“I bet coming back to this area having lived in New York City was a big change,” Millie said.
Naomi let out a quiet huff of a laugh. “Huge. It took a lot of adjustment.” She tipped eggs onto a plate, then added, more softly, “But there were things happening in New York that were . . . well, they weren’t good. It was time for me to leave. So in that way, working here feels like an answer to prayer.”
Millie wondered what that statement meant, but she didn’t ask. It wasn’t her business.
“Caleb handles everything maintenance wise, and he acts as security,” Naomi continued.
“And Max?
“Max used to work for Sarah, and he stayed on after her death. He runs the kennel, and we have a woman who comes in three times a week to help with things there. That’s pretty much our entire staff.”
The meal came together quickly—bacon, eggs, potatoes, and thick slices of toast. The food was hearty and practical, the kind of breakfast meant for people who worked with their hands instead of behind a desk.
Soft footsteps sounded on the stairs.
Millie glanced up as a woman stepped into the kitchen.
She looked younger than Millie had expected—early twenties, maybe—with straw-blonde hair that hung straight down her back nearly to her waist. It framed a soft, open face and made her seem even more slight than she probably was. She cradled a small dog against her chest, a Yorkie with alert eyes and a tuft of hair falling over one eye.
The woman’s stomach rounded beneath her sweater, unmistakable even beneath the careful way she carried herself.
She was pregnant—verypregnant.
“Good morning, Sissy,” Naomi said. “You’re right on time.”
“But too late to help,” the woman murmured. “Sorry.”
“No apologies. You need to take it easy.” Naomi paused. “Sissy and Georgie, this is Millie. Millie, Sissy and Georgie.”
Sissy smiled, shy and a little tired. “Morning.”
“Morning,” Millie said.
Biscuit barked, and Millie laughed. “Sorry—Biscuit feels left out. This is Biscuit. Sometimes, I’m pretty sure he thinks he’s a human.”
Sissy laughed softly. “Don’t all dogs?”
She eased into a chair at the table and settled Georgie in her lap. The dog sniffed the air, then curled in on himself, content.
Millie watched them both, something tightening in her chest. The woman seemed fragile in a way that went beyond pregnancy.
Millie probably seemed the same way to others. She wasn’t any stronger or more capable than any other woman who found herself in this situation.
But something about seeing the woman’s pregnant belly made her heart twist.
She’d wanted so badly to have children. But now she was grateful that she and Garrick hadn’t gotten pregnant. Bringing a child into the middle of their problems would have only made things worse.
She truly might not have ever left.
But seeing Sissy reminded her of that longing. She reminded Millie about how life didn’t always turn out the way you expected. About how there were so many things out of your control.
Millie snapped from her thoughts back to the present. “Are we waiting for Caleb and Max?”
“No, they’ll join us when they can.” Naomi set the serving bowls and platters full of food on the table.
They found seats, and plates were passed. Coffee was poured into mismatched mugs.
As she ate, Millie found herself looking at the door, anticipating the moment she’d see Caleb again.
