Sunny remained in the living room after the girls had finally settled down. She listened intently for any sound that might signal a nightmare or a troubled heart. After reminiscing about their mother and being away from their dad, the girls were particularly sensitive.
No sooner had she sprawled on the couch with a tattered paperback than she heard the familiar pitter-patter of little feet in the hallway.
Maddie slipped into the dimly lit room, her eyes wide and brimming with tears.
“I had a bad dream,” she whispered, her lower lip trembling. “Dad wasn’t there, and I couldn’t find anyone…”
“Oh, sweetheart.” Sunny set her book aside and wrapped the child in her arms “I’m right here, honey. Your dad will be home soon. I bet he’s missing you like crazy.”
Maddie nodded, but her shaky breaths and tense little body told a different story. She was in pain. For so long, she had been the strong one, the big sister putting on a brave face, but the cracks were beginning to show.
As she rubbed soothing circles on Maddie’s back, Sunny had an idea. Like her spontaneous cartwheel in the dining room days earlier, it was a bit unconventional. But she reasoned that nannies needed to be resourceful; it was part of the job. With a wink, Sunny gently extracted herself from Maddie’s grasp.
“I’ll be back in a moment. Are you okay on your own for a minute?” she asked.
Maddie nodded solemnly.
Sunny tiptoed down the hallway toward Liam’s bedroom,suddenly overcome with doubt. This was a bold move. But thinking of Maddie’s tears, she decided to throw caution to the wind. Besides, she would only be a moment. She opened the door and scanned the room: a huge bed, framed photos, messy piles of clothes, and there it was — a rumpled lump of faded fabric on the floor by the bed. It had to be the Kansas City Coyotes T-shirt he always wore around the house.
Sunny crept over and picked it up, unsure why she felt the need to tiptoe. Probably guilt. She shouldn’t really be in Liam’s private space, but needs must. She paused for a moment, burying her nose in the fabric and inhaling the comforting blend of crisp detergent and something warm — something earthy, something unmistakably Liam. It felt reassuring, solid, stable. She swooned slightly, unable to help it. Her body was betraying her.
Get a grip, woman, she scolded herself.This isn’t high school.
She rushed back to Maddie, plopping down on the couch and spreading the giant T-shirt over herself like a blanket. She tugged the little girl close, swaddling her in the soft, oversized fabric, heavy with comforting scents — comfort for both of them, if she was being honest.
“What’s this?” Maddie mumbled against her, inhaling deeply.
“Just a little piece of your dad to borrow until he’s back,” Sunny said soothingly. “So you don’t feel so alone.”
Already, Maddie’s sniffles were subsiding, her body melting deeper into Sunny’s protective embrace and the fabric of her dad’s T-shirt. She buried her nose in the folds and sighed, a tide of peace enveloping her at last.
For several long, quiet moments, they simply breathed together, Maddie slowly succumbing to slumber while Sunny cradled her close. Sunny gently stroked the garment, trying not to dwell on any forbidden thoughts as she inhaled Liam’s masculine essence. Aflicker of longing stirred in her midsection, only to be banished by a stern reprimand. She was here for the girls, full stop.
Don’t be stupid. Give your head a shake, woman.
When morning light finally streamed through the bay windows, Maddie lay heavily on Sunny’s chest, drooling slightly onto her T-shirt. Despite the stiffness in her muscles, Sunny couldn’t suppress the goofy smile on her face as she admired the peacefulness of the sleeping child. Little by little, these girls were welcoming her, allowing her to be a soothing presence for their wounds.
Just then, Hailey trotted sleepily into the living room as the front door swung open. Moments later, Liam lumbered in, a duffel bag slung over one shoulder, running a weary hand over his stubbled jaw. He frowned at the scene before him.
“Well, isn’t this… cozy?” he remarked, taking in the three of them.
Sunny stiffened. Was this another reprimand? Another accusation that she wasn’t up to the task? That she was ‘wet behind the ears’?
Noticing her concerned expression, Liam’s face softened.
“Sorry for leaving you in the lurch,” he said. “Looks like I had no reason to worry.”
Sunny let out the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
Then two shrieks shattered the quiet as Hailey and the now wide-awake Maddie launched themselves off the couch and across the room in a blur. Sunny watched with a satisfied grin as they dog-piled their father, rushing to fill him in on every tiny detail he’d missed while he was gone.
As the chaos showed no signs of abating, Liam raised his hands in surrender, a big smile finally appearing as he drank in his daughters.
“Alright, alright! Let’s move this reunion to the kitchen before the neighbors call the cops on us.”
As the girls filtered into the kitchen amidst a fresh wave of squeals and giggles, Liam lingered back. Sunny pretended not to notice himwatching her.
She started to follow the girls but was stopped by Liam’s gentle hand on her forearm.
