Chapter 30

Seth chuckled. "It's 25 miles from here to home. And you want me to carry you all the way back?"

"Mm-hm. Do you think you can do it?"

"Of course! A man can't say he can't."

Maisie snuggled into his arms, teasing him playfully, "Hey, I heard that once a man hits 35 years old, he starts losing his strength. You don't have much time left, do you?"

"Maisie, I'm starting my annual leave next week."

"So?"

"Are you sure you want to provoke me like this?"

Maisie instantly backed down. She dropped to her knees theatrically, raising both her gloved hands in a thumbs-up. "Just kidding! You're number one!"

Her cute gesture melted Seth's heart.

It also softened Ethan's. He watched as those small hands were gently clasped by Seth's larger ones and tucked into the pockets of his coat to keep them warm.

"Ethan," Seth said, "we've already wished Mr. Ford Senior a happy birthday, so I'm going to take Maisie home now."

Ethan snapped out of his daze. "The banquet hasn't even started yet. Why do