Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 88060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
She nodded. “That’s true. She does come with some pretty amazing references. Even if it’s not from the royal family.”
I giggled. “Let’s see what Liam is thinking. He didn’t officially offer her the job, just a playdate.”
“That’s true.”
Harper and I glanced down at the resume Liam had set down on the table, then back up at each other.
“Why are my spidey senses telling me this woman will bring trouble?” Harper asked.
“I think we’re just being overprotective. It’s going to be okay. Maybe this is a good thing. Liam knows her, and clearly he thinks he can trust her.”
“He hasn’t seen her since high school!”
I nodded. “Let’s just see how tomorrow goes. Then we’ll take it from there.”
Harper dropped back in her seat and exhaled. “I’m just saying, my spidey senses are never wrong. Ever.”
As much as I didn’t want to admit Harper was right, I had a bad feeling about this Kim Thompson. The last thing I would do is say something to Liam, though. Ultimately, he is Winnie’s father, and he doesn’t need our permission.
The bell above the door rang, and I glanced up to see Liam and Winnie.
“Hey, what brings you guys here?” I asked as I made my way around the counter and over to them. Winnie ran toward me, and I bent down to pick her up.
“Hi there, princess!”
“Rora!”
“Winnie wanted to see you, and I promised her a new book.”
Smiling, I glanced at Liam. “A new book, huh?”
Winnie nodded her head.
“Well, let’s head on over so you can pick out your book,” I said as I put Winnie down and took her hand. Liam followed behind us.
Glancing over my shoulder, I asked, “How did the visit with Kim go today?”
“It went well. She’s going to start Monday.”
I stopped and turned to face him. “You hired her?”
He nodded. “Yeah. I mean, she’s the perfect fit. I know her, she’s young and able to keep up with Winnie. And the best part, Winnie liked her.”
Winnie walked over to the new books display in the children’s section. I always set up a small display, and since Winnie had been to the bookstore so often, she knew that the display was all new books.
“I’m…well…I’m glad she liked her.”
Liam frowned. “Why do I feel like there is a but in there?”
Stay in your lane, Aurora.
“Not at all. Liam, this is your choice. Winnie is your daughter, and if you feel comfortable with Kim, then that is who you should hire. Did you think about contacting the other agency though, like Harper and I suggested?”
He shook his head. “I don’t see a need. Kim and Winnie hit it off, and I’m comfortable with Kim. It won’t feel like a stranger is in my house. Plus, she can start right away, which is even better!”
I raised my brows.
“Call me crazy, but all those other women were not a good fit. What are the odds that someone I know would be the last person we interviewed? It’s fate.”
I didn’t want to point out that Hope had been jealous of me spending time with Winnie and that I hardly thought she would love the idea of an ex-girlfriend watching her daughter, so I smiled instead.
Turning, I saw Winnie looking at a book I had just gotten. The book was Pringle and Finn.
“Did you find a book, Winnie?” I asked.
She held up the book and nodded.
“That was fast,” Liam said as he picked Winnie up, holding the book tightly in her hands. Liam started for the counter to pay for the book. “Are we still on for movie night tomorrow evening?”
Smiling, I said, “Yes! Everyone is a go for it.”
“Do you need me to order the pizzas?”
I waved him off. “No, don’t be silly. You’re letting everyone come to your house for it. Harper will get the pizzas ordered, and I’m in charge of the drinks. Cadie, of course, is bringing the dessert. Brystol and Gavin can’t make it, but they said next time for sure. Being new parents, I don’t think they’re ready to leave Lily at home yet.”
Liam smiled. “I don’t blame them one bit. If you do need me to do anything, please let me know.”
With a quick nod, I replied, “I will.”
Lou proceeded to ring up Winnie’s book while I put it in a bag with a few stickers for Winnie. Liam paid and took his daughter’s hand. He looked like he was unsure what to say.
“Kim will start Monday.”
I cleared my throat. “You said that.”
“I did?”
“Yes,” I said with a soft laugh. “If you need anything or Kim needs anything, please let her know I’m more than happy to help.”
“I will.” He looked down at Winnie and then back at me. “Thank you, Aurora, for your help with the whole nanny thing.”
“Of course.”
He stared at me momentarily as if he wanted to say something else but wasn’t sure what to say. His eyes almost looked like he was longing for something. Or someone. For the briefest of moments, I wanted that someone to be me, but pushed that away when I realized that what I was seeing in his eyes was solely for his longing over his old life with Hope. Not me. And why on Earth would I think it would be for me? I was going to have to think this whole thing over when I was alone. Liam’s voice cut through my thoughts.