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look. “I know you’re miserable, but do you have to look it?”
    “Sorry,” Parnell Cabot said, grinning sheepishly, taking a leisurely sip of wine while glancing around the crowded room filled with immaculately dressed attendees. “It’s just that I’m not comfortable being at these type of affairs.”
    Gabe nodded. He knew Parnell preferred being surrounded by steel beams, concrete and cement versus exquisite china, crystal-stemmed wine goblets and expensive-looking furnishings. Soft music was coming from a live band that was set up on the other side of the marble-floored ballroom. The crystal chandeliers that hung overhead illuminated the tables that were filled with appetizers and pastries while waiters were busy carrying trays of champagne around the room.
    They were attending a party hosted by the mayor of Anchorage in honor of the city’s newest employer, John Landmark. There wasn’t any doubt with the extravagance laid out that the city’s officials sawthe wealthy tycoon’s latest business venture as a definite boost to their economy. New jobs would be created as well as an increase in tourism once the resort was completed.
    As Gabe continued to look at Parnell, he thought it wasn’t every day that the man who headed his forty-man work team traded in his jeans and work shirt for a suit and tie. “Just relax, you’re doing fine. All we need is to put in an appearance for Mr. Landmark’s benefit, and then we can split. I don’t know about you, but I’m still feeling the effects of jet lag.”
    Parnell’s grin widened. “Same here, and besides that, I’d like to get back to the hotel to call and check on the girls.”
    Gabe nodded in understanding. Parnell’s wife had been killed in a car accident three years ago, and he was raising their four-year-old twin daughters alone. As far as Gabe was concerned, he was doing a fantastic job of it, and Gabe couldn’t help but admire and respect the man. He was a dedicated father as well as a hardworking foreman who was well thought of by the men who worked for him. He was an easy-going sort of guy, stern when he had to be but always fair.
    At thirty-eight Parnell had been working for the company at least ten years, first starting out when Gabe’s father was running things. He’d been promoted to head foreman two years ago, a position he had definitely earned. Because of his expertise, work ethics and attention to detail, there was no doubt that every building the Regency Corporation constructed was sturdy, safe and sound.
    “Have you decided what you’re going to do with the girls while you’re working out here?” Gabe asked.
    Parnell smiled and replied, “Yes. I’m moving them out here with me. There’s no way I can be separated from them for that long period of time. Although I know my parents wouldn’t have a problem keeping them while I’m here, they’re my responsibility. They are my life.”
    Gabe knew the girls being Parnell’s life was the truth. Other than work, everything else he did was centered on his daughters. And although he’d never mentioned it, Gabe had a strong feeling Parnell hadn’t dated since his wife’s death.
    “Before I leave to return to Detroit, I plan to interview this older woman who is interested in a position as a live-in baby-sitter and housekeeper,” Parnell said a few minutes later. “The manager at the hotel gave me her name, and she comes highly recommended. I also need to find us a place to stay.”
    Gabe nodded. He, too, had to check into temporary housing for his men as well as a place for himself. For lunch tomorrow, he and Parnell were scheduled to meet with John Landmark. Christopher would be flying in for that meeting but would immediately fly out afterward. He was heavily involved with working on a bid to present to the Marriott Corporation for another hotel they planned to build in West Palm Beach.
    Gabe checked his watch. “Let’s mingle for a few minutes longer; then we can