A Father's Place. Marta Perry

behind his daughter. He paused for a moment, his tall figure framed in the doorway. His faded jeans and white knit shirt were considerably less formal than the suit, dress shirt and tie he’d worn for church. Less formal, she found herself thinking, but not less attractive.

      She forced a smile. “Good morning.” She turned to the children. “Wow, you’re here early. How would you like to help make a mural of Abraham’s sheep?”

      Luckily everyone would. She got them started with markers on the newsprint background she’d already prepared and steadfastly refused to look at the doorway. He’d go away.

      Several sheep later she glanced up, and her stomach clenched. Despite her hopes, Quinn was still there.

      Leaving the young artists to their work, she approached him cautiously, realizing she was being ridiculous. He wasn’t going to start discussing their parents in the middle of Bible school.

      “Kristie’s fine,” she said quietly.

      “I can see that.” He didn’t move.

      What was wrong with him? Didn’t he realize parents were supposed to drop the children off and go? “You can come back for her at noon.”

      He arched his dark brows, as if in surprise. “Come back? I don’t need to come back. I’m staying.”

      “Staying?” She couldn’t help the way her voice rose, and she made an effort to control it. She couldn’t let the children see what an undesirable effect Kristie’s father had on her. “Why? If you’re worried about Kristie adjusting to Bible school, you can see she’s fine.”

      “No, of course I’m not worried about her. I know she loves coming here.” Quinn’s smile seemed tinged with a touch of malice. “In fact, she loves it so much she insisted I come along. She’s talked me into helping with Bible school, so we can be together all the time. I’m your new assistant.”