Maid for Love (A Romantic Comedy) by Caroline Mickelson Page A

but you don't act like it."
    "Not cool," Josh added.
    Zoe didn't answer. Instead she focused in on Kathryn first because of her high level of resistance. The key was keeping eye contact and her voice at a consistent enough register that Kathryn would lower her guard. "I think you and I have quite a bit in common, Kathryn." Gingerly she reached out and touched the teen on her arm to establish a greater rapport. "I know you love your Uncle. I love him too. We share that bond between us."
    Kathryn remained silent but her eyes were no longer narrowed. Zoe took this as progress and pressed forward. "What matters is your uncle's happiness and how he feels. I suggest we both let go of any frustration we feel." She paused for just a moment. "We need to release any attachment to misunderstandings or hurt feelings that might come between us."
    Silence permeated the room. Zoe knew her mother understood the importance of a quiet atmosphere, and she was relieved that Michael was following Marlene's lead. "Wouldn't you feel better, Kathryn, if we could go back to a happy and positive mindset? What about the way we felt today at the lighthouse? Do you remember?"
    Kathryn nodded.
    "Can you tell us about how you felt then?"
    "Happy. I felt happy."
    "Tell me more about that," Zoe encouraged her.
    "The sun was shining."
    "Go on."
    Kathryn did as she was bid. Her voice was melodic enough that Zoe felt confident that the girl was releasing some of her resentment. "Uncle M was excited about proposing to you tonight."
    Zoe’s breath caught in her throat. Michael had planned to propose tonight? She carefully avoided looking at him. Despite her racing heart and shaking hands, she focused on Michael's niece. "How did you feel?"
    Kathryn's voice was relaxed, dreamy even. "Hopeful."
    "What were you hoping for?"
    "For you to be my aunt."
    Tears pricked the back of Zoe's eyes. She glanced over at her mother. Marlene touched her hand to her heart and then blew her daughter a kiss. Zoe forced herself to focus. "Do you think that you have it in your heart to forget about tonight and move forward?"
    The wait for an answer was agonizing. Zoe willed herself to not only remain quiet, but to stay calm.
    Finally Kathryn spoke. "I want Uncle M to be happy. If he wants you to be a part of our family, I want that too."
    Michael Archer was a lucky man to be so loved. Heaven knew he deserved it. Zoe turned to Josh. She was careful to establish eye contact with him before she spoke. "What about you, Josh? Can you release your disappointment and memory of how things worked out tonight?"
    Of the two of them, Josh turned out to be the more willing subject, likely because he'd not been as deeply upset as his sister had been. He nodded. "I can."
    "Are you able to move forward with no resentment?"
    He nodded.
    "What is it that you want for your family?"
    "I want for everyone to be chill."
    Zoe sat back and waited silently for several moments before she stood and quietly left the room. Although the alteration appeared to have gone well, she desperately needed fresh air. And to be alone.  A quick glance at her mother assured her that Marlene would stay and keep an eye on the teens for her. Not that anything was likely to go wrong, the kids were going to be fine.
    Which was more than she could say for herself.
    Zoe slipped quietly out of the back door and into the dark night. A profound sense of loss weighed on her like a dropped anchor. She followed the moon-lit path down toward the water, stopping only to kick off her sandals. The wind had picked up but she was oblivious to the cold as she drew closer to the water. The salty moisture of the Atlantic matched the tears that silently slipped down her cheeks.
    She'd been an utter fool to have ever for a moment thought she needed to protect her heart from Michael. Her very refusal to trust him had been the ultimate insult to his integrity, and her actions over the last week had added insult to injury. She stopped at the water's