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“Like I told you before. We want someone we can trust in this position. Someone we know is going to advocate for the kids and won’t be afraid to kick an employee's ass to the curb if they are not doing their job. All of this”—he gestures around the room—“is to make your life easier. You’re a single mom who’s giving up your job and your security to come work for us. I told Sawyer and Layla to work their magic. If there’s anything we’ve missed, let me know, and we’ll make it happen.”
“This is—” I feel tears burn my eyes. “So many amazing things have happened to me since meeting your family. This feels like too much, plus the salary is triple what I was making.”
“Oh, and on top of that, as the director, Madeline comes for free.” Royce grins.
“What? No. That’s too much.”
“It’s done,” Royce says. “I have to get back upstairs. Welcome to the Riggins team, Wren. Layla will walk you through the decisions we’ve made, and if there is anything you think we need to add or change, she will set you up with your company credit card. Between the two of you, I have full faith that you can make this happen. We have a soft opening in six weeks.”
He turns to walk away, but I call out to him, “Royce.” I can hear the wobble in my voice. He stops and turns to look at me. It takes me five steps and double that in racing heartbeats to reach him. Leaning up on my tiptoes, I hug him. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, sis,” he says softly. I don’t get time to ask him why he called me sis before he’s releasing me and disappearing on the elevator.
“You ready to get started?” Layla asks.
I nod because that’s all that I’m capable of. Meeting Marshall that day in the pharmacy has changed my life in so many ways. I’ve never really been a big believer in fate, but I don’t know how else to explain that chance meeting and everything that’s happened since then. Then again, maybe Stanley is onto something.
Maybe it’s the magic?
My phone rings, vibrating across the desk where Layla and I are going over the different areas of the day care center and the age-appropriate activities for each area.
“If that’s Marsh, you better get it. If he’s anything like his brothers, and let’s face it, we both know he is, he’s going to keep calling.” Layla chuckles. “I’m going to run upstairs and say hi to Owen. We’ve been at this for hours. We could both use a break. The fridge in your office is stocked with drinks, and there are snacks in the bottom-right desk drawer.” She winks and walks out of the room.
“How’s the move going?” I greet Marshall.
“Good. The movers just left. The condo is empty, and I have a lot of unpacking to do. The good thing is that they reassembled the furniture, so it’s more just personal items that I need to unpack. How’s the first day going? I wish I could be there with you.”
“No, it’s probably best you’re not here. You’re distracting.”
“Is that so?” he asks, his voice suddenly husky.
“Anyway, I’m glad the move went well.” I can’t let him distract me with his sex voice while I’m at work.
“It did. Hey, can you and Maddie stay with me tonight? I’m going to work tomorrow, and you can take Maddie with you to the office, right?”
My heart swells knowing he wants us there with him for his first night in his new house. “Yeah. Have you seen my office?” I ask him.
“No, but I knew it was going to be nice. I know my sisters-in-law, and they love you, so I wasn’t worried.”
“Marsh, it’s insane. It’s an office and a nursery in one. I can’t believe I get to work and bring Madeline with me every day.”
“I’m glad you took the job, baby.”
“Me too.”
“How about I pick you up from the office and then take you home to grab what you need?”
“Sure. That would be great. I didn’t bring Madeline with me today, but I did tell the day care today this would be her last week.” I don’t need to look in a mirror to know my face is light with excitement. This is my dream job and what I went to college for. However, I also still want to be a nurse. I feel that would only increase my qualifications for the job, and I know as a parent I would feel better with a nurse on staff at my day care. That’s always been my dream, and now here it is coming true. Well, all but the nursing, but I’ll get there.
“I wish you would drive one of my cars.”
“After a few paychecks, I should be able to buy my own.” Excitement courses through me. I want to save up to get a new place, where I can sleep in an actual bed every night, and then a car.
