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Callum poked his head around the door. “Is now a bad time?”
“No, we’re good.” He finished looking through a couple of his cases and made the final notes to the last one. “What is it?”
“The parents would like you to visit and to bring Meghan and your nanny.”
Drew sat back. He hadn’t seen his parents since he married Tilly. They’d asked him not to, and in doing so, they’d pretty much kept their distance. It was why he’d never taken Meghan to his parents when he and Tilly were experiencing the worst kind of fight. They’d have only gloated about being right, and he didn’t like it.
“I don’t think so.”
“Are you still holding a grudge after all these years?”
“Am I still holding a grudge? I’m not twelve anymore, Callum. It’s not going to happen.”
“You know I heard a rumor around town,” he said.
“Callum, I’m pretty sure you spread of all rumors.”
“It concerns you and the nanny.”
“Callie isn’t my nanny anymore. She handed in her resignation letter a few days ago. They’ve already severed ties. I’ve been in contact with them, and they asked if I could wait for a new nanny. I told them their services were no longer required.”
“So Callie has become a more permanent feature,” Callum said.
“Yes.”
“And you don’t want her to meet our parents?”
“You told them, didn’t you?” Drew asked.
“Actually, I didn’t. They heard the rumor from Bob at the florist shop.”
“It’s not going to happen.”
“Why not?” Callum asked.
“I’m not putting Callie through that.”
“Come on, Drew, you know they’ve felt horrible about everything that happened. They haven’t even seen Meghan.”
“That’s on them. It’s not on me. If Tilly was still in the picture, you know for a fact they wouldn’t want anything to do with me,” Drew said.
“No, I know they’d want something to do with their son, but not with the man who was abused by that woman.”
“Don’t.”
“You can’t admit that you were wrong,” Callum asked.
“I wasn’t wrong. I did what I had to for my daughter. As a father, I’m sure you understand.”
“I do, but even I think there are limits to what you should tie yourself to.”
Drew stood and walked to his window. The offices were on the ground floor of the building, and it was near the police station, and the courthouse wasn’t too far away. It was small, simple, perfect.
He ran his fingers through his hair. “I like Callie,” he said. “I really like her.”
“And dining with our parents won’t change that.”
“But it will because they judge people before they got to know them.”
“I know Callie. She’s a sweetheart. They’re going to love her.”
“Even though she broke the rules of her job just to be with me and as she says, she probably is unemployable.” He didn’t mind. Now that he was back at work full-time, he could more than afford to take care of her. He wanted to.
If this was where he could make up for all the times of being a bastard, he’d do it.
“Give them a chance. They weren’t wrong about Tilly. They’d like to meet their grandkid, and see their son again.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“That’s a yes.”
“Callum, seriously, we’re not kids anymore.”
“I know but it’s still the same thing. Totally going to have to deal with it. You’re coming, you’re bringing Meghan and Callie. It’ll be fun.”
“Yeah, and if my woman dumps my ass, what then?”
“I’ll hire her. I know she’s good with kids and Leah could use the break.” Callum winked at him.
“There’s no way. You and Leah would fall in love with her and won’t share her.”
“Are you saying what I think you’re saying? Are you telling me you’re in love with her?”
“Don’t be an idiot.” He balled up a piece of paper and threw it at his brother, who dodged it.
“I think you’re protesting way too much, but we’ll see.” Callum winked. “I’ll see you on Sunday.” His brother left him alone.
He hadn’t broached the subject of parents to Callie. She hadn’t even mentioned her own, but he was sure he heard the Stewarts were enjoying a vacation across Europe.
Finishing up his day’s work, he left the office at around six-thirty and headed home. It was late and with all the extra work Meghan did, she was usually in bed by seven. Callie had stuck to the routine and even though he felt seven was really early, Meghan had done nothing but thrive.
She was coming downstairs, carrying laundry as she did every night. “She’s waiting for her story and goodnight kiss.”
When she got to the bottom of the stairs, he cupped her face and kissed her hard. This, he could get used to.
“Welcome home,” she said with a giggle.
“I’ll go sort out Meghan. I’ll be down shortly.”
“I’ll finish up the laundry and get your dinner ready.”
He watched her walk away, paying close attention to her swaying hips. Damn, he loved her ass.
