“I’m glad you went through with it. I know it seems pointless, but…”
“It’s all right. I know it’s the smart thing to do.”
“Exactly. And now you can focus on finding a nanny and getting this house put together for your daughter.”
I survey my home, realizing for the first time just how pathetic it appears. I mean, for a single guy, I never gave much thought to what the inside of my house looked like. My furniture is all dark gray and nice quality, and I have the biggest television I could buy, but the walls are bare, the decorations minimal, and after talking a bit to Elodie, apparently there’s a bunch of baby-proofing that needs to be done.
“Actually, I already found a nanny.”
Her eyebrows lift. “That fast?”
“Yeah. It’s a long story, but…”
“Is she friends with Joanne?” Dilynne asks, referring to Rhonan’s nanny, who is old enough to be his mother.
Elodie is definitelynotold enough to be my mom. In fact, I don’t even know how old she is, but my gut is telling me she’s too young to find so damn attractive.
Hiring her wasn’t a well-thought-out plan, I’m aware. But desperation fueled many of the decisions I made yesterday, and I’m actively avoiding the reservations that I’m feeling—particularly about how enticing my new live-in nanny is.
“She’s not, but she’s actually on her way over to start moving in, so…”
“Wait. She’s going to live with you?”
“Rhonan suggested it. Joanne lives with him, and it really helps.”
“Yeah, but Rhonan’s known Joanne for years. Where did you even find this woman?” Dilynne asks just as the doorbell rings, and this time, I know it has to be Elodie.
“She actually came to the lodge to interview for the waitress position, but then there was a coffee incident…” Dilynne tilts her head at me with curiosity, striding toward the front door to beat me there. “Anyway, we got to talking and she’s worked with kids. She’s smart, and kind, and I would have been a fool not to hire her…”
Dilynne races to the door now, and when she opens it, the smirk on her face tells me everything she’s thinking. “Oh, a fool you most certainly are.”
Groaning, I peek my head around my sister, but she speaks before I can.
“You must be the new nanny.”
Elodie’s eyes bounce back and forth between me and Dilynne before she musters a smile and reaches out to shake my sister’s hand. “I’m Elodie. It’s so nice to meet you. I, uh, didn’t realize that Henley had a date tonight…”
Dilynne dry heaves. “Ew, gross! No hun, I’m his sister.”
Elodie’s cheeks turn pink with embarrassment, which is way cuter than it should be. “Oh God. I’m so sorry!”
“I’ll let it slide this time, but just know that the only reason I tolerate my brother is because shared DNA obligates me to.” Dilynne elbows me in the ribs as she pushes the door open wider for Elodie, who has a duffle bag slung over one shoulder and a box tucked under her arm.
“Elodie, this is my sister, Dilynne. She’s annoying, nosy, and stopped by unannounced, just so you know.”
“Forgive me for wanting to check up on you and my niece. After the other night, I felt guilty letting you go home alone.”
“I managed,” I reply as Elodie fights her smile. She knows the hell I went through the first night, and thankfully, she was correct about Remy sleeping better last night. “But now I have Elodie’s help.”
“My mom owns a daycare, so I have a ton of experience taking care of kids.”
“Remy already loves her too,” I add in an attempt to convince my sister that hiring Elodie wasn’t a calculated decision like I know she assumes.
Elodie holds up the box in both hands now. “I’m gonna drop this stuff off in my room and grab a few more things from my car.”
“I can help you,” I say as Elodie heads for her room.
Dilynne yanks me toward where Remy is still sitting in her high chair, perfectly content watching all of the adults around her. “I can’t believe you thought this was a good idea.”
