Matters of the Heart

by Vanessa Devereaux

  The bell over the door rang and in walked the sheriff carrying a screaming baby. The poor thing looked flushed and uncomfortable, and the sheriff didn’t look in much better shape. In fact, Sadie guessed he’d gone without sleep for a couple of nights. Although he was handsome, the dark circles under his eyes and slightly unkempt hair said it all. New Dad on Duty.

  “Bob, can you direct me to the diapers? I used the last one a few hours ago.”

  “Aisle two, top shelf,” said a balding man behind the counter at the front of the store.

  “Thanks and I apologize to everyone for the odor,” said the sheriff venturing further inside.

  He was right about that. Sadie almost went cross eyed when he whizzed past her with the crying baby in his arms. A few minutes later the sheriff joined the line with two packages of diapers tucked securely under one arm, and the baby under the other.

  “Brad, why don’t you go and change her first and then come back in to pay for the diapers?” the clerk at the check-out called to him.

  “Could I? Thanks a bunch.”

  The bell rang again as the sheriff dashed outside. Sadie stood on tiptoe so she could look out the side window of the supermarket. She watched him open up the back of his truck and set the baby down inside it. He looked so dashing in his cowboy hat and boots, and the shiny sheriff’s badge glistening on his sheepskin jacket was, in Sadie’s opinion, the icing on the cake. Some lucky girl had obviously nabbed him.

  “Anyone want to get some air freshener and give the place a spray? It’s aisle three, middle shelf?” suggested the clerk.

  “I will. Just hang tight everyone,” said a young man, waving his hands in front of his nose.

  “Poor Brad. I hate to gossip but the whole town’s talking about him. That model he was dating dropped that sweet baby on his doorstep. I said that girl wasn’t any good for him, or anyone else for that matter. I knew he’d be better off with a Montana girl,” said one of the two ladies standing in front of Sadie.

  “And he’s such a sweet guy. I don’t know how he’s going to manage with being the sheriff and looking after a baby. They said he’s taken her to work for the last two days,” said the second lady.

  Sadie looked outside again and saw that the sheriff was zipping up the baby’s snowsuit.

  Universe, is this the one?

  “So the sheriff isn’t married?” asked Sadie, turning around and diving into the conversation.

  “Nope, he got mesmerized by some big city model who was in town for a shoot. She hooked up with our sheriff, but then she realized a hick, as she’d called him, wasn’t for her, nor was a little old town that didn’t have at least one Abercrombie and Fitch. She left town quicker than she’d arrived. He didn’t even know she was pregnant until she left that poor baby on his doorstep along with a note. That bitch.”

  Sadie felt it in her bones. Something magical was going to happen.

  “I’ll be back in a minute,” said Sadie, pushing her cart to one side.

  She ran outside, putting the hood of her jacket over her head to keep her head dry, and hoped she’d catch the sheriff before he left.

  “There you go all done. Now, that wasn’t so bad was it?” Sadie overheard him talking to the baby, who sucked her fist while he secured the last of the buttons on her suit.

  “Excuse me. I hope you don’t mind me being nosy, but I heard you’ve suddenly been thrust into the role of single parent. Would you be looking for a nanny?”

  “I wasn’t, but now you mention it, it does sounds like a good idea. Are you offering?”

  He smiled and Sadie knew straight away that she’d found Lucy’s man. He was not only handsome, but the two ladies in the supermarket had given him high recommendations. Sadie felt this might be a perfect pairing in the making.

  “Not me, but I know a young woman who’s a nurse and she’s looking for employment. I think she’d be idea. Of course it would have to be a live-in position as she’s from Helena.”

  “No problem at all. In fact, that would be perfect because being sheriff means my hours aren’t always eight to five. Could I interview her?”

  “Absolutely. I’ll give her a call. Can she drop by your office later today?”

  “Sounds great.”

  “And there would be some paperwork to sign should she meet with your approval,” said Sadie. Yes, what a cunning way to get him to sign on the dotted line so the match could be official. He’d think he was signing an employment agency application and it would be giving Sadie carte blanche to match him with Lucy. Sadie would keep it her little secret.

  He lifted the baby up and Sadie tickled the back of its hand as it stopped fussing and gazed into her eyes.

  “No problem with that. Hey, I think you have my daughter spellbound.”

  “Yes, I hear that all the time.”

  ****

  Brad rocked Presley’s baby carrier with one hand while writing up a traffic incident report with the other. She cooed so he glanced sideways at her. She was sucking her fist again. It seemed to be her favorite pastime, and at least it kept her happy and quiet.

  There was a tap on his door. Vicki, the front desk receptionist, peeked into his office. She made a funny face at Presley which made the baby coo louder.

  “Hi, sweetie pie. You’re such a pretty baby. Brad, there’s a young woman here to see you. Her name’s Lucy Davis and she said it’s about the nanny’s job.”

  Brad was mid-sip with a mouthful of coffee so he swallowed it quickly. He’d almost forgotten that he’d agreed to interview someone about the position this afternoon.

  “Sure, show her back here.”

  Brad turned to Presley.

  “Okay, we have to check out this lady to see if she’s the right person to take care of you while Daddy’s at work. What do you think she looks like? More like Mary Poppins or Nanny McPhee?”

  There was a knock on the door and that question was quickly answered when he saw a brunette with the big blue eyes and full rosy cheeks standing in his doorway.

  He was struck speechless. She was pretty, which for some strange reason took him by complete surprise. Not that he’d automatically assumed she’d be ugly with moles and hair on her chin, but he wasn’t quite ready for this.

  She’s hired. No questions asked.

  No, that was so wrong of him. He was thinking of his own selfish need to have someone this cute around him. That was his old life. The life that had gotten him involved with a woman like Nevie. Now he had his daughter to consider. If this wasn’t the right nanny for Presley, he’d have to let her go.

  “Hi, I’m Lucy Davis,” she said.

  He stood, knocking the coffee mug off the desk so the liquid splashed onto his pants.

  “Geez, that was careless of me,” he said.

  He grabbed a napkin and tried mopping up the spill on his desk.

  “Oh no, let me help you clean that up,” said Lucy.

  As she got closer he could smell her perfume. It was light, flowery, and for some reason made him think of spring, and that made him smile. They both reached for one of the paper napkins at the same time and their fingers brushed. Brad looked at her. Lucy’s face was mere inches from his. He could smell her minty breath and see every line in those cute pink lips. He wanted to kiss her, and yes, he knew it was insane.

  He’d promised he wouldn’t fall for another woman as swiftly as he had Presley’s mother. He’d been good all year long and now he was acting like his old self again.

  Maybe he should tell her the position had already been filled. But no, he couldn’t do that because he needed someone to take care of his daughter. However, this woman would be living in his house, and under the same roof.

  Can I trust myself?

  Sure he could. He’d learned his lesson big time only a short while ago.

  “I’m sorry, I’m being really rude. I’m Brad, and this is my daughter, Presley.”

  He extended his hand, realizing it was still slightly wet with coffee, but it was too
late, hers was already greeting his palm. It was soft, delicate, and he liked the way it brushed against his skin.

  “Hi Presley,” she said lifting the baby’s fingers like she was shaking hands with her too. Presley actually giggled at her.

  Brad pulled up a chair. “Make yourself comfortable.”

  “Thank you.”

  She took off her scarf and unzipped her coat before crossing her legs. They weren’t long and skinny like Nevie’s had been but full, and the muscles in her calves were outlined through the ink-black panty hose she wore.

  “Thank you for coming all the way from Helena,” he said, trying not to stare.

  “No problem. I often come through this way on my way to the ski resort.”

  “So you’re an avid skier?”

  She nodded and he noticed how long her eyelashes were and the cute way they curled up at the very ends.

  “Oh yeah. I have been since I was five. How about you?”

  Brad shook his head. “I know I live in ski country but I’ve never thought about trying it.”

  “Next time I go why don’t you tag along? I warn you, you’ll get hooked.”

  “Maybe.”

  The thought of skiing with her, doing anything physical with her by his side, sent his blood pumping. He decided to get back to the matter at hand.

  “Ms. Sutton said that you’re a nurse.”

  “Yes, have been for five years, but the hospital I’ve been working at had some budget cuts.”

  “I’m hearing that all the time around here. So now you want to be a nanny?”

  “Sure. I’ve worked with lots of babies and children but just so you know, this wouldn’t be a permanent thing for me. I wouldn’t just up and leave after a few weeks, but eventually I’d like to look for another nursing position.”

  “Fine with me. I need someone ASAP and it would give me a chance to find a more permanent solution to being a single dad.”

  “Your wife…”

  He cut her off right there. “No wife, just an ex-girlfriend who decided to dump our daughter on a doorstep.”

  Shit, that had rolled off his tongue without any censorship. Had it really made him sound as bitter as he’d thought? He didn’t want to scare her thinking he was a grouch, but at the same time it was best she knew the situation he was in and the truth behind it.

  “I’m sorry to hear that. Presley’s seems content with you. And she’s very pretty.”

  He smiled. He was already feeling a father’s pride when someone said his offspring was cute.

  “She’s quiet now but I warn you, she is sort of fussy. But then again, this is my first experience with babies so maybe that’s their normal personality.”

  “She is sucking her fist which could mean she’s teething. That can make them irritable.”

  Teething, he hadn’t even thought about it. Lucy was going to be perfect for him…for his daughter.

  “When could you start?” asked Brad. “I mean that is if you’re interested. As we’ll be living under the same roof you’re more than welcome to ask around about me. See if I’m a good guy who’s respectable.”

  Geez, in the same house, using the same bathroom. Sure I have it under control. I’ve got burned before. I’m not stupid.

  “I’m sure you wouldn’t have been elected sheriff if you weren’t. And yes, I’d like the job but I’d need to go and pack up some things, so would it be okay if I started tomorrow afternoon?”

  “Great.”

  “Do you need any references?”

  “I think I know an honest and decent worker when I see one.”

  “Okay, then I’ll see you and Presley tomorrow.”

  They both stood at the same time.

  “I’ll make sure I’m home in the afternoon if you want to come straight there.”

  He jotted down his address on a notepad, tore off the sheet and handed it to her.

  She took it, slipped it into her pocket and held out her hand to him.

  “Thanks for giving me the job. I’m sure the three of us are going to be fine working together.”

  He followed her to the door, leaned up against the jamb and watched as she walked down the hallway to the exit. He remained there until she was out of sight.

  Brad glanced back into his office. He was sure that was a grin his daughter had on her face.

  No it couldn’t be.

  “Okay, I know what you’re thinking, but Daddy has it all under control, really he does.”

  Chapter Three

  Lucy glanced at the sheet of paper sitting on the passenger seat of her car. Number 357. Brad had neat handwriting. She glanced across the street at the mailbox and the numbers matched what he’d written.

  The snow was melting on the driveway and she noticed a large SUV belonging to the sheriff’s office sitting in front of the garage.

  She took a deep breath before turning off the ignition. She’d jumped at the job because she needed work, but on the drive back to Helena she hadn’t been able to get her new boss out of her mind. Did that mean she’d forgotten all about Bryce? Brad, like Bryce, was also tall, dark, and just as, actually if not more, handsome. He seemed nice, too. But this was a working relationship and that was all. Any thoughts of the two of them getting together were strictly off limits. She was here to look after that cute little baby of his, period.

  She grabbed her purse and got out of the car. He must have been peeking out the window because the next thing she knew he was heading out of the front door.

  “Can I help you with any of your bags or belongings?” he asked her.

  “Sure, that would be great.”

  She popped open the trunk and handed him a box and suitcase.

  Lucy followed behind with a bag slung over her shoulder and two more suitcases. One of her nurse friends had taken over the lease on Lucy’s apartment and had promised to keep the rest of Lucy’s stuff safe in the extra bedroom there. She’d brought along the essentials, and if she needed more she could always head back and collect it.

  She stepped across the threshold of the house and welcomed its warmth. Although she’d had the car heater cranked all the way up, the journey to Pine Ridge had been on the cool side.

  “Why don’t I show you your room and you can put all your stuff in there straight away,” said Brad. “I finally got Presley to sleep. She’ll be in the room next door to yours so let’s tip-toe.”

  She followed Brad up the stairs and noticed some photos hanging on the wall. A few of them were of Brad and a lady who looked a lot like him. Judging by the age of the woman Lucy guessed it was his mother. At the top of the stars he signaled for her to follow him along the hallway. Her new room was the one at the very end and obviously faced the front yard. He went inside and she followed him.

  “Hope this is okay for you. The bed’s fairly new and if you want I can get you a TV but you’re more than welcome to watch the one downstairs with me every night if you want.”

  Lucy didn’t know why but an image of them sitting together on the couch, thighs almost touching, sprang into her mind.

  “Whatever’s easiest for you.”

  “There’s plenty of closet space, and the dressing table has four generous size drawers.”

  “It looks perfect.”

  It really did. It was small but homely, and so neat and clean too. She wondered if he had a cleaning lady or perhaps his mother stopped by every week.

  “And before I forget, let me show you where the bathroom is.”

  She followed him out in the hallway and across the way.

  “Sorry that we have to share this. My only rule is I get to use it first thing in the morning so I can be ready and off to work by eight.”

  “No problem. Like I said, whatever works best for you is fine with me.”

  “If you want to take your coat off or even unpack, go ahead. I’ll be downstairs. Can I get you some coffee or hot chocolate?”

  “Hot chocolate’s my favorite, and I’ll be right with you.”


  Lucy watched as he went down the stairs. As she made her way back to the bedroom, she peeked in at one opposite the bathroom. It was obviously Brad’s. She stood at the door, hoping he didn’t come back up the stairs and catch her looking. He had more photos on the dresser and a few paintings of horses, and what looked like Montana landscapes. The bed was queen size and was covered in a masculine-looking plaid quilt. His sheriff’s jacket and cowboy hat hung from the back of a chair. A pair of cowboy boots was parked underneath it, and on the nightstand stood a lamp, alarm clock, and book.

  She felt guilty just standing in the door way being nosy, so she hurried back to her room and took off her coat. She’d unpack later but now she really needed that hot chocolate to warm her.

  When she got downstairs she looked around but couldn’t see Brad. She heard a noise coming from the back of the house and guessed he was there, and that it was probably the kitchen. Lucy found him pouring hot water into two mugs and stirring vigorously with a spoon. He looked up.

  “Great timing,” he said. “You like marshmallows?”

  “Love them.”

  “Me too. Let’s take these drinks through to the living room and we can sit and relax before Presley wakes up.”

  He sprinkled a handful of mini marshmallows on top of the drink and handed her one of the mugs. The kitchen also looked neat and clean and she guessed that maybe he did have a cleaning lady. Or maybe he had a girlfriend…she hadn’t asked about that.

  She followed him through to the living room and he gestured for her to sit on the couch. There was a fire burning and the whole place was small but seemed cozy and comfortable.

  “I was wondering if you could come shopping with me when Presley wakes up so we can pick out some things for her. A few people at the office have given me a crib and changing table that belonged to their own kids but they’re old and worn and I’d like her to have her own stuff.”

  “Sure I can do that.”

  “And maybe you can tell me what other stuff she’ll need, like clothing and toys.”

  Lucy nodded as she took a sip of the most delicious chocolate she’d ever tasted.

  “And how about vaccinations? Is she up to date with those?” she asked.