Page 19 of The Widower's Nanny

“Is there a “but” coming?”

“No. I find myself being…envious of the time you get to spend with Lilly.”

I shake my head. “She loves you. And you make the most ofyour time with her.”

“I know. I try. But I don’t feel it’s enough.”

I cock my head at him. “Aren’t you the boss? Can’t you take more time off if you want to?”

“I wish it was that simple.” He looks at the doubt in my eyes. “What?”

“It’s not my place to say anything.”

“Please say what’s on your mind.”

I take a moment. “I know you have responsibilities. A business to run. People who depend on you for their livelihoods. But Lilly will only be young for so long. It goes by really fast.”

“So, what are you suggesting?”

“If it’s a matter of maintaining a certain lifestyle, it seems like you could crunch the numbers a lot and still be able to give Lilly a good life. I mean, honestly, how much money does one need?”

He sighs. “Like I said, it’s not that simple.”

“Right. Of course. I’m just a nanny. I don’t know anything about the world you live in. Except by observing it from the outside.”

“And what have you observed?”

“I shouldn’t say anymore.”

“Too late now.”

“I’ve worked for a few families. None of them were in your income bracket. But it seems they aren’t very happy and their kids certainly aren’t happy.”

“You don’t think Lilly and I are happy?”

“You are an exception. Lilly seems very happy. I’m not worried about her.”

“You’re worried about me?”

I’m not sure whether to answer him or not. “A little, yeah.”

He gets to his feet. “Well, it’s not your job to worry about me. It’s your job to take care of Lilly.”

I look up at him. “Yes. You’re right.”

“You should go check on her. It’s almost bath time.”

I stand. “Of course. I’ll go take care of that.”

He goes to the porch railing and looks out at the yard as I walk behind him and go into the house.You asked. You kept telling me to speak my mind.

Before I go inside, he speaks again. “I’m okay, Rachel. You don’t need to worry about me.”

“Okay. I’m glad to hear that.”The man is not okay.

6

Preston

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