Hometown Proposal Read Online Free Page A

in my future, whether I took this job or not.”
    â€œWhy?” Elise sat forward as that little furrow between her eyebrows deepened.
    â€œI was working for a hotel chain as a manager, and my boss indicated there was a transfer to Seattle in my future. So if I had to move, I wanted it to be on my terms, not someone else’s. When my friend asked me about moving to Cincinnati, I saw the area as a good possibility. For my mom’s sake, it isn’t too far from Pittsburgh—about an hour by plane, or a little over four hours by car.”
    â€œOkay. Now I understand.” Elise lowered her gaze and stabbed a piece of meat with her fork.
    When she instantly ended their eye contact, Seth wondered whether she was embarrassed by the way she’d quizzed him about the move, or if she just wanted to avoid eye contact with him as much as possible.
    He wanted her to like him again, but he could tell it would be a while before she’d be ready for a relationship with him again. First, he wanted a chance to apologize for being a jerk, then try to earn her respect. Thinking about the way he used to live always pained him. Even though God had forgiven him, he kept living with the guilt. Maybe gaining Elise’s forgiveness would help him forgive himself.
    Ray pushed back his chair and patted his stomach. “That was great food. You outdid yourself, dear.”
    â€œThanks. I hope you left room for dessert.” Barbara laid her napkin on the table. “I made a carrot cake.”
    â€œI’ve got plenty of room for carrot cake.” Ray stood. “I’ll help clear the table.”
    â€œI help, too.” Olivia scrambled down from her chair.
    Seth reached out and grabbed her arm. “Olivia, please ask Mrs. Keller whether she needs some help.”
    For a moment, Olivia looked crestfallen, and Seth’s heart plummeted. She’d been so good. He didn’t want anything to change that. But before he could say anything to soothe her concern, she brightened. “I help you?”
    â€œI think that’s a wonderful idea.” Smiling, Barbara nodded and held out her hand to the little girl.
    Thankful for Barbara’s willingness to accept Olivia’s request, Seth watched his child accompany Barbara to the kitchen. While they were gone, he helped the others clear the dining room table. Olivia’s charm was working on everyone except Elise. He was still waiting to see her smile. His presence didn’t appear to make her very happy. When she finally smiled, he would know he’d made some progress.
    After they’d cleared the table, Barbara returned carrying a tray filled with plates, each containing a piece of cake. Olivia followed close behind. Gripping the edges of a white plastic plate, the little girl balanced the piece of cake, her steps slow and deliberate.
    Olivia stopped beside Seth’s chair. “For you, Daddy.”
    Seth took the plate. “Thank you, sweetheart. Do you want to get back in your seat?”
    Olivia shook her head. “Help more.”
    Seth looked at Barbara. “Okay?”
    â€œSure.” Barbara lowered the tray. “We’ll serve together.”
    As Barbara carried the tray around the table, Olivia picked up the plates and gave one to each person. When they reached Elise, Olivia stood on her tiptoes and handed the plate to her. “’Lise, for you.”
    â€œThank you, Olivia. You’re such a good helper.” Elise smiled as she took the plate.
    Seth took in the smile. Though he wished it were for him, the smile warmed his heart. If she couldn’t smile for him, at least she smiled for his daughter.
    While they ate their cake, conversation floated around Seth. He made an occasional comment, but he mostly listened, taking in the joy. He was glad Elise had found happiness back in her hometown. He wondered whether he could ever be a part of it.
    Ray finished a bite of cake, then glanced at Seth.