“This is allherdoing, isn’t it?” he says coldly, his lip curling. “That nanny.”
My spine stiffens protectively.
“I’ve heard the rumors,” he continues. “The looks. The way you two hover around each other in public. So is that it? Are you screwing her?”
“It’s none of your business.”
“I warned you she wasn’t a good choice when you hired her.”
“Rowan’s the best nanny I’ve ever met. The bestpersonI’ve ever met. She’s gotten Presley to laugh again. To smile again. And me…” I trail off, collecting my thoughts. “Well, she’s helped me realize how important living in the present is. Life is short. I don’t want to spend whatever time I have left miserable. And working here with you? I’ve never been so damn miserable. I’m done living this way. Done choosing things I think I have to. Instead, I’m choosing things that make me happy.”
My words don’t shake.
Don’t waver.
For the first time in a long while, I feel like I’m finally on the right path.
“Now if you’ll excuse me, I have patients to see.”
I don’t wait for him to dismiss me. I walk out of my office and do what I’ve always loved doing.
Take care of people.
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
ROWAN
The house isquiet except for the hum of the dishwasher and the soft rhythmic swish of the brush in my hand.
I’ve already washed this pan twice, but it gives me something to do.
Something to occupy my mind.
It doesn’t help.
Today’s been tougher than I thought it would be.
Every time I’ve replayed the way Hayden looked at me this morning like I belonged in his bed, my chest has ached in a way that has nothing to do with scar tissue.
This year was supposed to be about saying yes.
Yes to experiences.
Yes to adventure.
Yes to living instead of waiting to die.
It wasn’t supposed to be about falling in love with a widower and his two children.
I should leave.
The thought has been circling me all day like a vulture. And every time I convince myself it’s the right thing to do, I think of Jemmy’s adorable voice calling my name first thing in the morning. Presley’s quiet smile as we cook together. The way they both light up whenever they see me.
Leaving them will break their hearts.
But staying might destroy mine.
Footsteps sound on the stairs, and my pulse immediately increases.
