Sweet Home Alaska

“Oh.” Scott hadn’t considered that. Of course they would be protective of Volta and predisposed to dislike the man who broke her heart. Not that he blamed them.

The man with the weathered face Scott had noticed earlier walked over to them, a wrinkle in the center of his brow. “Is everything all right here?”

“It’s fine, Dad,” Volta said. “Scott, my father, Russ Jordan. Dad, Scott’s a doctor with DEMA.”

The man’s face relaxed. “Oh, DEMA. I’ve heard good things. Nice to meet you, Doctor.”

“Scott, please.” Scott offered his hand and Russ shook it.

“What brings you to Alaska, Scott?”

“I’m working on a study. In fact, I was just asking your daughter if she would act as my liaison. I understand she’s well connected in the villages.”

“That’s a great idea.” Russ wrapped an arm around Volta’s shoulders.

Volta gave a tight smile. “Thanks, Dad. I’ll keep it in mind. But for now, we’d better get back to the party. Chris and Marissa are rounding everyone up to visit the reindeer calves.”

“I’d better get my video camera,” Russ said as he hurried away.

Volta frowned at Scott. “Can we talk about this later? My daughter is celebrating her birthday and I don’t want to miss any magic moments arguing with you about work.”

She was right. He shouldn’t be using her daughter’s birthday party to push his own agenda. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come. We can talk Monday.” He gave a little bow and left the gift bag on the table with the others. “I’ll go now.”

Suddenly Volta laughed. “Aw, you’re as bad as Emma with the sad eyes. Stay. Pet a reindeer. After all, how often are you going to be in Alaska? You might never get another opportunity.”

He returned the smile. “Truer words were never spoken.”