Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 49458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
“I love seeing Ferguson’s Folly coming back to life. The hustle and bustle of past years when the master was still alive plays on in my memory,” Sara said with a smile as she stood. “I’ll be off to tend to dinner. Don’t worry about the tray. I’ll return to get it later.”
Ivan stood as Sara returned to the kitchen. “I appreciate the refreshments. Thank you for the work. I wanted to tell you that I’m taking Tiffanie for her last chemo treatment tomorrow. I’ll be back the following day.”
“Of course, Ivan. Can I ask? Last like in she’s done or…”
“The doctors feel she’s getting too weak and needs a break. They’ll do testing the following week to check the size of her tumor. Keep your fingers crossed.”
“I’m crossing every extremity for her.”
When Essie sat at her desk alone once again, she studied her calendar as her thoughts kept returning to Tiffanie’s plight. Essie wished she could do something to help. Bad things shouldn’t happen to such good people.
“Are you okay, Little girl?” Zander asked from the doorway.
Essie looked up. The tears welling in her eyes rolled down her cheeks. She shook her head. “I’m worried about Tiffanie.”
Zander crossed the room in giant strides. He pulled Essie out of her chair and into his arms. Instantly, she snuggled close, taking solace in his embrace. Zander made everything better. After squeezing her extra tight for a few seconds, he brushed her hair back from her face. “Did you get some bad news from Ivan?”
“No. Well, not really. The update could be awful or maybe great.”
“Now, I’m really confused. Come with me. You can catch me up on what’s happening.” Zander tugged her by the hand over to the settee in the library sitting area away from her desk and guided her onto his lap. He held her tight and rocked their bodies slowly for a few minutes. Essie basked in his attention and comfort.
When she relaxed against him, Zander asked, “Now, what’s happening?”
Essie ran through the update that Ivan had shared. “I really want her to be okay. She’s the sweetest.”
“Second sweetest,” Zander disagreed with her.
“You just like me,” Essie told him.
“Maybe a bit more than that. You are the special Little girl, I’ve dreamed about.”
“I didn’t think I’d ever have a Daddy,” she whispered.
“Thank you for coming back to town.”
“I’m glad I did. I can’t imagine being anywhere else,” Essie confessed.
“Good. Before your Daddy decides we’re both done working today, do you think there’s anything that we could do for Tiffanie? To support her at this time?”
Essie smiled at him. He might present as a successful cattle rancher and businessman persona to everyone in town, but she understood that at his core Zander cared about others deeply. She’d never share his secrets.
“We’ll have to wait and see what the results are. I’ve wondered if a second opinion might make a difference for her. She could take her tests and go consult another specialist.”
“I’ve got a friend who’s a scientific researcher. I’m going to contact her and see if she has a suggestion for a cutting-edge doctor. We’ll keep that information in our pocket, just in case.”
He had the best ideas. “I love that, Daddy. I jotted down the type of cancer she has in my phone after talking to Ivan one day. Maybe that would help?”
“Any information you have, Little girl, can’t hurt. Send everything to my phone later. Right now, I need a kiss.”
“She’s not cute, is she?”
“Who?”
“Your scientific researcher friend.”
“She is lovely and married to a brilliant man with whom she’s produced four equally intelligent children. I met her in college. I helped her with her economics class, and she got me through chemistry as my lab partner. All those years ago, I considered choosing the seat next to her in science as my best move ever.”
“I don’t need to be jealous?” Essie asked, her cheeks heating with embarrassment.
“No, Little girl. I didn’t ask her out years ago. I won’t change my mind now. Besides, someone else came into my life. Finding you overshadows any other beneficial relationships, Little girl.”
Essie pressed her hand to his chest, delighted that he valued her most. “Sorry, Daddy. I had to ask.”
“I’m glad you did if you were worried. Now you know. I came to tell you a surprise is waiting upstairs.”
“Is this a surprise I’m going to enjoy?” she asked, leaning away from his chest to study him skeptically.
“Definitely.”
“Is the nursery….”
“Free of dust and ready for a Little girl to come play,” Zander told her with a big grin.
Instantly, she bolted into action. Wiggling off his lap, she accidentally elbowed him in the chest. Her mouth rounded into an O. “Sorry!”
“Whoa, Little girl. Don’t knock me out!” Zander rubbed one pec. “I guess that means you’re interested in evaluating my cleaning skills?”