The resolution to be herself didn't go unnoticed. Reverting to jeans and T-shirt for working was an obvious change, but the change inside gave her a peace she had forgotten existed. Apparently it did nothing for Alex except make him wonder what she was up to.
When he came home to supper and found peach pie, baked chicken and all the trimmings, he might have been pleased, but his expression was more displeased when he saw her in a sundress. The children were all seated, so he sat in his chair at the table. He frowned.
"Have you abandoned your guests?"
"No, why?"
"You're not going to go over there in that, are you?"
She placed the carved chicken on the table and looked him in the eye.
"Do you think it's indecent?"
The furrows between his eyes deepened as his brows drew down further.
"No, but you look …" He grimaced and looked down at his plate, muttering. "Wear what you want. You will anyway."
"Unprofessional?" she persisted as she sank into her chair and pulled it up to the table without his assistance.
His troubled gaze came back to her face. "I didn't say that."
"No, you didn't. I'm only trying to understand why you think it's inappropriate."
"I didn't say it was inappropriate."
"I think she looks cool," Jonathan submitted, cutting his eyes to Carmen and giving her an encouraging smile.
Whether he meant she looked good or literally cool was unclear, but his smile was definitely supportive.
Alex swung a gaze on him that was clearly intended to bring silence to the table - and it did. What had got into him lately? Now he was even being abrupt with the children.
"Take your hat off at the table." He said in an even tone. "Where'd you get that thing anyway?"
It was one thing to have him bark at and disapprove of her, but she wasn't going to tolerate him being short with the children.
"Jonathan is going for a new look. I think it looks nice." She smiled at Jonathan. "But do take your hat off when you set down at the table, Jonathan. That's the gentlemanly thing to do."
Jonathan removed the hat and set it on the counter, his injured gaze swinging back to Alex for approval.
When Alex didn't respond, Carmen nudged his foot under the table with hers. He glanced up at her and she sighed.
"I'm sorry you had such a bad day."