Snowfall by Shelley Shepard Gray Page A

memory, or even the kids.
    He needed to nip those feelings in the bud. No good would ever come out of his thinking about her as a woman.
    â€œUm, what I meant was that I value your service.”
    She tucked her chin. “Yes. Yes, of course.”
    He felt so awkward. So foolish. “What I am trying to say is that for someone who claimed she didn’t have any experience working with children, you’ve done a gut job.”
    â€œ Danke .”
    â€œWhy, you’ve practically worked wonders in this house! They really like being with you. Very much so.” Thinking about all the conversations that started with “Ruth said this” and “Ruth thinks that,” Martin knew saying his children were going to miss her was something of an understatement.
    â€œWhat would you like to do about Gregory? I fear he’s going to feel worse before he gets better.”
    Martin figured Ruth had a point. He also had a sneaking suspicion that at least one more of the children was going to come down with the chicken pox, too. “What would you think about staying with us?” he blurted. “Until things get better?”
    â€œYou mean. . . . You mean, with all of you overnight?”
    Thinking quickly, he nodded. “We already have an extra room. You can have it.” Pretending he felt more excitement for the idea than he actually did, he attempted to smile.
    A look of dismay passed through her eyes, though she hid it quickly. “I don’t know.”
    â€œI’d pay you for your time, of course.” He didn’t know how, but he’d figure out some way.
    â€œBelieve it or not, it’s not the money.”
    â€œWhat then?” He supposed she might have many reservations about staying at his house. And maybe even justifiably so. But just as important, he had a feeling that he needed to pin her down right away. Otherwise there was a very good possibility that he was going to lose her.
    â€œI don’t think it would be proper.”
    â€œHow so?”
    When she blushed, the reasons hit him square on the nose. “Ruth, you aren’t worried that I would behave improperly, are you?”
    â€œNo, not exactly. It’s just that we are both unmarried.”
    â€œTechnically, that is true. But we would have half a dozen children acting as chaperones.”
    â€œThat is true.”
    â€œAnd don’t worry. I haven’t the slightest wish to compromise you,” he said in a rush as a smile played on his lips. “Actually, I hadn’t even thought about you in such a way. Ever.”
    She inhaled sharply. “Of course not.”
    Taking another look at her, his smile faded as he saw that his honesty, delivered without the slightest hint of finesse, had been a little too blunt. Perhaps even rude.
    But how did one repair that?
    â€œListen, I’m going to go,” she said in a rush. “I’ll think about your offer tonight and give you my answer in the morning.”
    And that was the best he could hope for, he realized. “What should I do about Gregory?”
    â€œCool baths, mix up some baking soda and water and make a paste to put on his blisters. Give him some children’s Tylenol if his fever gets worse.”
    â€œYou sound so sure.”
    â€œI’ve been around chicken pox a time or two. You might buy some Calamine lotion at the pharmacy. That’ll help with the itching.” After sliding her arms into her coat, she slipped her black bonnet on over her kapp . Finally, she pulled out two royal-blue mittens. “I better go now. I have plans for this evening.”
    â€œOh. Of course. Sorry. I forget the rest of the world has a life.”
    â€œYou have a life, Martin Rhodes. You have a mighty nice one,” she said softly. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    â€œI’ll help you with your horse.”
    â€œNot tonight. I mean, I don’t mind the chore, and you need to see to the