“No. Let’s stick with the plan we discussed last night. Takeout gets old—and the cottage has more outside play area.” She tipped her head toward Hannah, who was examining the colorful jewelry in the display case.

“As long as that works best for you. Do whatever’s easiest. And remember to keep a running tab of whatever groceries you buy for dinner. I’ll reimburse you every week.”

“I have to eat anyway—and I don’t think Hannah’s going to chow down like a sumo wrestler.”

He didn’t respond to her teasing tone. Instead, the indentations on his forehead deepened. “I thought we settled this last night.”

Not quite. She’d managed to sidestep a commitment. He was paying her a more-than-fair salary, and nickel-and-diming him for Hannah’s dinner would be petty.

“Christi?”

At his more insistent tone, Hannah bit her lip and darted him a worried glance.

Uh-oh. Stress alert—and his daughter did not need any more tension in her life.

“We did talk about it.” And there would be a round two some night after Hannah was asleep. Perhaps even later this evening. But for now she’d appease him. “I’ll keep a running total of her share.”

“You have the key to the apartment, right?”

She patted her slacks. “In my pocket. We’ll be fine, Jack. Don’t worry.”

He hesitated, as if he wasn’t certain about that, then dropped down on one knee beside his daughter. “I’ll be home tonight, after you’re asleep, but Christi will stay with you until I get there. Okay?”

“Yes. You already told me that last night.”

“I just want to make sure you know you won’t be by yourself.”

“I’m fine.”

But she wasn’t. If she didn’t loosen her fierce grip on that sweater soon, more repairs would be in the offing.

After scrutinizing her, Jack stood. “Call me if anything comes up.”

“I will—but I doubt that will happen.”

He smoothed a hand over his daughter’s hair. “Christi will take good care of you, honey.”

“I know.”

Hannah eased closer, and Christi put an arm around her thin shoulders. “I’ll see you tonight at your apartment.”

“Right.” After a moment, he gave her a parting nod and strode toward the exit.

As the door shut behind him, Christi peeked into the tote bag. Books, a drawing pad and colored pencils, peanut butter crackers. Not bad for a bachelor father.

“Looks like your dad has you covered, sweetie.”

“I helped him pick everything out.”

That explained it.

“I have a table set up for you over there.” Christi indicated a quiet, out-of-the-way spot in the back corner. “But let me give you a tour of the shop first. We have all kinds of pretty things here.”

As they completed a walk-through, several customers in succession came through the door and she left Hannah at the table.