Pleasure washed over him at her words. “It’s mutual. I’m figuring it out as I go. Some days are better than others.”
“All parents can say that. That’s part of parenting.”
“Is it?” He shifted for a better look at her, needing to know if she was being genuine or just trying to placate him.
“Of course. Did your parents always have it together?”
He looked forward again, shrugging. “Seemed like they did.”
“I’ve worked for my share of families, and they all have issues. I haven’t met the perfect one yet.”
“That makes me feel better, I guess. Except I was sort of hoping I’d figure it out.”
“Oh, you will. As soon as you do, she’ll change.” Miss Wright uttered a small laugh. “I don’t think it’s supposed to be easy.”
“Hmm. S’pose not.” They rocked for a few moments. Despite the fact that he was sitting with his child’s nanny—a woman he barely knew—he felt comfortable. He settled back on the swing.
“What brought you to Driftwood?” He didn’t know what prompted him to give voice to the question he’d been wondering about since he first met her. Even before he’d seen her license plates, he’d known she was a Yankee, thanks to her distinctive accent.
“I just needed to get away.”
He guessed there was a story that she didn’t want to tell him, and he didn’t push. Everyone had secrets.
“And you picked Driftwood? Of all places?”
A small smile played at her lips. “When I was a kid, we had family friends who lived near here. We’d visit sometimes in the summer, so it’s not completely unfamiliar to me. And being close to the Atlantic…I grew up on the coast. It reminds me of home, in a way.”
“Same ocean, different view,” he said. “I can see why that would be comfortable.”
“Exactly.” She looked at him, her expression both pleased and surprised. “That’s it exactly.”
He pushed off the porch floor gently to get the swing going again. Not wanting its stopping to give her an excuse to get up and go inside. “Most of my friends left after college. Headed to Richmond or DC or New York. Bigger dreams, I guess.”
“But not you?”
“Dad was gone. Jasper rarely came home. Mom was still with us. I didn’t want her to be alone.”
“She must have been happy to have you close.”
“She was.” Noah felt a familiar pang at the memory of his mother. “You would have liked her. She had all the”—he gestured vaguely toward the door—“home stuff figured out. The cooking, cleaning, baking, and doing it all with grace while shetook care of two rowdy boys. I realize now how much work it was, but Mom made it look easy. Like you do.”
“Oh.” The surprised sound escaped Miss Wright’s mouth. “That’s a nice thing to say. Thank you.”
He forced his gaze forward. “I think Mom wished Jasper had stayed too.” He watched an unfamiliar SUV cruise slowly down Magnolia Street, its headlights sweeping across the darkened lawns. Odd at this time of night. Most of his neighbors were older, the ages his parents should have been if they hadn’t passed so young.
“Is that why he left?” Miss Wright asked. “Because he felt pressured to stay?”
“No.” Noah’s jaw tightened. “Jasper left because that’s what Jasper does. He leaves.” Bitterness hardened his voice.
“Maybe he has his reasons, but…” She shook her head. “I will never understand how a person cannottreasure their own child. Does he ever call?”
“Occasionally.” When Noah called him first.
“But to check on Charlotte…?” When Noah didn’t answer—and what defense could he make for his wastrel brother—Miss Wright said, “At least you know he trusts you to look after her.”
Maybe. Or maybe he just didn’t care.
Silence fell between them again, the swing’s gentle motion filling the space. “Your brother leaves”—her tone was thoughtful—“and you stay. That’s whatyoudo.”
