The way she moves through my house like she belongs here.
The way my heart speeds up the second she walks into a room.
The way my thoughts keep circling back to her, whether I want them to or not.
Maybe that’s why I fired her earlier today.
Not because she messed up, but because she makes me feel things I’m not ready to feel.
Things I don’twantto feel.
“Ro-Ro!” Jemmy calls again, toddling toward her with all the coordination of a baby giraffe.
Rowan laughs, and the sound fills the house, bright and warm. She gently untangles from Presley and crouches to scoop up Jemmy.
“Hey, bud.”
He roars, throwing his head back dramatically.
“That’s right,” she says, grinning. “We can play dinosaur all you want. But right now, why don’t we play something your sister wants to. Okay?”
“K,” Jemmy agrees immediately.
She sets him down, and he bolts toward the living room, pointing at the bin of blocks. “Build house!”
Rowan glances at Presley for her approval.
Presley smiles and gives a small nod. Then she grabs Rowan’s hand and tugs her across the room.
They all drop to the floor together, blocks scattering across the rug as Presley dumps them out. Rowan doesn’t take over. She doesn’t direct. She takes her cue from the kids. She lets Jemmy stack crooked towers. Lets Presley carefully reinforce them. Laughs when it all collapses.
My mom rises from the couch and crosses the room, giving Rowan’s shoulder a squeeze. They share a brief look before my mom heads toward me.
Neither one of us says anything for several moments. We simply watch Rowan with Jemmy and Presley, another wave of giggles and laughter erupting when their next attempt falls to the floor yet again. But that doesn’t deter them from starting over again.
“She looks so happy,” Mom muses.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Rowan not happy,” I reply automatically.
My mom raises a brow. “I was talking about Presley.”
“Oh.” I clear my throat. “Right.”
“But I find it interesting you thought of Rowan first.”
“I didn’t. I just…” I trail off.
“Whatever you say,” she teases with a wink. “Do you need anything else?”
“The crisis has been averted for now.”
“Then I’m going to head home.” She grabs her purse. “Try not to fire your nanny again.”
My eyes float to Rowan of their own accord. “I’m pretty sure I learned that lesson.”
“Good. Because she’s good for you.”
“I see that now. I can’t remember the last time Presley’s played with Jemmy like this.”
