He laughed. “I think I’ve got it.”
Chapter 17
***Autumn***
The next morning, Griffin joined us for breakfast on the balcony. He seemed surprised when he found us all in our pajamas, even Jones. Sir Fluffy Butt and Wiggles were even wearing the pajamas that Caroline had insisted they needed. I would’ve protested, but the dogs seemed to love them. I was in a onesie that Granny Lane had gotten me, and I was only slightly embarrassed that it made me look like an actual cow.
“I didn’t get the PJ memo.” Dropping into the chair next to me, Griffin stretched his legs out in front of him and looked out at the ocean. “Beautiful out here.”
I smiled and nodded. “It is. It’s a better start to the day.”
He bumped his knee into mine and left it touching me. “I think you’re onto something here.”
Heartbeat speeding up, I told myself to relax. There was nothing going on with Griffin, so I didn’t need to read into the brush of a knee.
The kids were focused on eating their breakfast and reading the books I’d let them bring out, so they were quiet. The morning sun was just starting to warm everything up, but there was still a chill in the air. It was a beautiful morning that I could curl up in and stay for a while.
“A hammock. That’s the only thing missing.” I stretched and then grabbed a piece of bacon and crunched into it. “Then, I’d probably be tempted to sleep all day, and you’d be forced to fire me.”
“That would be unfortunate.” Griffin reached over and took the rest of my bacon. Popping it into his mouth, he raised achallenging eyebrow at me and smiled. “I thought we could all go to the aquarium today.”
Caroline perked up. “The aquarium! Really?”
“Really. Would that be okay with you?”
I realized he was asking me and nodded. “Of course! That sounds like a lot of fun. I’ll get everyone ready after breakfast.”
Jones furrowed his brows. “Can we take Sir Fluffy Butt and Wiggles?”
I smiled, loving the way he had to lighten up when he said the names. “They have to stay here, but they need their rest, so it’s perfect. They’re not used to having three wild children to entertain them. A few hours of rest will do them good. Then, when we get back from the aquarium, we can take them for a long walk. While we’re out, we could even get them nametags for their collars.”
Slowly nodding, he still looked doubtful. He didn’t look like he was thinking of ways to get rid of me, though, so that was an improvement.
“And you’re sure we can’t change the names?”
I giggled at Griffin and shook my head. “Positive. Their names are their names.”
He grunted. “And what names they are.”
“I like their names.” Grace handed a piece of bacon to each dog and laughed when they licked her hands. “They’re fun.”
Con stepped out onto the balcony and raised his brows at us. “What’s this?”
Griffin looked back at him and nodded his head at me. “Nanny changes.”
I gently kicked him. “Great nanny changes.”
Con settled in the seat on the other side of me and leaned over to touch one of the spots on my pajamas. “Cute.”
Zeke appeared next, looking confused. “No one came to breakfast.”
I blushed at being in such a small space with the three of them, especially after what I’d done with Zeke the night before. “We moved the location of breakfast. It’s also pajamas required. The three of you are only allowed to wear your professional clothes today.”
Griffin scooted closer to me to make room for Zeke. Stretching his arm along the back of my chair, he crossed his ankle over his knee and looked more relaxed than I’d ever seen him. “We’re going to the aquarium today if either of you wants to come.”
Zeke looked at Griffin’s arm as he settled in his chair. “I have to go back to the city to settle something at Lynx.”
Con nodded. “I’ll ride in with you. I have a meeting with a client.”
