Page 17 of His Surrender

I look at Sawyer. “I’ve got to go.”

I know she’s already here the second the elevator doors open and the sound of two women laughing carries down the hallway.

Both voices are unfamiliar to my home.

For the last week, it’s been nothing but Liana’s cries, Frieda’s calm reassurance, and the occasional hum of the white noise machine.

Laughter feels … different.

I set my briefcase beside the entry table and slip out of my Italian leather shoes before following the sound into the family room.

Frieda and Aubrey are bent over the Pack ’n Play, both smiling down at Liana.

“You’re just the prettiest little peach, aren’t you?” Aubrey coos.

Liana rewards her with a gummy smile that I’ve spent the better part of two weeks trying to earn.

Something warm settles in my chest.

Aubrey glances up at the sound of my footsteps. “Hi.”

She’s nothing like the polished woman who walked into my office for an interview last week.

Her dark hair is pulled into a loose ponytail, and she’s traded the black slacks and blouse for fitted jeans and a simple white T-shirt that hugs her frame. She looks comfortable.

My gaze lingers for a second longer than it should, but I force it away.

Jeez. She’s my daughter’s nanny, Noah’s younger sister, and now the woman I’ve trusted to help care for my daughter.

Not someone I should be noticing.

“You’re home,” Frieda says, pulling my attention away.

I clear my throat. “I am.”

I walk over to the Pack ’n Play, my eyes finding Liana immediately. “How was she today?”

“She was an angel,” Frieda says with a smile. “And Aubrey’s already won her over.”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” Aubrey says, laughing softly. “I just happened to show up after her nap.”

“Don’t sell yourself short,” Frieda replies. “Babies know when someone is comfortable around them.”

I look down at Liana, then back at Aubrey. For the first time since bringing my daughter home … I feel like maybe I made the right decision.

After Frieda spends an hour going over everything with Aubrey while I hold a now-whining Liana, she gives Aubrey a hug.

“You’ll do great. And you have my number if you have any questions.”

Then Frieda comes over and presses a kiss to Liana’s forehead. “You be good for your daddy, sweetie.” She looks up at me. “Thank you for trusting me with her these past two weeks.”

“You were my savior. Thank you.”

She waves a hand, as if it was nothing. “I’m just glad I could help.”

Grabbing her purse, she gives us one last smile before stepping into the elevator.

The doors slide shut. Silence settles over the penthouse.