Page 11 of Broken Chains

"You sound like Oliver."

"You keep saying that, but I'm beginning to think it's a compliment."

He snorted. "Okay. I'll do it. when can I start?"

"Tomorrow," I said as I pulled out a piece of paper and jotted down the address and my phone number to give to him.

His face fell. "Tomorrow? I'm watching my niece tomorrow."

I knew he thought that was the end of our deal, and I could sense his disappointment. In just the short time I'd been talking with him, I suspected he had a great deal of disappointment already in his life.

"Bring her," I said.

"What? You're serious? That would be okay?"

"I love kids. It's not a problem. Together I'm sure we can handle one little girl and tackle the job at hand."

"Oh my gosh. That's incredible. Thank you so much! What's your name, anyway?"

"I'm Peyton."

"I feel like you're this angel sent from heaven. You have no idea how much this means to me and my family."

"I'll see you tomorrow, Kenneth."

"Yeah, I'll be there. I promise."

True to his word, at exactly three o'clock the next day, a black minivan pulled up behind the diner. I was sitting on the back porch waiting. Kenneth jumped out and looked around. He seemed uneasy and I wasn't sure what the problem was.

"Hey, you made it," I said, smiling and trying to ease his discomfort.

"Um, yeah, I'm here." His eyes kept shifting around like he was expecting someone to jump out at him. "You're sure about this?"

"I'm sure. Come on, I'll show you what I'm working on."

I thought for a moment that he was going to bolt, but he took a deep breath, gave himself a little pep talk, then pulled out a stroller from the back of the van and opened the side door. It was then that I saw the most beautiful little baby. She had a mess of blonde curls on top of her head and light green eyes with long, dark lashes. She was stunning and the moment she reached out and wrapped her tiny fingers around mine, she stole my heart.

"This is my niece, Evie."

"Hi, Evie," I cooed as I unstrapped and lifted her from her car seat.

Kenneth took her from me and strapped her into the stroller.

"You're sure it's okay that I brought her?"

"Sweetie, you can bring this little beauty anytime you need."

"Thanks, Peyton, but that could be a lot. Oliver's working four jobs as it is. He's home every night, but not ‘til later. My other brothers and I are pitching in to help whenever we can."

"I really don't mind. I can pick up a playpen to keep in the greenhouse for her. Bring her every day if you need to."

"I feel like I'm being set up here, I'm not going to lie. Why are you being so nice to me?"

I opened the door and ushered the two of them in.

"Honestly? I'm not sure. I do need the help and you just seemed like a good kid worth investing in. Nothing more than that."

"Oliver will kill me if he finds out I'm here," he said, looking uneasy again.

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