Page 56 of The Ranger

“Yes. He also offered, so we weren’t going to turn him down. Even the prince is helping.”

She beamed. “How nice!” Maida sensed Mr. Markhel’s eyes on her but didn’t dare look. Instead, she focused on her father, and lethimlook. He frowned slightly when he did. He must have caught their guest watching her. It made her tingle all over, and she did her best not to smile too much.

“We should head into the house, darlin’.” Pa motioned her toward the front porch. “I’m sure Mr. Markhel is eager to get back to town.”

“Please, call me Markhel,” he said with a slight bow.

“Why do you do that?” she asked.

He straightened and cocked his head. “What?”

“Bow when you speak to my Pa.”

His face softened. “It is a sign of respect, little one.”

“Respect is a good thing,” Pa agreed, his eyes practically drilling holes into the man.

Maida glanced between them. “Why do you want him to call you Markhel?”

“Because that is my name.”

Her face screwed up. “What’s your first name?”

He smiled. Not a full smile, but it was more than she’d seen him do. “That is my first name.”

She gaped at him. “Then what’s your last name?”

He took a step toward her and bowed. “I am Markhel Gondien Olwen, and I am at your service.” He straightened, his blue eyes brighter than before.Muchbrighter.

She sucked in a breath, her heart fluttering in her chest as she gawked at him.

“It is definitely time to go inside.” Pa grabbed her by an arm and turned her around.

“But Pa!”

“In the house, Maida.” He began to pull her toward the porch steps. “I’ll say good night, Mr. Olwen.”

“Markhel. I insist.”

Pa stopped to look at him and gave her a gentle shove up the porch steps.

Once inside he let go of her by the staircase. “Say goodnight to our guests, Maida.”

Everyone in the parlor was on their feet, ready to leave. She eyed the front door a moment, then tried to fight the spiral her heart was taking. “Goodnight,” she said, voice cracking. “Will we see you tomorrow?”

“Of course,” Makama said. “We’re going to be working on the decorations together.” She entered the front hall, put an arm around her, and smiled. “It’s going to be fun.”

Maida smiled back. It would be more fun if Markhel was there. “Yes, it will.” She walked Maida to the door.

Pa took her by the arm the moment she reached it, preventing her from going outside. “Say good night.”

She wanted to pull her arm from his grasp but didn’t dare. It was obvious what he wanted. “Good night.”

Makama headed for the door. “Your grandmother and mother will be joining us tomorrow for lunch. I’ll see you then.”

Maida smiled at her. “I’m looking forward to it.” She looked at the floor and smiled.

Pa watched her a moment, probably making sure she was going to stay put, then bid the others good night. They filed out the door, and she stood long enough to see the men help the women into the wagon. Pa then closed the door with a decisivethud. “Upstairs, young lady. Go to bed.” He left, heading down the hall to the kitchen.