They both looked at Wes, and he didn’t look completely convinced, but he nodded slowly. “I guess it’s okay.” He checked his watch. “Well, let’s get your things and I’ll drop her back here in an hour?” he asked Sarah. The questioning look in his expression reflected her own uncertainty about where they stood, and she had no more answers than he did. But she could save Marissa from boredom that weekend and maybe find some inspiration to try to save her promotion that was slipping away with each failed attempt to wow Gail.

Sarah nodded. “Sounds great.”

…

He was going to be late for check-in if he didn’t leave now. Still, Wes lingered on the front porch of the B&B almost an hour later. “Did you pack enough clothes?” he asked Marissa, eyeing her Minnie Mouse suitcase in her hand. The one they’d bought for her first trip to Disneyland when she was four and the one she always took on sleepovers.

“Yes.”

“Toothbrush?”

She nodded.

“Toothpaste?”

“I assumed Sarah had some,” she said, looking at Sarah for confirmation.

Sarah nodded.

“Your nighttime retainer? The dentist said the grinding was causing cavities.”

“Yes, Dad. I have it. I packed everything just like if I was going to Grandma and Grandpa’s,” Marissa said, her small hands against his stomach, pushing him off the deck and down the steps. “Go. If traffic is bad, you’ll be late.”

Wow, she was eager to get rid of him. Guilt washed over him. Years without a female role model in her life might be taking their toll. Or maybe it was just having someone in her life with shared interests, someone she could bounce ideas off and have them understand, someone she could learn a lot from.

Maybe this time with Sarah would be a good thing…but then what?

Could he, should he try to protect Marissa from potential disappointment and heartache by cautioning her not to get too attached, or would that be teaching her to be guarded, closed off in relationships?

Where was the parenting book on how to deal with situations like this?

“Dad. Go,” Marissa said when he continued to stand there like a statue.

“Okay…I’m going.” But he paused at the base of the steps. “You sure?” he asked Marissa. Sure, she liked Sarah, but the woman was still virtually a stranger. They’d only really met a week ago. Would Marissa be comfortable with her for two full days? What about at night?

“Yes, I’m sure,” Marissa said confidently. Confidently annoyed.

He glanced at Sarah next. “You sure?” She seemed less so, but she nodded.