“You’ve never been in this house before, have you?”
He shook his head as he settled across the desk from Trent.“It doesn’t feel right.Not only for me to be here, but it doesn’t feel like Ash.”
“He’d probably take that as a compliment.”It was awkward sitting across from him this way.It made Trent feel like he really was his boss.Perhaps it would have been better to just go for a stroll, but it was too late now.“More than anything, I want to thank you.I don’t know what you did or said, but you really helped Samantha last night.”
He shrugged.“I didn’t do anything.I just sat with her.”
“Is that why Ash sent you?He knew you’d be good with her?”
Brennan barked a laugh.“I’m not good with anyone, unless it’s someone in need of a beating.”He shook his head.“He really didn’t tell you why he sent me?”
“All he said was you owe him.”
“I do.I made a big mistake a few months ago.One he should have sacked me for.But instead, he took the time to explain to me the importance of my job there, and the reason what I did was such a problem.He gave me a chance to redeem myself.He’s promised that if I do a good job here, I’ll be completely absolved.So I’m not here to be another person for you to concern yourself with, or to laze about like this is a holiday.I’m here to work hard, and prove to Ash that I really deserve that second chance.”
Trent nodded, admiring the man’s loyalty to his brother.“Fair enough.After I finish breakfast, I have the perfect job to get you started.”
The door to Samantha’s room was open, so Trent peeked inside.She was already dressed and kneeling on the side of her bed.She looked around at him.
“I’m sorry.I didn’t mean to disturb your prayers.”
“You aren’t disturbing me.I wasn’t actually praying.”She pushed herself up, still favoring her right foot, but managed to sit on the edge of the bed.“It’s strange, I know, and it’s hard to explain without getting into things that you’d rather not know about.But being in that position, calms me.”
“You don’t have to explain anything to me, but also, if there are things you wish to talk about, or just want to get out so they’re no longer trapped inside you, I’ll be happy to listen.Nothing you say will be offensive or shocking, and I won’t share it with anyone.Not even your brother.”
He gave her a moment to respond, but she merely nodded.“Right now, I’m going to get Maggie up and thought I’d see if you’d like me to carry you down so you can join us for breakfast.”
“When you signed up for this, you didn’t realize you’d be carrying the weight of not only my problems, but my body as well.”
“I don’t mind at all.I enjoy your company.”More than he should, in fact.
He walked to the bed, and at her nod, picked her up and carried her down the stairs.He settled her into her seat at the dining table.“Now it’s Maggie’s turn.”
“At least she’s not as heavy.”
“Do you doubt my strength, Miss Allister?”
Her laughter filled the air behind him as he jogged from the room and up the stairs.
“Good morning, Maggie.”As always, she was already smiling when he opened her door.
“Can it be my birthday again?”
Trent chuckled.“No.Your birthday only comes once a year.If it happened more than that, it wouldn’t be nearly so special.”
She sighed.“I just want to have cake for breakfast every morning.”
“Well, there’s no cake, but there is a surprise for you after you eat breakfast and get dressed.Your gift from Uncle Ash.”
Her pouting instantly stopped.“Uncle Ash is my favorite!”
Trent laughed.“He’s a pretty nice uncle.”
ChapterFive
Maggie’s laughter warmed Samantha’s heart as Trent encouraged her to eat.
“I’m finished.Now may I see my surprise?”
