There were still a few weeks before Christmas, and Nash had tons of things to research and buy: skis or snowshoes, toboggans, and anything else Charlie might want for playing in the snow.Maybe a baby sled so they could pull Ella Mae along on their adventures.
“They’re here, Dad!”Charlie raced from the rink they were trying to create to meet Olivia’s car as she pulled it into the small lot they’d created in front of the barn.
Nash forced himself to a more sedate pace, but he knew his smile was as large as his son’s.
Charlie had the back door open and was unbuckling Ella under Olivia’s supervision when Nash approached.“Be careful, bud.”
Charlie grinned.“Olivia said I can lift her out and to watch I don’t bang her head.”
His pride in doing the important task radiated and Nash smiled his thanks at Olivia for allowing him the job.“Welcome.I’m glad you’re here.”
Her cheeks flushed a pretty shade when she smiled back.“Thank you.I still feel awkward, like I’m imposing.”
“Not even a little bit.You and Ella made quite the impression on everyone.We’re all thrilled you’re here.”
Her flush deepened.“That’s good to hear.Thank you.”
Charlie lifted Ella out of the car with deep concentration and grinned when he had her safely in his arms.She clapped her hands on each side of his face and babbled.Then she turned to Olivia.“Mama.”
Charlie cheered.“Good job, Ella.That’s your Mama.My dad told me you started saying it this morning.”
Olivia smiled.“She was trying to say birdie, too.Jim was helping her.”
Nash shoved down the surge of jealousy.Jim was happily married to Carl, and was no barrier to Nash developing a relationship with Olivia.
His heart stuttered a little with how much he wanted that.He was way ahead of himself.They barely knew each other.While he knew some of her background, he didn’t know enough.
He wasn’t putting any of them in an uncomfortable position by pushing for a relationship until he knew exactly how all four of them felt about the situation.
But he wanted to kiss her.Taste her.Feel her wrapped around him.
That wasn’t going to happen any time soon.But it was good to know his heart and body weren’t completely broken.
With a start, he realized he hadn’t even thought of Charlotte’s reaction this time.He was getting used to the idea of moving forward.Weird but probably normal.
Right, Charlotte?
Nash shook his head to ground himself back in the present.Charlie had put Ella down and he held her hand while he searched the area for birds.
Olivia popped the trunk of her old Ford, and Nash moved to grab her stuff.One suitcase, two duffel bags, and the baby bag in the back seat.
He knew she’d moved quickly after the deaths of her friends.Was this all she had?He and Charlie had hauled a small trailer to accommodate all their stuff.
Nash knew he had led a privileged life.He’d never worried a lot about money.He wasn’t rich, but he was comfortable.How about Olivia?
Was the lack of physical items a sign that she was a light packer?An indication that she’d had to flee quickly?Or was money an issue?
If it were the latter, staying at the farmhouse would help her out in that way as well.
The back seat also held a cooler and a few cloth bags of groceries.She’d filled up at Phail Phoods before heading here.
“Why don’t you play with Charlie and Ella?It’ll only take me a few trips to bring this inside.”
From behind him, Gray called out.“Welcome, Olivia.We’re glad you’re here.Let us help with your stuff.”
Amber and Gray joined them, and their genuine smiles and welcome appeared to help Olivia relax.
“Thank you.We’re happy to be here.”
