That the kitchen already seems empty without her.
CHAPTER TEN
ROWAN
I closemy door softly behind me and lean against it for half a second, allowing the quiet to wash over me.
Thank god I unpacked during Jemmy’s nap, because if I had to do it right now, I might actually cry. I’m exhausted in that deep, bone-heavy way that only comes from spending an entire day with a small human who constantly needs you.
But it’s a good kind of tired.
I head into my temporary bedroom and change into a pair sleep shorts and a t-shirt that’s seen better days, then grab my container of chicken parm and spaghetti before collapsing onto the couch. The cushions sink under my weight, and I hunch over the coffee table as I eat, but I don’t care. I can’t even think about sitting at a table right now.
It’s been one day. One.
And I’m already counting down to the weekend. Not because I don’t want to be here. But because I want a full day where I don’t have to move.
Still, as tired as I am, my heart feels full.
Jemmy is pure magic. Big imagination. Boundless energy. The kind of kid who makes the world feel brighter just by being in it.
And Presley is such a sweet girl. Quiet. Observant. Attuned to everything and everyone.
In the few hours we spent together today, I saw her walls lower a fraction. Enough to let me in.
I consider that a win.
After I finish eating, I rinse out the container, brush my teeth, and crawl into bed, sighing against the mattress. I haven’t been in bed this early in years, but I don’t care.
I flip on the TV and scroll until I land on a show I’ve seen a dozen times. Comfort background noise. Something familiar.
I’ve just settled in when my phone lights up with a video call, Emily’s name flashing on the screen.
I groan softly, not wanting to talk to anyone right now, my best friend included. But I don’t want to worry her. So I sit up and accept the call.
“Hey, Em.”
She frowns immediately. “What happened? Where are you? That doesn’t look like your van. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I promise.”
She scrunches her nose. “Then where are you?”
“At the in-law apartment of the family I’m nannying for.”
Her hazel eyes widen. “What? How did that happen? When we talked yesterday morning, you were literally planning your next adventure.”
“Maybe I found it. I had this opportunity and?—”
“You said yes.” She sighs knowingly.
“I had to.”
“I know.” She smooths a wayward strand of blonde hair behind her ear. “So who are you nannying for? Are you still in the same town? What did you say it was? Maple Glen or something?”
“Sycamore Falls.” I laugh. “And yes. I’m still here. One of the volunteers at the shelter asked if I’d be interested in nannying for her older brother. He’s a doctor. Two kids. Seven-year-old daughter, almost two-year-old son.”
She waggles her brows. “Is he single?”
