“What are you thinking? You can’t stay on as the nanny for a month. It’s too risky. Please tell me you’re kidding.”
Julie handed the glass to her friend, then took a seat at the small kitchen table in her duplex. “I couldn’t say no. Abby and I have finally connected. She’s starting to smile.” Julie pulled up the photo of Abby she’d taken yesterday and slid the cell across the table. “She’s beautiful, Di.” DiDi picked up the phone, but instead of the smile she expected, DiDi’s dark eyes grew wide in surprise.
“Julie, you cannot stay on this job.” She turned the phone around to show her the image on the screen. “She looks exactly like you. Anyone who sees you together will know you’re her mother.”
She took the phone back and closed the picture. “You’re the one who said lots of people have brown hair and brown eyes.”
“That’s before I saw her.”
Julie bit down hard on her lip and shook her head. “I can’t leave right now. Abby needs me. With a little more time I can help her and her father have the relationship they deserve.”
“That’s not your job, Julie.” DiDi stared at her a long moment. “Sometimes I wish I’d never given you the parents’ names. I think I made it all worse.” She reached over and squeezed Julie’s arm. “I just wanted to help. You were so sad and alone. I thought if I found out who adopted her, it would give you some comfort.”
“It did. But nothing can change what I did.”
“You had no choice. If only your parents...”
Julie abruptly stood and pointed to her friend’s nearly empty glass. “More tea?”
Di pursed her lips together. “Sure. Look, Julie. You have to deal with them someday.”
It was an old argument. One with no solution. Her parents had turned their backs on her the day of her sister’s accident. From that moment on, they’d offered no moral support, no financial support, no compassion of any kind. She’d been on her own.
Her conscience quickly reminded her that she wasn’t being completely honest. She’d told that story for so long she’d started to believe it. The truth was, life for the Bishops had changed after her sister, a competitive diver, had suffered an accident that left her a quadriplegic. Caring for Maryann had consumed all her parents’ time, energy and money. The strain had destroyed the family. Her father had become bitter and angry. Her mother, burdened with the full-time care of her oldest daughter, had been drained of all joy and hope. It was no one’s fault, but Julie had been shoved aside, ignored. When Julie had found out she was pregnant, she’d told Di that her parents wouldn’t help. It had been simpler than trying to explain the real reason. The truth was her parents never knew because she’d never told them. They’d had enough to deal with caring for her sister. One more burden would have destroyed them all. Going it alone had been the better option.
DiDi exhaled an exasperated sigh. “I should have seen this coming. You get all caught up in helping your kids and next thing you know you’re emotionally involved and then your heart is broken and theirs is, too.”
She opened her mouth to protest, but the truth of her friend’s statement couldn’t be dismissed. Di shifted to look directly at her. “Julie, you shouldn’t even be wondering about her problems, let alone trying to fix them.”
Guilt rolled up into her chest. “I know but—”
Di waved off her comment. “There are no buts in this situation. You said you only wanted to make sure she was happy, with a family that loved her. You’ve done that. Now let it go.”
“But...”
“Julie, you always give your whole heart to those in your care. How can you not give it to your own child? But she’s not yours.”
Di was right. Abby didn’t belong to her. She was Gil Montgomery’s child. But she’d already made the commitment. She’d have to be careful, keep her heart locked up tight.
DiDi reached over and took her hand.
“Do you remember last year when I thought Ed was having an affair?”
Julie remembered how helpless she’d felt. “Yes. He’d lost his job, and he didn’t know how to tell you.”
“Right, but the point is, keeping the truth from me nearly destroyed our marriage. Secrets are like cancer to relationships. They eat away from the inside. Be careful how you handle this situation. It could hurt a lot of people.”
DiDi’s warning was clear. She was keeping a huge secret from the Montgomerys. One that could shatter all their lives. But telling the truth posed an even bigger danger. All she could do for now was be cautious and vigilant. She had no choice.
* * *
Saturday morning welcomed a span of warm weather for late January. Today’s highs would be in the low seventies, making it a good day to move into the garage apartment. Pulling into the Montgomerys’ driveway, Julie tried to be as quiet as possible, not wanting to disturb Abby and Gil. But as she set her large suitcase onto the ground, the back door opened and Gil stepped out.
“I hadn’t expected you so soon.”
“I’m sorry if I woke you.”
“No. You warned me you were an early riser.”
Julie shrugged. “I figured I’d spend the day getting settled in.”
Gil pulled up the handle on her suitcase. “If you’ll give me the key I’ll help you carry your things up.”
“Thank you.” Julie pulled the smaller case from the trunk and followed Gil to the outside steps along the side of the garage that led to the apartment. He looked different today in a pair of worn and faded jeans that hugged his long legs and a long-sleeve T-shirt that fit snug across his broad shoulders. Stubble shadowed his jaw, and his wavy hair called attention to his intense blue eyes and softened the sharp angles of his face.
He carried her large case up the wooden stairs as if it weighed nothing. It would have taken her much longer, dragging the luggage up one step at a time. Inside, Gil rolled her suitcase into the room at the back she assumed was the bedroom as she surveyed the small apartment. The living room/kitchen combination was cozy and welcoming.
Gil stepped to the sink and turned it on. “I meant to check the place out before you got here to make sure the water and heat were working. Looks okay.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine. This is charming.”
He nodded. “The woman who sold me the house added the apartment for her granddaughter to live in while she was in college in Jackson.”
More questions to add to her growing list about her child. “Abby didn’t grow up here?”
“No. We had a home in Sawyer’s Bend. I sold it. I bought this place last year.”
That explained the odd mix of furniture and the disjointed appearance of their home.
“Julie, I really appreciate you agreeing to this arrangement. I’ll feel better knowing you’re close by.”
“I’m happy to help. Besides, this apartment is nicer than my duplex at the moment.” She hastened to explain. “I’ve been getting rid of most of my furniture and things. I won’t be able to take much with me when I move overseas.”
“How long will you be there?”
“Five years. Probably longer.”
“That’s a long time to be away from home.” The word unleashed an unexpected twinge of homesickness. She hadn’t had a real home in a long time. She’d had a place to live, but the sense of home had been missing since she’d left her parents. “Yes, it is, but it’ll be an adventure, too.” She grinned and quickly changed the subject. “Is Abby excited about going to the animal shelter?”
“Yes. I’m surprised she’s not up already begging me to go pick up Linc and Evan.” He looked at her for a moment, then glanced around. “Well, if there’s anything else I can do, let me know.”
“Thank you. I’m just going to take it easy, maybe stock up the pantry.”
“Okay. There’s a Piggly Wiggly a
few blocks away and a large chain grocery by the school.” Gil stopped at the door. “Abby is excited about you staying on. You have a special way with her. My mother has that ability, too. She connected with Abby right away. Thank you. It means a lot to me.”
Tongue-tied at his unexpected compliment, she could only nod. When the door shut behind him, Julie moved to the bedroom. He’d placed her suitcase on the bed for easy access. Pulling the zipper, she opened the top, then stared down at her neatly folded clothing. Gil had praised her special way with Abby. He had no idea how special that bond actually was.
Her conscience flared. This was wrong. She knew she had to back out of this assignment before everyone got hurt. Most especially her child. Pivoting, she went to the living area and retrieved her cell phone, placing a call to Agatha from the nanny agency.
“Julie, dear. It’s so good to hear from you. I’m so thankful you agreed to stay on there.”
She chewed her bottom lip. “I need to talk to you about that.”
“Of course, but first I want to tell you that Mr. Montgomery called here yesterday and praised your work. He said you were a blessing to his daughter. Julie, I wish I had ten more nannies like you. Especially now.”
“Why now?”
“You know turnover here is always a challenge, but I’ve had three resignations this week alone and the applicants I’m getting aren’t nearly as qualified as I’d like. I can’t tell you what a blessing it is to know that I never have to worry about your assignments.”
Julie leaned against the counter, hanging her head. How could she back out of this job now?
“So what did you want to talk about?”
“Nothing. I just wanted to let you know everything is going well.” Agatha asked about her progress toward her big move and expressed her appreciation again. Her hope of escaping this job was dashed. With Agatha in a bind, she couldn’t walk away. There was no choice for the time being but to forge ahead.
* * *
Gil glanced in his rearview mirror at his daughter sitting in the backseat. She’d been smiling since she’d bounced into the kitchen this morning. It was a good thing they’d planned to go to the animal shelter early because Abby was ready to burst with anticipation over getting a puppy.
“How much farther, Coach?”
Gil chuckled at Evan’s question and his continued use of the title. Linc had been coaching Evan’s flag football team, and Gil wondered how long it would be before he started calling Linc Dad.
“We’re still in Dover, buddy. Hold your horses.”
He shared a knowing smile with his brother. Linc had taken Evan to his heart as if he was his own son. It was good to see his brother so happy. Gemma, the woman he was going to marry in a few weeks, had brought joy and peace to his older brother. Something that had been missing for a long time.
Gil never entertained the idea of finding someone himself. After his disastrous marriage to Leah, he’d accepted that he wasn’t good at relationships. He would be content to have his daughter back. That was a big enough blessing. He wouldn’t ask for more. An image of Julie fluttered through his mind, her bright smile, her easy laughter, the way her warm brown eyes flashed with emotion. The way she thought of others first, even him. In one short week she’d brought a new energy and warmth into his home. If he could find someone like her to share his life with, he might rethink getting married again. He squelched the thought. His nanny was moving to France, and he wasn’t about to risk another heartbreak.
By the time he pulled to a stop at the shelter in Sawyer’s Bend, Evan and Abby were ready to jump from the car before he’d shut off the engine. After visiting with every dog in the building, Evan chose a friendly four-month-old German shepherd, and Abby settled on a small black mixed-breed pup with curly fur and floppy ears.
It wasn’t until they’d dropped Linc and Evan off at home that Gil realized he’d omitted a vital piece from the get-Abby-a-dog equation. Linc’s fiancée, Gemma, had already purchased food, bowls, a dog bed and all the other necessary pet supplies. Abby was adamant that they show off the new puppy, dubbed Ruffles, to Julie and bring her along to the pet store. She hopped out of the car and started up the apartment stairs before he could stop her.
Julie stepped out onto the landing and looked down at him. Abby took her hand and hurried her down to the car.
“She’s black with curly hair and floppy ears,” Abby said breathlessly. Gil raised the lift gate so Julie could get a closer look at the new puppy.
Abby stuck her hands through the cage and touched the little dog. Another item Gil had overlooked. Thankfully the shelter offered them for sale.
“She’s adorable.” Julie met his gaze, her dark eyes glinted with delight, bringing a soft pink tinge into her cheeks. The word adorable could apply to her, as well. Her gaze told him she approved of his decision, and it unleashed a warmth along his nerve endings. Though why he should want to please the nanny was unclear.
“I’m afraid I didn’t think this puppy thing through. We have no food, no bed, nothing.”
“Please come with us to pick out Ruffles’s bed and toys.” Abby clasped her hands together, begging her to come.
Julie looked at Gil, who shrugged. “I really could use your help. But this is your day off, so I’ll understand if you can’t.”
“I’d love to shop for Ruffles. Let me get my purse and lock up.”
Abby kept up a running conversation with her new puppy even though he was in the back and she fastened in the seat belt.
Gil glanced at the woman beside him. “Suggesting a dog was a great idea. She’s already fallen in love with him. Look how happy she is.”
“She is, isn’t she? You would have figured it out on your own.”
“I’m not so sure. Abby told you about her other dog. Not me.” He hated the note of bitterness that crept into his tone.
“That’ll change. The more time you spend together, the closer you’ll become.”
He doubted that, but he didn’t want to argue. “I hope so. She’s been with me weeks now, and I don’t see much change.” He stole a glance at Julie. He’d almost said “until you showed up.”
An hour later and a few hundred dollars poorer, Gil was questioning the puppy idea. He and Julie were watching Abby play with Ruffles in the backyard. “You really think having a dog will make her feel better about being here. With me?”
“There’s no magic formula, Gil. Nothing that will flip a switch and make Abby suddenly happy and contented. But yes, pets are wonderful therapy tools. Not just for children but soldiers, the elderly, the handicapped. I’m sure you’ll be amazed at the difference that little puppy will make.”
Abby brought the dog back inside, her face aglow. “Ruffles likes it here.”
Gil nodded. “I’m sure she does. She has the most expensive dog paraphernalia in town.”
“What’s that?”
Julie giggled softly. “It means Ruffles has lots of nice things. Have you thought about where Ruffles is going to sleep?”
“With me.”
Gil set his hands on his hips. “That’s not going to happen. The lady at the shelter was very clear about crate training the dog. Once Ruffles is a little older and housebroken, then we’ll see about her staying in your room.”
“No. I want her with me all the time.” Abby stuck her lower lip out.
“Sweet pea, she’s still a puppy. I’ll not have her leaving little surprises all over the house.”
Abby burst into tears. “She needs me. She needs to be with me at night. She’ll be scared all alone.”
The tears and the whining were his undoing. Seeing his daughter so upset drilled into his core. She’d been through so much. The dog was the first thing she’d shown interest in since he’d brought her home. Maybe he was being too harsh. “Okay. We’ll compromise. She can sle
ep in your room, but she has to stay in the crate. Is that clear?”
Abby scooped up Ruffles and hugged her until she squirmed. “Let’s play with your new toys.” She scurried off to the living room. Gil watched her go, his chest a twisted knot of doubt and hope. He turned back to find Julie watching him with a disapproving look. “What? You think I shouldn’t have given in?”
“It’s not for me to say. But that puppy will whine all night. It’ll keep her awake and probably you, too.”
He bristled at her statement. “You saw how upset she was. I just want to make her happy.”
“Giving in to her every demand won’t accomplish that.”
“Neither will being the bad guy.” A look of exasperation flitted across Julie’s features, leaving a nugget of doubt in his mind. Maybe he should have put his foot down. But what would it hurt for Abby to have the dog in her room if it made her happy? Wasn’t that the whole point of the pet thing?
“I’m sure you know what’s best.”
The tone of her voice suggested otherwise. She held his gaze a long moment, as if trying to send a message. He lifted his chin. He appreciated her concern, but he knew what was best for Abby. All he wanted to do was make her happy and protect her from disappointment or sadness.
She picked up her purse and started toward the door. “Thank you for including me today. It was fun. I’m sure Abby and Ruffles are going to be inseparable. I wanted to ask you what church you attend. I don’t want to drive all the way back to Jackson tomorrow for services.”
He was surprised by the question. Since the death of his father and then his ex-wife, his church attendance had dwindled along with his faith. His mother had been nudging him lately to bring Abby to church. He wasn’t sure why he was dragging his feet. “Peace Community. My family has been members there for years. It’s downtown, right off the square on the north side. The big red brick building with the white steeple.”
“What time do services start?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t been there in a while. They have a website.” She gave him a questioning look. Clearly she was surprised with his response.
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