A respectful life?

Relief washed over Ella, and she smiled, grateful for his consent. "Thank you so much, Mr. Wilkinson," she said, her voice sincere. "I'll be grateful to you forever. I promise I'd never give you a chance to complain."

Jasper nodded and stood up to leave.

"Uh, the cookies." Ella grabbed the box where she had put the cookies and handed it to him.

Jasper again forgot to tear his gaze from her, his eyes lingering on her face. Even with a flour stain on her forehead, he couldn't help but be enamored by Ella's beauty. Her dark eyes sparkled, and her two rows of teeth seemed like pearl beads, perfectly aligned. Every feature of hers drew him in, making him forget about everything else.

Jasper never thought he would be interested in any other woman in this life, but he couldn't stop his heart from drawing toward her.