A Father's Love. Cheryl Wolverton

watched the woman smile sweetly at both children with a gaze that was soft and loving. Maddie clapped and squealed.

      “Go!” Bobby said, reaching toward the secretary.

      The secretary winked before glancing back in query at Kaitland.

      “I’m here to see Max…Mr. Stevens.” Kaitland suddenly realized she didn’t even know if Max was in. In the past, he had rarely done the traveling for the company. He had held simple nine-to-five hours unless problems cropped up. Of course, back then, Rand had been around to take care of most of the problems. Now, Max was doing the bulk of the work. Maybe he wasn’t here.

      “I’m sorry, Jennifer,” the receptionist said, coming into the office almost on Kaitland’s heels, but the young blonde interrupted her.

      “It’s all right, Mary.” With a small nod, the younger girl dismissed the older woman. “You must be Ms. Summerville?” she inquired politely if a little coolly.

      The children were both squirming and despite her resolve, Kaitland suddenly felt like squirming, too. She knew how much Max demanded of his secretaries. How could a woman so young be in such a position of responsibility? Long blond hair coiled in a French twist at the back of her head gave the woman an air of sophistication. Remarkable blue eyes regarded her with wisdom beyond her years. Her long slender hands were more suited to modeling than typing, Kaitland thought. She in her plain jeans and short-sleeve sweater, suddenly realized how underdressed she must look compared to the woman’s tailored suit and silk blouse. “Yes, I’m Kaitland Summerville. I know Max said he had to work today, but I needed to see him…”

      The girl frowned over Kaitland’s use of Max’s first name, causing Kaitland to wonder if maybe there wasn’t more going on between the secretary and Max than she realized. She watched as the woman buzzed the office. “Yes, Jennifer?”