“Good morning,” Grayson echoed, his eyes flashing to hers. “We’re just having a little breakfast.”
“What can I do to help?” she asked, biting back the apology that danced at her lips.
“Have a cup of coffee and take a seat,” Grayson said. “This is my favorite time of day with him, so you don’t need to do anything.”
She smiled at that kind invitation. The coffee smelled incredible, and it would be good to gather her thoughts. She fixed herself a mug, grabbing milk from the fridge and adding a splash before sitting at the table.
Grayson had placed Leo’s half-full bottle on the counter and was lifting the baby up onto his broad, towel-covered shoulder.
Leo let out a yell of protest that was interrupted suddenly by a big burp.
“See?” Grayson said softly. “That feels better, doesn’t it?”
Leo settled and allowed his back to be patted for another moment before he began bumping his little face against his daddy’s shoulder.
“Okay, okay,” Grayson said with a smile. “We can finish up now.”
Was head bumping a sign that a baby was hungry? Evangeline thought so but couldn’t remember.
She’d never been so frustrated not to have a phone to look things up with.
“Is there a library in town?” she asked without thinking.
“Yes,” Grayson told her. “It’s in the same building as the firehouse, just up at the top.”
“Oh, that’s right,” she said, relief washing over her. “Sam was saying something about that.”
“You a big reader?” Grayson asked.
“Yes,” she said. And it was true, though it wasn’t why she needed the library today.
“I’m glad,” he said. “Leo’s pretty small now, but when he’s a little older we’ll both want to read to him as much as possible, and develop his interest in books and reading.”
“That would be great,” Evangeline agreed, ignoring the part about her still being here when Leo was older. She could figure out how to talk to him about that later. “A lot of libraries have really good programs for kids too, with fun activities and a chance to try new things. The one in the city is amazing. I take the Anderson kids there all the time. Well… I used to take them.”
“The family doesn’t need you anymore?” he asked.
“Their oldest is twelve,” she told him. “And Mrs. Anderson stays home with the kids anyway. They’ll be just fine without me.”
That much was true, but the Andersons hadn’t had any intention of letting her go. Her stomach twisted at the thought of not being totally honest with this nice man, and more guilt over leaving her post.
I owe my loyalty to Rory,she reminded herself.He will always come first.
After all, Rory had always put her first. And Grandpa always told them to look out for each other.
The greatest gift your parents ever gave you was each other,he had been fond of saying.
“Well, I guess it’s lucky for Leo and me that they don’t need you anymore,” Grayson said. “Are you ready to head out once I get him changed?”
“Of course,” she told him. “But I think you mean afterIget him changed?”
“Wow,” he said, blinking. “I guess I’m not used to all this yet, but sure, if you want to take over with him, that’s great.”
She rinsed out her coffee mug and came over to get Leo.
He had just finished his second set of burps and he was looking around at the morning sunlight reflecting in the windows.
“Good morning, Leo,” Evangeline said softly. “I’m so happy to see you today.”
