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He would have to check on a batch he brewed that was near the time to blend it with the additional notes he planned to add before letting it sit in an oak barrel for the next five years. But he would cross that bridge when it was time. As it was, he had his future bride to contend with.
When his stomach started rumbling, he checked the time and realized morning had flown by with the tasks on his agenda. He decided to scrounge up some lunch.
He walked in on a homey scene. Freya sat with Maddie at the kitchen table eating lunch. Maddie glanced at him as he entered, held out a small triangle of grilled cheese, and said, “Cheese.”
“I see that little lassie.” He approached. “I love grilled cheese too. You’re a lucky little lassie to have a mum that will make you such a fine lunch.”
Maddie grabbed one of the other triangles on her plate and held it out to him. He crouched on the balls of his feet, feeling Freya’s eyes on their interaction. “Is that for me, lassie?”
Maddie giggled, her face beaming, “Uh, huh.”
Unable to resist the darling girl’s antics, he took an exaggerated bite and sent her into fits of laughter. “Mmm, that’s good. Maybe I should have some more.” He wriggled his brows.
Peals of laughter erupted, and she squealed. “No.” She pulled her piece away.
“I can make you a grilled cheese if you’d like. They’re one of Maddie’s favorites that she’s not had in a while.”
Because she hadn’t been able to afford something as simple as bread and cheese for her kid. Jasper couldn’t put his finger on why they touched him. Or why he wanted to ensure Maddie had all the grilled cheeses her heart wanted, just that he did.
He glanced at Freya finally and wanted to rub his chest. She did something to him. It was more than the kinetic energy that was always present when she was near. It was more than the fact that he wanted to seduce her. Because he had every intention of doing so. It might make the next year a hellscape if things went south between them. But he would not pretend like he didn’t want her. And if they had to pretend they were in love, what better way than to have a passionate affair with his new bride?
“You don’t have to do that, although I appreciate the offer. I was going to heat some of the barbecue.”
“About that. I’ve got some chicken defrosting for dinner tonight. But if you don’t want chicken—”
“I’ll stop you right there. If you’re cooking, you decide what to make.”
“Do you have any food allergies or foods you don’t like?”
“I’m not a big fan of bananas. No allergies to speak of. And you can make whatever you would like.”
“All right.” She flushed under his stare. Jasper wondered, and not for the first time, what she would look like with pleasure riding her gorgeous form.
“Did you eat?” Because he didn’t like how skinny she was, not that there was anything wrong with it. But she could stand to put on a few pounds.
She laughed. “Shows what you know about life with a toddler. I figure I’ll eat when she goes down for a nap soon.”
“No nap.” Maddie exclaimed and took a bite of her grilled cheese.
He tweaked her nose as he rose. “Naps are great, little lassie. We’re all going to take one. And then when you get up, I’ve got a surprise for you. Do you like presents?”
“Yes.” Maddie nodded, grinning as she ate.
“Well, good, because I’ve got a bunch of those coming for you, but you have to take a nap for your mum to get them. Can you do that for me?”
“Yep. Up.” She lifted her arms, reaching for him.
He did what came naturally. He lifted the little girl into his arms.
“You’ve done it now with talk of presents. She’s going to be your little shadow.”
Maddie grinned and took a bite of her grilled cheese before laying her head on his shoulder. Jasper felt a shift in him. It wouldn’t be a hardship being this little lassie’s stepfather for a year.
“Ah, now, there’s a good little lassie. Eat your cheese, then you can take a nap so you can get your presents. Does that sound good?”
“Uh, huh.” She giggled, her smile radiant.
“Why don’t you eat?”
