Dream Wedding(95)

Cassie dropped the knife and potato onto the counter, then moved next to him. “You’ve got to hold her so she feels safe,” she told him. “Sasha wants to snuggle. Rest her on your hip.”

She put her hands on the toddler’s waist and supported her while Ryan awkwardly shifted the child to his left. Only he didn’t have the same naturally curved hips that women had, Cassie realized a half second later as Sasha started to slide down.

“Wrap one arm around her waist and pull her to your chest. She can put her arms around your neck.”

She stepped back to give them room to maneuver, but it was too late. Sasha struggled to break free of him. “Down,” she said forcefully.

Ryan set her on her feet and shifted awkwardly. “I’m not around kids much.”

“It will get easier,” Cassie assured him, hoping she was telling the truth.

Sasha stared at her uncle with a hurt look of betrayal on her face. Tears were only a couple of seconds away, Cassie realized and moved to the silverware drawer.

“Can you help me set the table?” she asked, then handed the little girl three spoons. “Will you please put these on the table?”

Sasha sniffed twice, then took the spoons and carried them over to the table. She pushed them up onto the wooden surface, then took one back and returned her attention to her uncle.

“I’m not like you,” Ryan said, barely noticing the child. “I don’t have any natural ability in this arena.”

Sasha carried the spoon over to her uncle. She thrust it toward him. He glanced down at her, then at Cassie. When she nodded encouragingly, he took the spoon and patted the top of Sasha’s head. She beamed.

It was sad, Cassie thought as she watched them. If only Ryan had spent a little time in his niece’s company, he wouldn’t be feeling so out of place now. But he hadn’t and they were both paying the price. Every situation seemed so forced between them. She wished there was a way to make it easier…for both of them. The only solution was for them to spend more time together, but Ryan didn’t seem willing to pursue that option. He passed through their day like a ship’s captain checking briefly on the passengers before returning to more important duties.

“Be back,” Sasha said, then trotted out of the room.

“Was that a request or information?” Ryan asked.

“I think it was information.”

Cassie finished peeling the potatoes. She sliced them, then dropped them into the pot and set it on the stove.

“Do you want me to finish setting the table?” he asked. “You can probably trust me with the forks and knives.”

“Sure,” she told him. “Thanks.”

While he pulled out napkins and place mats, she went to work on the green beans. After a couple of minutes of silence, she began trying to think of something clever to say. When she failed on witty, she went with the obvious.

“How are you adjusting to working here?” she asked.

“I’m doing better.” He set out two place mats, then collected Sasha’s high chair from the corner and brought it over to the table. “I can do nearly everything I need to via conference call or through the modem. I might have to take a couple of trips back to San Jose, but they would be pretty short.”

Sasha raced into the kitchen and handed Ryan one of her dolls. He stared at it for a couple of seconds, then finally took it from her.

“Thank you,” he said.

Sasha grinned and raced out again.

“What am I supposed to do with this?” he asked.

“Just hold it. She’ll be back shortly and it will hurt her feelings if you’ve put it down.”

“Great.” He looked at the doll. “I’m not much into redheads.”

“Maybe you should let her know,” Cassie said. But what she’d wanted to ask instead was how he felt about brunettes. Ah, she had it bad, she thought with resignation. But at least she would probably get over him just as quickly. Crushes didn’t usually last…at least she didn’t think they did. She didn’t have any personal experience with the subject. Maybe she should phone her sister and get some advice.

Sasha returned to the kitchen and skittered to a stop in front of Ryan. This time she held out a battered, flop-eared bunny.

“You are too kind,” he said.

Sasha giggled, clapped her hands together and made another mad dash out of the room.

“Looks like she’s going to empty her toy box just for your pleasure,” Cassie said. “You might want to get comfortable.”

The toddler returned with a book. This time, instead of just thanking her, Ryan reached into his pocket and offered her a penny.