She needs a nanny—someone full-time. Someone good with children. Natural, happy, reliable. Someone like Ginger, maybe. Except, Ginger’s past the age of retirement so maybe someone younger. But not as young as Rose, who might be chasing other dreams and then abandon my little girl the minute she gets attached. And probably not someone in between either. Someone with her own family. Or worse—someone without and looking to start one here.
That settles it.
No nanny.
If Ellie and I have anything in common, it’s that we don’t need someone coming and going.
We’ll be fine.
I growl low and move to the counter for a cup of coffee, then step out to the back porch like I’m checking the weather.
A minute later, the screen door swings open and my brother steps out.
“Everything’s fine,” I say, taking a sip and keeping my eyes on the fields.
“I didn’t say anything,” Wilder insists, taking a seat on the bench behind me.
“Good.”
A beat later, he steps beside me, gripping the fence and facing out. “House is done, isn’t it?”
I swallow the caffeinated liquid. “Still smells like sawdust. There’s a draft coming from somewhere. Haven’t found it yet. Need to get the heater unit installed. Furniture’s still wrapped in plastic.”
He nods but doesn’t say anything as I mutter out the laundry list.
“She’s not ready,” I rasp, finally.
“Ellie’s not ready, or you’re not ready?”
“I meant the house.”
“Ah, that’s right. The house is ashe. Forgot about that.”
I think of Millie. The house I started building for us—forher. Almost every detail is her, how she wanted it. A bedroom facing the river. A spiral staircase. Crown molding throughout the entire space. And even though there are details that won’t be hers, she’d have loved it. Or what it will be when I’m done with it. As picky as she tended to be, I can’t imagine her not loving it. Every brick, board, and nail was set with her in mind, her eyes lighting up the way they did with just the idea of it.
It’s been a “she” since I started building. Now every time I step into that house, it’s Ellie I consider. What she’ll see through her eyes. What she’ll feel, smell .?.?. love.
Part of me feels like it’s always been meant for her. Every time I ride up to it, I have visions of her playing in the yard, or up in her window.
“You want us out of here?” I pivot.
“That’s not what I’m saying. Just wondering what’s holding you back. Busy season’s over and you’ve got more than enough help.”
“Just needs some finishing touches. I’ll take care of it when we get back.”
I have to.
“Good.” He glances back at the house. “Because that girl knows this isn’t her permanent home. It’s about time you give her one.”
His words hit my chest and I scoff to play it off. “Can I take Rose with me?”
Wilder’s shoulders drop. “You can do everything she does.”
“Even bathtime? And there’s other things. I’ve heard Rose mutter something about Ellie feeling warmer than usual. How would I know the difference? What if there’s something she’s afraid to ask for, how will I know?”
Wilder shakes his head. “I don’t know. But it’s not like Rose has any experience. And between you and me, she loves Ellie .?.?. but she wasn’t exactly planning on stepping into the role of mom whilst you find someone to hire.”
I place my hat back over my head. “I’m not hiring anyone.”
