The first time it metn, the poor thing was so frightened it trembled from nose to tail.


    "Your dog''s name is Princess? That''s certainly an unusual choice," Mansfield Ellington remarked with a warm chuckle.


    "My daughter picked it," Eleanor exined, settling into the armchair across from him and pouring the tea.


    Mansfield took in the surroundings: the house had an old-fashioned charm, but everything was tidy and inviting. It felt like the kind of home he''d always dreamed


    of.


    "Did you visit your grandmother? Is she doing well?" Eleanor asked kindly.


    Mansfield nodded. "She''s in great shape, just-" He hesitated, ncing at Eleanor, then let the thought fade away. He smiled instead. "I''ve been busytely too. I went down to Kingston to spend some time with my father."


    "That''s good. Holidays are for family, after all," Eleanor replied.


    "Is he gone?" Mansfield asked quietly.


    Eleanor nodded.


    Mansfield hade with so much he wanted to say to her, but afterst night, he found himself hesitating. He was afraid of saying too much-afraid of scaring her away.


    He traced his fingertip around the rim of his teacup. "I''m heading back to the base the day after tomorrow. I don''t know if I''ll get another chance to take you out for a meal."


    Eleanor looked up, meeting his deep, searching eyes, and offered a gentle smile. "Of course you will. There''ll be plenty of chances."


    "Will there?" Mansfield''s disappointment was obvious.


    He straightened, his voice soft but firm. "Eleanor, don''t worry. I''ll give us both the time and space we need."


    Just then, Joslyn bustled in from the kitchen. "Ma''am, I''ve got everything for lunch. I''ll start cooking now!"


    Joslyn had been eyeing Mansfield Ellington since he walked in. After meetingn and Xavier Vaughn, she thought to herself that this man was just as impressive— maybe even more so, with that unmistakable air of discipline. He''d be a perfect fit for thedy of the house.


    Eleanor flushed, flustered by Joslyn''s timing. How could she ask Mansfield to leave now?


    "Mr. Ellington, would you care to stay for lunch?” she asked, a bit awkwardly.


    Anyone could tell the invitation was more politeness than enthusiasm.


    But Mansfield''s eyes lit up all the same. "Are you sure it''s no trouble?"


    "Of course not, Mr. Ellington. I''ve already got everything ready. It''s no trouble at all


    to set out a couple more tes!" Joslyn called from the kitchen.


    A smile tugged at Mansfield''s lips. "Well, if you''re sure I''d be delighted."


    Eleanor turned to Joslyn. "Make a bit extra, please. Joy and Evelyn areing home for lunch too."


    "You got it!" Joslyn replied, already getting busy.


    Eleanor picked up her phone. "I''ll just make a call."


    Stepping out into the garden, she rang Joy and asked her to bring Evelyn home. Joyughed, "Isn sulking yet?"


    "I''ll tell you when you get here," Eleanor replied.


    Fifteen minutester, Joy arrived hand-in-hand with Evelyn. The little girl spotted the unfamiliar man in the living room and immediately ducked behind her mother, peeking out with wide, curious eyes.


    Mansfield was momentarily taken aback. Eleanor''s daughter was an absolute angel.


    Eleanor coaxed her forward. "Evelyn, this is Mr. Ellington. Say hello, sweetheart."


    Evelyn, chin raised with adorable confidence, looked Mansfield up and down. "Hello, Mr. Ellington."


    Mansfield got up, walked over, and crouched down to her level, meeting her gaze with a warm smile. "Hello, Evelyn. I''m Mansfield Ellington—a friend of your mom''s."