Though soft, Sean’s tone betrayed a confusing thread of relief. “Hi.” Alycia could hear the uncertainty in her own voice. “Come on in.” Holding his gaze, she moved back, swinging the door open. “I just have to put on my coat.” Sean stepped onto the mat inside the door. “I’ll wait here. I don’t want to leave slushy footprints all over the floor.” His consideration of such a minor thing as a little wet snow touched her in a gentle, warming way. With a flash of memory, she recalled that he’d done the same the previous afternoon, while she had blithely trudged into the room, unmindful of the snow clinging to her boots. “You sound like a man diligently housebroken by a concerned mother.” She smiled at him over her shoulder as she walked to the hall closet to remove her coat. “Father,” Sean corrected her. “My mother didn’t hang around long enough to housebreak me. If you’ll bring that coat here,” he went on before she could comment, “I’ll help you into it.”
