Page 22 of The Widower's Nanny

“Okay.” I nod toward the door. “Next time you build a fire, open the damper.”

“Got it. I’m glad I didn’t burn your house down.”

“So am I.”

I leave her and go back to my house. I am glad she is coming. Lilly will be happy, and that makes me happy.

The next morning, I have breakfast with Lilly and then get her dressed in preparation for the day. She is all set in her high-top tennis shoes, jeans, a T-shirt, and a long-sleeved cotton shirt to wear over it if the mosquitos come out.

Rachel must’ve been watching for us because when we go out to the front yard, she comes out of her door. She is dressed appropriately too, in jeans, hiking boots, a T-shirt, and a light jacket tied around her waist. My attention is drawn to her graceful curves, a quick glance reveals her beautiful silhouette.

Laura packed us a lunch and some bottled water in a backpack. I slip it on as Rachel comes up to us.

She smiles at Lilly and hugs her. “Looks like we are all ready for an adventure day.”

Lilly takes her hand. “I hope you don’t get scared by any snakes today.”

“You and me both, kiddo.”

They walk ahead of me on the trail for a while, then Rachel glances back at me and lets Lilly go ahead. I come up beside her.

She smiles. “So far. So good.” When I raise an eyebrow, she adds, “Not a bug or snake in sight.”

“Just stay on the trail. You should be fine.”

“How far is the cabin?”

“About two miles.”

“Your property goes two miles?”

“My grandfather had a ranch here at one time. Fancied himself a cowboy.”

“Interesting.”

“He lasted about six years, then he sold all his cattle and moved back to the city.”

“Is the cabin we’re going to his?” she questions.

“It was a haybarn for the cattle. Then my father and I spent a summer turning it into a cabin when I was in high school.”

“So you built it?”

“I pounded a lot of nails and cut a lot of lumber. But it was more of a renovation than a build. And like I said last night, it’s pretty rustic.”

“I’m excited to see it,” she smiles.

“Don’t expect too much.”

“Well, it’s pretty cool that you got to build something with your dad.”

“Yeah. At the time I wasn’t too happy doing it. But when he died two years later, I was thankful for the time we spent there.”

“I’m sorry.”

I shrug. Once again, I have no idea why I am telling Rachel stuff I never talk to anyone else about.

“And now you get to share it with Lilly. That’s really special.”

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