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Ariel peered up at me, waiting for my approval. I nodded, giving her my okay. After she timidly hugged him, she wrapped her arms around my legs again, and I rubbed her head in a reassuring gesture.
“Hi, I’m Joseph.” He extended his hand. “Caleb’s brother.”
“Oh!” I replied, caught off guard. I shook his hand. “Hello, I’m Evie, the kids’ nanny.”
“Nice to meet you, Evie.”
“Likewise.”
There must have been something in the Hawkins’ genes. Joseph was as handsome as his brother. They both had dark hair, hazel eyes, and a killer smile.
“Come in.”
“Is Caleb around?”
“No. He’s at work.” I shut the door behind him. “Does he know you’re here to see him?”
“Not exactly.” He grabbed the back of his head. “I’ve learned over the years it’s just better if I surprise him.”
I nodded, unsure of what he meant by that.
“I don’t know what time he’ll be home, but you’re more than welcome to wait for him in the living room.”
“That’d be great, thanks.”
I let the kids catch up with their uncle for a little bit before putting them to bed. By the time I returned downstairs, it was after nine at night. Joseph was where I’d left him, sitting on the couch with Caleb nowhere to be found. He was gazing at his phone while the television was on.
“I wish I could tell you Caleb will be home soon, but I honestly have no idea what time he’ll be back.”
“It’s Caleb, so it’ll probably be late. Don’t feel pressured to keep me company, though. I can wait for him alone.”
“Well.” I smiled. “I haven’t had much adult conversation this last month, so if you don’t mind, I can wait with you.”
He gestured to the seat beside him. “By all means, Evie. I’d love your company.”
I smiled again, sitting down. Wanting to break the ice between us, I asked, “Do you live in Texas too?”
He looked at me funny. “I see my brother hasn’t mentioned me to you. Good to know things haven’t changed with him.”
“Caleb’s never been one to share much about his family, or his personal life for that matter.”
“It sounds like you’re speaking from experience?”
“You could say that.”
“Are you and him…”
“Oh, no.” I shook my head. “We’ve never been together like that. I’m just here to help him with the kids while they’re in Spain.” Intentionally, I changed the subject. “Do you talk to Caleb a lot?”
He chuckled. “Does Caleb talk to anyone often?”
“Good point.” I wanted to be hospitable. “Would you like anything to drink or eat? We have plenty of leftovers from dinner tonight.”
“A nanny who cooks too? Caleb lucked out with you.”
“Hardly.” I stood, making my way into the kitchen. “Would you like a glass of wine? We have that too.”
“A woman after my own heart.”
