“Yeah.”
“So she’s still going through with it?”
“Small pin in her ankle. Outpatient.”
He nods, thinking it through. “Then she won’t be down for too long. A walking boot and crutches should cover it, and between the two, she’ll still be able to do most of what Aubrey needs.” He gives me a look that is half challenge, half suggestion. “You don’t necessarily have to call it a nanny situation if you don’t want to. Just let her take some of the load off.”
Not knowing how much Oakley has told him, I ask, “What about her job?”
The look he gives me draws a laugh from me. “I know she quit, no thanks to you or my girlfriend. Mom let it slip. But it means you guys could work something out.”
“And if she says no?”
“Oakley likes to be in control.”
“You think I don’t know that?” I ask.
“I think you know it better than anyone else in her life. Which is why you’ll offer this opportunity to her. It puts the ball in her court, but we both know she’ll say yes.”
“And if she leaves? I don’t think I can watch her walk away again, man. Aubrey asked ifherKate was leaving again. I can’t put that little girl through more pain if your sister changes her mind and decides she isn’t hanging around Steele Valley. Aubrey needs consistency.”
Noah whistles. “Damn.”
I don’t know what else to say. Nothing else seems relevant.
“Talk to her. Tell her what you need. Tell her why you’re worried,” he says as he stands and walks toward the door. “If she doesn’t give you the answer you need, then Jett and her friendKelsey will figure out a schedule so that at least one of them is available whenever needed.”
“Your girlfriend is not riding to the rescue, Noah.”
“Then go talk to my sister.”
I push up, throat tight, and head for the door. No more dodging the tough shit. It’s time to face it.
Chapter 22
Silas
Imake the short trek up to Thorn’s office and peek in, careful to stay out of Aubrey’s sight. When Oakley spots me, I hold a finger to my lips to keep her quiet before crooking that same finger to call her over. She gives Aubrey a few more instructions about what looks like math work before glancing toward Hannah. Hannah nods, and Oakley slips out, pulling the door shut behind her.
I lead her to a bench in the hall and take her crutches as she sits. I hate seeing that tired, defeated look in her eyes.
“Silas, about the other day...”
“No.” I hold up a hand. “No apologies. I wanted what you were offering, but I’m not in a place right now where any of that can happen.”
Her shoulders deflate a little, but a soft smile tugs at her lips. “I get that. Aubrey was right up the stairs. And I’m sure you don’t trust me.”
“I do. Trust you, I mean. But that’s not what I wanted to talk about.”
She notices my hesitation and rests her hand on my thigh. For one reckless second, I wish that hand would slide higher. I force myself to focus and cover her hand with mine, hoping to give her the steadiness I don’t feel.
“The guys have been on my ass about making some changes heading into the season. I need help—with Aubrey, with the house—especially when I’m on the road. Any chance you’d be interested?”
“You need a nanny?” she asks, one eyebrow raised and a smile tugging at her lips.
“I need someone Aubrey’s comfortable with, someone who’s comfortable taking care of her. Maybe coming on the road sometimes, maybe staying home.”
“So…you need a nanny.”
