'Yep.' Then in response to Ethan's frown. 'I mean yes, Daddy. Come and have some. Our Darlin' has just made some more.'
Wondering what "Darling" Ethan had living with him, Belinda improbable fantasying of this morning took a nose dive into impossibility.
Ethan set his daughter on the ground and introduced her to their new house guest. 'Chloe I would like you to meet a very special person who has come to stay with us for a while. Her name is Belinda.' Chloe deflated like a burst bubble as she warily offered her hand to Belinda to be shaken, clearly suspicious.
Bending down to the child's eye level which she ruefully noted wasn't very far Belinda said. 'Hello Chloe, my name is Belinda but only for today. Tomorrow I have to be a name that starts with C. Do you know of any nice names starting with C?'
Disarmed Chloe's face split into a big grin excited at the challenge of finding this lady a name for the day 'What about Cindy, or Candy, or Cassie, or Chloe? She giggled delightedly.
'Hey take a breath, Chloe.' Ethan interrupted as she began to build up a head of steam. 'Go into the kitchen and ask Darlin' if she wouldn't mind putting on some coffee to go with those biscuits.' Looking at Belinda. 'Do you want to settle into your room and freshen up before morning tea?
'Yes, thank you.' Though Belinda wondered what she was going to settle into her room - flowers and a teddy? And how was she going to freshen up?
Ethan led her up the stairs along a hallway also tastefully lined with oils and side tables adorned with more sweet smelling fresh flowers. The lady of the house, interestingly called Darling by Ethan's daughter certainly knew how to make a house a home, even a big one like this one. She'd asked about his wife, should have said partner.
The guest suite was at the end of the hall.
Opening the door Ethan invited her in insisting that while she was under his roof his house was her house.
And Darling's of course, she mentally added.
The room was sheer luxury with every feature top of the line. Natural tones were the theme here. Belinda's eyes were drawn to the king size bed that lorded over the spacious room. Images of Ethan sprawling on it were blinked away. The walls were treated in a soft beige suede effect that complemented the bedding - a soft suede doona cover and an assortment of textured cushions and pillows. Straight out of a Myer catalogue, Belinda guessed. Recycled oregon dressing table and side tables completed the sumptuous décor.