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Mount Macon
Happy Giggles
Comforts from Home
I watchedthrough the blinds as the black truck came to a stop along the curb in front of the house. Butterflies shot off like rockets in my chest, flittering down to my stomach. I hadn’t been able to stomach a single thing this morning because of how nervous I was. Like hell was I about to confess this to Liam last night, but I hadn’t ever actually babysat anyone before. I hadn’t lied about the CPR training, but that was to become a surfing instructor. We did cover kids, even babies in the coursework…but entertaining children? I didn’t know the first thing about it.
But I wouldn’t admit it to him though.
Deep down there was a loneliness that clawed at my soul and gnawed at my hope, always taunting that no one loved me. That no one wanted me. Some days I gave in, and other days I chose to believe that I just hadn’t found the people who needed my love yet. Obviously, my family didn’t need it, but someone out there might.
Today was one of those days. I was fighting on the inside. On the outside, I chose to show a lighter side of myself, with a floral halter dress, open-toed heels, and my hair in bouncy ringlets down my back, I attempted to hide the war I was battling within myself. And who couldn’t be happy wearing the largest sun hat I owned, it screamed happiness.
The girls clomped up the stairs with their heavy snow boots and then knocked on my door. I couldn’t help but smiling as I swung it open and took in their expressions.
Each one gaped as they took in my appearance.
“You look like a princess!” Mila gasped as she was being carried by her father.
I watched, smiling down as the girls took off their coats and boots. I finally let my eyes drift to Liam’s. Standing tall and outrageously handsome in a black suit, his gaze was unreadable, his brow furrowed. His lips slightly parted as if he had gasped along with the girls, and that jaw of his was clenched as if he’d just chewed on glass.
I felt like I did the first time he’d inspected me in the diner, like I wanted to squirm right out of my skin.
Finally, Liam walked past me while muttering a curse under his breath.
“Um…” I brought my fingers together, suddenly unsure if he was okay with this arrangement. “If you’d prefer Cole be here, I’m sure he can come over.”
Liam’s face snapped up.
“No. Why?”
I tried to hide my blush. “Never mind.”
His lips tugged down into a frown before turning back to the kids.
“Be good. Listen. No fighting. Eat the lunch she prepares.” He looked at each girl sternly. Each one nodded as if they’d heard this a million times.
“I love you.” His voice cracked the slightest bit as he leaned in to kiss the tops of each of their heads. They all waved to him and then Maddy had the remote for the television in her hand and was navigating Nora’s Netflix account.
Walking back over to the foyer with Liam, I waited for him to give me a few more instructions.
“Okay, you have my cell number?” He patted his pockets as if to make sure he had his phone.
I nodded. “Yes.”
“None of them have allergies. Mila will tell you she can’t eat salad, or peas, but she can.”
That was cute but wouldn’t be a problem today.
“Are you ok with me taking them out, or would you prefer I don’t?” I wasn’t sure I’d take them anywhere, but just in case, I wanted to be sure I had his blessing.
Liam considered it for a second, tugging out his cell to inspect a message or email.
“Yeah, just get the extra booster from Colson. He has one in his truck.”
Shit, that must be for Mila…right?
“Do they all need one, or just Mila?” Seraphina was pretty light and not very tall for her age. What are the weight requirements for children these days?
