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)
“What time will you be over tomorrow?”
“If you don’t mind, I’d love to spend time with Winnie before she goes to bed.”
A wide grin appeared on his face. “She’d love that. Come on by whenever, we’ll be home.”
Leaning down, I hugged and kissed Winnie. “I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”
“Kay! Wuv you, Rora!”
“I love you too, princess.”
When I stood back up, Liam gave a quick nod. “See you tomorrow.”
Before I could say anything, he turned and practically ran to the door, dragging Winnie with him.
“See ya later,” I said softly as I placed my hand over my chest. I couldn’t catch my breath.
“What’s the matter?” Lou asked.
My head jerked up to look at her. “Nothing, why?”
Her arms folded over her chest, and one brow slowly rose. I had no idea how she did that, but it reminded me of our mother when she was trying to flesh out information from one of us.
“I know you well enough to know when something is bothering you, Aurora.”
I chewed on my lip as I glanced around to ensure no one else was in the bookstore. Focusing back on my sister, I told her all about Kim Thompson and her sudden reappearance in Liam’s life.
“You don’t trust her?”
Shrugging, I replied, “I don’t know her. Harper said she had a weird feeling about her, and I have to say, I do as well. The fact that Liam just instantly hired her I guess is throwing me off. He accused me of trying to take Hope’s place because of her insecurities about me, and I was her friend. Does he somehow think Hope would like an ex-girlfriend watching their daughter?”
“Maybe you should talk to Jake and Opal about it?”
“And say what exactly? I don’t like that Liam hired an ex to watch Winnie. That only makes me sound like a jealous loon.”
“Are you? Jealous, I mean?”
My mouth fell open. “No! I’m not jealous at all. Liam is a friend, I’ve never thought of him as anything other than that.”
“Okay. Then what does Mom always tell us? Pay attention to your instincts. If they’re telling you something, listen.”
I exhaled. “I don’t know what to think, to be honest with you. I think Liam panicked when he realized he needed to figure something out and went with a safe option.”
“But you don’t think she’s safe?”
With a slow shake of my head, I exhaled. “I don’t think she would ever hurt Winnie if that’s what you mean. The way she looked at Liam though. And the fact that he didn’t know she was on the schedule because she was added last minute, that feels more off than anything.”
My sister shrugged. “The only thing you can do is trust Liam’s instincts on this one if you don’t feel comfortable telling him how you feel.”
“You’re right,” I said with a nod. The bell above the door alerted us to customers. Turning on my heel, I went over to greet them, letting Liam and his new nanny completely slip free of my thoughts.
For now, at least.
Liam
“How do you like those tacos, angel?”
Winnie looked up at me and grinned. “Good!”
I chuckled and took a bite of mine. The doorbell rang, and I was sure it was Aurora coming over to set up for the movie night tonight. She had mentioned getting here early to spend time with Winnie.
“Do you know who that is?”
Winnie shook her head.
“It’s Aurora!”
“Rora!” Winnie cried out.
Reaching for Winnie, I picked her up and quickly headed to the front door. I opened it, ready to see Aurora’s smiling face and those bright blue eyes that reminded me of a summer day at Moose Lake. Instead, it was Kim.
“Kim? You’re early.”
Her smile faded as she heard the disappointment in my voice. Shit. I needed to be more careful.
“Um, I’m so sorry I’m early. I see I interrupted something.”
I quickly shook away the disappointment and smiled. “No, you’re not interrupting anything. Well, we were having dinner. It’s taco night.”
Kim reached out and tickled under Winnie’s chin. She turned her head and buried her face into my chest, suddenly shy. Then I realized Winnie was upset it hadn’t been Aurora.
Drawing her hand back, Kim’s smile slipped. “Is she sleepy?”
“No, I think she is upset because I thought it was Aurora at the door.”
Kim raised her brows. “I see.”
“I’m sure she’s ready to get back to dinner. Um, come on in.”
“You’re sure? I thought I would come early and set up for your movie night tonight. Thank you again for the invite.”
I stepped back and motioned for her to come into the house. I had asked Kim to come over for movie night because I thought it would be the perfect chance to introduce her to everyone, now I was second-guessing myself. “Aurora is taking care of all of that. Well, she and a few other friends of ours.”