“I suppose so,” she said. “A splash of almond milk, but only if it’s organic,” she added.
“I’ll see what I can do,” replied Sunny.
In the kitchen, Sunny busied herself with making Morgan’s coffee, acutely aware of the woman’s scrutiny. She could feel the judgment radiating off her, making the spacious kitchen feel suffocating.
“So, Miss Thompson,” Morgan began, her manicured fingers tapping against the counter. “How are you finding your role here? Playing house with my brother and his children must be quite… fulfilling…for someone from your background.”
Sunny bristled at the implication. But she swallowed her anger. Itwould get her nowhere.
“My focus is the well-being of Maddie and Hailey,” she replied, as brightly as she could, given the situation. “They’re wonderful children.”
“Hmm, yes. They do seem rather… attached to you, judging from what my parents tell me.”
Was that a hint of the green-eyed monster Sunny could detect?
Morgan’s eyes narrowed.
“Though I wonder if that’s entirely appropriate. After all, you’re not family. You’re just the help.”
The words stung. Badly. But before Sunny could respond, the sound of small feet echoed down the hall. Maddie and Hailey burst into the kitchen, their faces lighting up when they saw Sunny.
“Sunny!” Hailey exclaimed, throwing her arms around her waist. “Bacon and pancakes! Just what I wanted!”
Sunny didn’t miss the way Morgan’s nose wrinkled and the ice in her eyes.
“Of course, sweetie. Your favorite,” Sunny said, perhaps a little too theatrically, before ruffling the little girl’s hair.
Maddie, more reserved as she was still waking up, sidled up to Sunny.
“Can we have extra syrup today?”
“Now, Maddie, you know too much syrup isn’t good for you,” Sunny gently chided.
Morgan watched the interaction with antipathy.
“Girls, aren’t you going to say hello to your favorite auntie?” announced Morgan, obviously miffed.
The girls turned. They hadn’t even realized she was there. Their eyes widened with surprise, then seemed to dim as they registered who it was.
“Hi, Aunt Morgan,” they chorused, dutifully giving her quick hugsbefore returning to their seats at the table.
Morgan didn’t seem pleased with her underwhelming reception.
Liam chose that moment to enter, his hair still damp from the shower.
“Morning, everyone,” he said, his eyes softening when they landed on Sunny.
But then he noticed his sister.
“Morgan? What are you doing here?”
“Can’t a sister visit her only brother and her only nieces?” Morgan asked, standing to kiss Liam’s cheek. “Though I must say, I didn’t expect to find your… employee quite so at home.”
Liam’s jaw tightened. He didn’t miss a beat.
“Sunny is more than an employee, Morgan. She’s been a godsend for the girls.”
“Clearly,” Morgan replied, her gaze flicking between Liam and Sunny.
