Page 13 of Peaches & Pistols

All true, and not too detailed; she’s protecting my privacy without being asked.

“When I was finished and heading back to the car, I saw that they were finished at the library and offered for them to spend the day at the ranch. That’s why I needed your old car seat, to get Everly here safely.” She looks to me with eyebrows raised with gentle encouragement to take over.

“What I’m willing to share”—Greyson’s eyes snap to me, intently focused on whatever I’m about to say—“is that Everly and I need a fresh start. Swiftwater seems like a lovely place, but if we’re going to stay, I need to find housing and employment sooner than later.”

“Mrs. Ander…Cecelia,” I self-correct, “mentioned you need childcare, and while being a mom is the only experience I have, I work hard to be a good mom. Nannying would allow me to keep Everly close and not need to find childcare for her while I work. I haven’t figured out our living situation…”

Not sure what else to say, and wildly uncomfortable, I withdraw into myself and become very interested in the napkin on my lap.

“Greyson, we could easily help you convert Harper’s playroom into a bedroom, and either Mia and Everly could share a room, or I’m sure the girls would be thrilled to bunk together, giving Mia space of her own,” Cecelia suggests.

I dare a glance at Greyson. The muscles in his jaw are pulsing from clenching and unclenching his teeth. His breathing is slow and controlled, like he’s holding himself back. But oddly, I’m not instinctually afraid of him the way I’d be of Carter if he were to behave this way.

He suddenly scoots back his chair and quietly excuses himself. Izzy and Reid give me soft smiles and follow after him.

“Give him a minute, dear. Let him talk it through with his brother and Isabelle. This is a lot for him to process. He doesn’t do well with change,” Cecelia reassures, leaving the table to join her granddaughter outside.

Does anyone?

I shouldn’t be eavesdropping. For as many times Carter caught and punished me, it was often my only means of gathering information about his comings and goings. I needed to eavesdrop so I could properly plan my day to avoid as much of his anger as possible.

Despite barely meeting Greyson, I’m not afraid of him. I’m afraid of him not offering me the nanny position, swiftly crushing the rising hope in my chest that Everly and I will be okay.

They must not have gone far from the kitchen, because I can hear them talking without too much strain.

“I’m not saying anything’s wrong with her, I don’t know anything about her. I wasn’t expecting to walk in with a fucking job offer today,” Greyson bites out.

“I know, and we’re sorry for springing this on you,” Izzy soothes. “It all happened so fast, but things lined up perfectly with your needs and hers.”

“Just seems too good to be true. The perfect nanny doesn’t just fall into my lap.”

“We know, it took Olivia forever to find the six you ran off,” Reid says.

“Fuck off,” Greyson grumbles with no heat.

“Listen,” Reid starts. “I don’t pull the family card often, but you know damn well this family would never put Harper in even a hint of danger. It goes without saying I trust Isabelle with my life, and she loves this family. If she has a good feeling about Mia, you can trust her.”

I have to blink away the tears gathering from Reid and Izzy’s unwavering trust that I’m a good enough person to take care of Greyson’s daughter.

On feather-light feet, I make my way back to the kitchen and try to compose myself or at least prevent myself from crying.

Footsteps grow louder as Greyson returns to the table. He sits across the table from me, leaning back in his chair. Reid and Izzy take a seat at the other side of the table, out of the way, but there for support all the same.

“Is this something you’re interested in doing?” Greyson’s deep rumble sends goosebumps down my arms. When I don’t immediately answer, he continues.

“Harper lost her lifelong nanny about a year ago to old age. Since then, the Lucky Spurs Ranch family has been pitching in while I work. The instability’s wearing on her, I can tell. If you’re serious about staying in Swiftwater, and are comfortable with it, I’d like to hire you as Harper’s live-in nanny.”

I want to jump up and down shouting “yes!” but I sit silently, twisting my fingers. When something seems too good to be true, it usually is. I’ve already learned that lesson the hard way once and it led me here. I can’t explain it, but I feel deep down this is the right decision.

“Yes, please. I think I’d like to accept,” I say meekly. This is the first job I’ve had since I was in high school; I don’t know what I’m supposed to say or do next.

“Alright. If you and Everly are comfortable sleeping here tonight, give me tomorrow to run it by Harper and get the playroom cleaned out for you. If this works out, I’ll order furniture as soon as possible. For the time being, the sofa in the playroom folds out into a bed. It’ll have to do for now.”

“Of course. Take your time. I’m just grateful we don’t have to sleep another night on the bus.” Three sets of eyes burn my face, and I realize too late I’ve let one of my secrets slide.

Greyson scrutinizes me, but I don’t feel judged, I feel seen. Like he doesn’t want us to sleep on the bus any more than I do.

“Alright, then. I’ll be back tomorrow, and we can discuss this further.” Greyson and Reid head to the front door, snagging their cowboy hats on their way out.