblings.”

“That’s right, Ella, isn’t it? The one who used to watch the girls before you?”

Arden nodded. That was what she had been hired for to watch the girls. The job gave her the opportunity to pursue her education at the same time she worked. She refused to jeopardize it by falling for her boss.

It was late afternoon by the time the last batch of cookies finished baking. The girls had long since gone down for a much-needed nap. With the kitchen back in order, and the delicious aroma of cookies filling the house, Arden felt more in control.

She sought Brendan, finding him in the den, working on his computer.

“Can you keep an ear out for the girls? I think they’ll sleep a little longer, but if they wake up, make sure they don’t get into mischief.

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