Page 131 of From Rivals to I Do

and the yard needs to be manicured.”

“If you want that done, you could hire a contractor,” she replies.

“Hire a stranger? I don’t think so,” I protest. “I’d rather have someone I know and trust here anyway.”

“I just feel like it would be taking advantage of you,” she sighs.

“Rayne, you’re not, I promise you,” I quickly respond.

We continue the tour of the house, and I show her the upstairs of the brownstone. There are three bedrooms. The master is outfitted with large windows

and a master bathroom with a large claw foot tub and rain shower. The other two rooms are much smaller but definitely roomy enough for a room for Charlee

and an extra office or guest room.

“So, what do you think?” I ask her when we finish the tour.

“It’s perfect,” she says, gushing over the large open spaces. “Are you sure about this?”

I smile while I watch her take in the details of the master bathroom and nod my head. “I’m positive. I’d be happy to have you guys here.”

“Thank you,” she whispered to me, an excited spark in her eyes.

“Also, by the way, we’d be traveling together this weekend. I have an investor meeting. A 5-day trip, we leave on Sunday evening. It’s a bit impromptu.” He says

as he walks towards the door.

Chapter thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

It’s only been a minute since I moved to New York and started this job. Why do I have to travel just yet? Charlee is only now adjusting to this new environment,

her 5th birthday party yesterday wasn’t exactly a party, just myself, Charlee, and Mom. She loved it. It does not take much to please Charlee.

Now I have to travel for work, and I have to leave her all alone. I mean with my mom but still. How will she feel? I need to have a conversation with her and

make sure she understands this is just for a while. I walked to her room once I got in the house, and she was putting on her pajamas.

“Charlee, come here,” I say, stretching out my hands to her. She runs into my arms, and I pick her up.

“Hey pumpkin, you know mommy loves you, right?” I say, kissing her cheeks and trying to start the conversation. She nods her head in response.

“Mommy has to travel for five days for work, but I’ll be back very soon,” I say quietly.

“Is daddy coming?” she asks.

“No, you’ll be staying with grandma. I promise to bring back lots of treats for you,” I try to convince her. At the sound of treats, her face lights up.

“Do you want to help Mommy pack?” I tickle her to help get her in a good mood and get myself in a good mood as well. We’ve never been away from one

another, so I don’t know how to feel, but I know she will be in good hands.

I can’t sleep, so I’m up most of the night. Finally, I get up at 6 am, prepare breakfast for everyone, bathe, and prepare myself. The flight is at 9 am. I kiss Charlee

goodbye as she is still asleep by the time Leonard arrives to pick me up. I pick up my box, say goodbye to Mom and head out of the house to join Leonard.

The ride to the airport is very quiet and awkward. I’m in my emotions because of Charlee, and I don’t know what the deal is with Leonard. He barely even

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