Not that she allowed any of it to show. Even with her scant knowledge of princesses, she knew that at least one of them lived in a remote ice castle up on a hill. Of all the royal personas she might adopt for her own, that seemed the most apt for a woman like her.

Especially when faced with a man like him.

Chapter 5

“So, the primary goal is for this little guy to become your second pair of ears.” Lila sat cross-legged in front of Emily, talking to the child in a low, calm tone that was making it difficult for Ford to concentrate on his work. “Any sound that you think is important, we’ll also teach Jeeves is important. That way, if you miss it for whatever reason—because you’re doing your homework or watching cartoons or just not having a good day—he can remind you.”

Emily nodded solemnly, her eyes wide as she sat at attention next to her puppy and absorbed the importance of what Lila was telling her. Ford was trying not to interfere and had turned his chair away from the three of them in hopes that he could focus on the coffee-maker manual he was drawing, but it was difficult.

And not just because there was a gorgeous woman on his living room floor in a golden sweater with her hair swept up in an elaborate crown of braids. The fact that she’d made a genuine effort to look regal was enough to cement her in his heart forever. That she spoke to his daughter as if she were a miniature adult, capable of making her own decisions, was going to be the end of him.

“I’ll start. One of the sounds I think is super important is a smoke alarm. Have you heard one of those before?”

Emily giggled. “Only when Daddy burns the toast.”

“I like a nice char on my bread,” he called over his shoulder. “Crispy and full of flavor.”

Lila ignored him. Ever since that morning’s encounter with Helen, she’d been doing that a lot—she and Emily both. With the kind of determination rarely seen in a child three times her age, Emily had thrown herself wholeheartedly into the puppy training.

She’s just like her mother. And, come to think of it, like Lila.

“Now it’s your turn,” Lila said. “What sounds are important to you?”

Ford turned back to his drafting desk, determined to concentrate on illustrating the best water reservoir in the history of coffee makers, but it was no use. Emily and Lila were having way more fun than him.

“I like it when the roosters crow at Grandma Louise’s house. She has eight chickens.”

“That’s an excellent sound,” Lila agreed.