Maren looked at Colin. “Is that okay? I don’t know the rules.” She looked so uncertain.
He gave her a small nod. “Of course. You should go.”
She rewarded him with a warm smile. How was it that he’d just met this woman and a single smile from her threatened to undo him completely?
“Okay, great,” Maren said. She turned back to Arden. “Thank you.”
Arden squeezed her hand once more, then let go. She turned toward the kitchen. “Juni, sweetheart, Aunt Arden has to run. But I’ll see you soon, okay?”
“Okay!” Juni ran back into the room and hugged her. This time, Arden was ready for it.
“Actually, would you like to stay for lunch?” Maren offered.
Arden glanced at the basket on the table. “No. No, thank you. My appetite has been off. Nerves.” She smiled sheepishly.
“Well, you’re welcome back any time,” Maren said. She frowned. “Geez, I sound like this is my house, when I should be paying you for letting me stay?—”
“What?” Arden looked horrified. “Don’t even think about it.”
Colin opened the door for her.
“Colin?” Arden said quietly, pausing on the threshold. “I’m glad you’re the one watching them.”
His throat tightened. “Just doing my job.”
Arden’s silvery gaze pierced him. “You’re doing more than that.”
She left before he could answer.
That night,Colin was awakened by a sound that had him immediately on his feet. Someone screaming.
Juni.
“I’m coming!” he shouted, his feet moving before he was fully awake. He could already hear footsteps pounding down the hall and realized Maren had heard her too and was on her way to Juni’s room. Colin caught sight of Maren going through the door. By the time he got there, she was already sitting next to the little girl, pulling her into her arms.
“Juni, baby, are you all right?” Maren asked.
“Mama, Mama.” Juni cried. “I had a nightmare.”
“It’s okay, baby girl. I’m here now.”
They both looked up at Colin in the doorway. The night light showed him two frightened faces, whose expressions were immediately replaced with relief.
“Is everything all right?” he asked, his eyes scanning the room. Secure. She’d really just had a nightmare. She wasn’t in any danger.
At least not physically.
Juni, her head pressed against Maren’s chest, nodded in answer.
“She just had a nightmare,” Maren said, rocking her. “But we know how to deal with those, don’t we, sweetheart?”
Juni nodded again as she squeezed her eyes shut. “Bad dream, bad dream, go away. I don’t like you, you can’t stay,” she chanted.
Colin couldn’t help his small smile. “That’ll do it every time,” he said, his gaze shifting to Maren, who gave him a look full of relief.
“Do you think so?” Juni asked.
“I know so. Can you say it again? In your fiercest voice.”
