"I wanted it to be a surprise, but yes, Mrs. Sommers has found a permanent housekeeper and no longer needs me."

A favorite giggle of Maddie's poured out from Hayley's mouth. "Father will be so happy to have a real housekeeper!" They embraced again. "I'll go to tell Austin that I'll be staying until you return home."

"I love to see you smile, Hayley."

Hayley walked toward the door, turned and smiled again. "I love you, Maddie."

_ _

Austin picked up Maddie's luggage that laid at Hayley's feet. Hayley looked down at her hands as she was putting on her last glove. Maddie came through the main doorway, onto the porch, escorted by Mrs.

Sommers.

"If you please, I can handle it, Mr. Sommers." Hayley grabbed the luggage from his hand, and not realizing the weight, almost dropped it on her foot. Austin reached for it as Hayley descended the stairs with a frown.

"Quite a feisty little thing," Mrs. Sommers directed to Maddie. "She reminds me of her mother."

"Must you be so headstrong, Hayley?" Austin said, as he followed her to the carriage.

"Must you be the one to return us home?"

Austin threw the bag into the back of the carriage. "Do I sense a bit of hostility?"

Hayley reached for the buckboard. As she was attempting to hoist herself up, she felt Austin's hand holding her arm steady. As she sat on the seat, she forcefully pulled her arm from him. "Delivering us to our home will be the last you will have to endure of us, Mr.