A Lawman For Christmas. Karen Kirst

at a time, and she had high standards of cleanliness.”

      “Hmm. What will you give me in exchange?”

      Her lips compressed. “I’ll grind your corn for free.”

      “Have you ever known me to patronize your mill?” He laughed, tugging off his buckskin gloves and laying them on the hutch. “I don’t cook.”

      “That’s right. You enjoy the generosity of the citizens your work for, mostly families who have eligible daughters.”

      He chafed his hands together. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed the lack of an invitation from you.”

      “Are you angling for one?”

      Ceramic thudding against the wooden floor was followed by a guilt-ridden uh-oh.

      They both turned to see Eli’s bent head as he contemplated the batter oozing onto the floor.

      “I don’t handle messes well.” Isabel put a weary hand to her forehead.

      “I’ll clean it up if you promise to cook for me.”

      “Fine. I was in the process of preparing breakfast anyway.”

      “Doesn’t count. Has to be a full evening meal.”

      She glowered at him. “Served on my best dishes, I suppose?”

      “As long as it includes dessert, you can use whatever dishes you want.”