Read Online Maid for Love (A Romantic Comedy) by Caroline Mickelson - Free Book Online Page B

I’ve stepped into a fairy tale. Last night I was sitting on the beach with the most handsome, charming man alive and now I get to spend the day with him. My idea of heaven.”
    Michael handed her a plate with a fresh croissant on it. “You have today and as many days as you want.” He was going to offer her forever but an expression he couldn’t identify flitted across her face. Too soon. “Any idea what you’d like to do today?”
    “I just want to be with you.”
    Those seven words made Michael fall in love with her all over again.
    Zoe took a bite of the croissant. “Delicious. Any idea what the kids would like to do today?” She reached over to feed him a bite of it.
    “The kids are both pretty avid amateur photographers so if you’re game I thought we’d head out in search of a few lighthouses.”
    Zoe cocked her head thoughtfully. “Let me think, great company, gorgeous scenery, lovely weather. It sounds like the perfect way to spend a day.” She took another sip of coffee. “Have the kids always been interested in photography?”
    “It’s something they share with their dad. He got them started young so they could take day trips while my sister was painting. I realize that I’m pretty biased here, but as far as families go, they really have their act together. I’d love to be as involved a dad with my kids as my brother-in-law is with Josh and Kathryn.”
    Another uncomfortable look passed over Zoe’s face. This one he knew he wasn’t imagining. He reached out and touched her hand. “Hey, what is it?”
    She shrugged. “It’s nothing.”
    “Nothing you want to talk about you mean?” He kept his voice gentle, nurturing even, because he hated the look he saw in her eye, like she was waiting for something to go wrong. “Why does my talking about having a family make you look like you’ve just seen a ghost?”
    He watched as she started to protest but whatever she was about to say she chose not to. Instead, she shook her head. “It’s not what you think. It’s just…overwhelming. I can’t think that far ahead without getting scared.” She looked up at him, her eyes hopeful that he’d understand. “Please just believe that I love you, Michael.”
    “I love you too.” He leaned in and kissed her softly. “There’s no pressure, Zoe. Whatever worries you, we can handle together.”
    Judging by her expression, that wasn’t the right thing to say either. Michael decided that the safest thing to do until Zoe felt more comfortable was to wait for her to confide in him. Until then, he would just love her. Thankfully, that came as naturally to him as breathing. “How about I let you finish your breakfast and get ready while I get the kids up?”
    Her smile was reward enough for his vow of patience. Love and time together was exactly what Zoe needed to rebuild her confidence in their future. Fortunately they had a lifetime to look forward to.
    ***
    Everything about the day was perfect. Or should have been. Which made Zoe miserable at the same time she was happy, which then made her feel crazy.
    A cool breeze partnered with bright sunshine to make the day ideal for being outside. They started their day by visiting a whaling museum, which had been Michael’s idea. The kids went along with it, despite their initial reluctance, once Michael pointed out how much it would please their mother to know they’d done something semi-educational while on vacation. He was smooth, Zoe realized, as she watched him work on his niece and nephew. And persuasive. She’d have to watch her step with him.
    After the museum, they headed up to Sankaty lighthouse. Built in 1850, it stood atop the grassy bluff in majestic defiance of both time and an often harsh climate. Zoe leaned in to Michael’s embrace as they rested against a railing while Josh and Kathryn walked up closer to it to take pictures.
    “Isn’t it gorgeous?” she asked.
    Michael leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “It’s hard for me