When Ella started to yawn, Olivia reluctantly stood.“Time to get Ella back to the B&B.”
Charlie frowned.“See.If you lived here, you wouldn’t have to go.Ella could sleep upstairs, and you could hang out with us.”
She smiled as she lifted her girl, unable to form words.
Amber picked up Ella’s baby bag.“We’d like you to join us.Why don’t you try it out for a couple of nights to see if you’re comfortable here?”
Amber handed the bag to Nash while Charlie raced to the mudroom to get Ella’s winter gear.
He and his son walked the two of them to Olivia’s car.Once Ella was strapped in, Charlie leaned in to talk to her.
Nash stepped closer to Olivia and kept his voice low.“We’d love you to join us here.Can I call you in the morning?”
A thrill ran through her, and she nodded.“I’d like that.”
He brushed his fingers over her jaw and lip, causing shivers all through her.
His gruff voice barely reached her ear.“Will you come out and see us again tomorrow?”
She nodded again, squashing the desire to lean in and brush her lips across his.
When Charlie closed the door for Ella, Olivia sucked in a deep breath and nodded again.Nash didn’t break eye contact and didn’t back up for a couple of heartbeats.
When he did, he held the door for her as she sat and buckled in.
“Text me when you’re in the B&B so I know you’re both safe.”
And her heart melted a little more.
Chapter9
Mamas And Papas
Olivia woke early after a restless night.She’d never enjoyed making big decisions, and she often wondered if that was because she’d never been able to make many of her own as a child.
Since having Ella Mae with her, she’d been forced to make so many.Dealing with Mary Mae and Liam’s deaths, and the paperwork involved in officially getting guardianship of Ella Mae.Dealing with probate and all the legal steps.Changing their names.Moving out of their apartment in case Adam knew their location.Buying her first car.Choosing a destination.And then the next destination.
Now, she could choose to stop running and put down roots for her and Ella Mae.She watched the tiny girl sleeping in her toddler bed with her dragon tucked under her arm.
“What do you think, Ella Mae?Is this the right choice for you?”
The girl didn’t stir at Olivia’s whispered questions, but the decision had to be all about Ella.Olivia’s intense attraction to Nash couldn’t be a factor, because as much as she was drawn to the man, Ella’s safety came first.
She listed the pros and the good things about staying in Vermont.
The people were welcoming and friendly.
They already had friends and connections.
There wouldn’t be a lease or rental agreement in Olivia’s name.If Adam somehow found out about the name change, he wouldn’t find paperwork leading him here.
The people at the farm had invited her.Nash had approved of the invitation, but it mattered that the initial idea had come from the others.Olivia wouldn’t be imposing or invading a space where she wasn’t welcome.
There was safety in numbers.Being surrounded by the group at the farm would mean she and Ella would rarely be alone or isolated.Safer.
Ella would have a built in big-brother in Charlie.The boy was a delight, and he’d already snuck deep into Olivia’s heart.Ella’s too.
Nash.There was incredible chemistry there.More, there was kindness and caring.Nash was gentle with Ella and he was a fantastic dad to Charlie.A good friend to the others at the farm.
