Page 3 of Curvy Girl and the Single Dad Cowboy

She nods, a hint of pride flickering across her features. "I did. And I'd do it again. I don't back out on commitments, Mr. Covington. Even when things get... challenging."

There's something in the way she says it, a quiet determination that rings true. It's a quality I respect, even if I'm still not sold on this whole arrangement.

"Vincent," I offer. "Or Vince."

A small smile touches her lips.

"Vincent," she repeats, and for some reason, the way my name sounds in her voice makes my collar feel too tight.

The silence that follows stretches a beat too long, and I clear my throat. "I should call someone to tow your car. Can't leave it sitting on the county road."

"Oh, you don't have to—" she begins, but I'm already pulling out my phone.

"My brother Jackson knows every mechanic in two counties. We’re getting you the best one." I send a quick text to my brother. "In the meantime, you look like you could use a minute to... freshen up."

Her cheeks, already pink from exertion, flush darker. "That obvious, huh?"

For the first time since opening the door, I feel the corner of my mouth twitch.

"You walked three miles in this heat. I'd be worried if you weren't sweating."

The sound of pattering feet interrupts us, and then Lily bursts into the kitchen, Aaron following at a more sedate pace.

"Daddy, Uncle Aaron says—" She stops abruptly, eyes wide as she notices our visitor. Her gaze travels over Charlotte with the unfiltered curiosity of a five-year-old, taking in the disheveled appearance and the blue dress. "You’re the nanny!" she says bluntly.

Charlotte's entire demeanor changes, softening as she turns to Lily. She slides from the chair to kneel at my daughter's level, messy appearance forgotten.

"I am. My name is Charlotte. And you must be Lily. I've been looking forward to meeting you."

Lily tilts her head, considering this newcomer with the serious assessment only children can get away with. "Me too! But you're all wet."

Charlotte laughs, "I am. My car broke down, so I had to walk to meet you. I didn't want to be late."

"But you are late," Lily points out, ever the timekeeper's daughter.

"Lily," I start, but Charlotte shakes her head.

"She's right," Charlotte says. "I am late, and I'm sorry for that. I promise to do better tomorrow."

Lily nods, accepting this apology more quickly than I would have. "Okay. Do you know how to braid hair? Daddy's terrible at it."

"Hey," I protest mildly.

Charlotte's eyes flick up to meet mine, amusement dancing in them. "I'm excellent at braids. All kinds."

I notice Aaron watching this exchange with his typical silence, but there's something assessing in his gaze as it moves between Charlotte and me.

"You can practice on my horses first," Lily decides, reaching for Charlotte's hand. "Come see."

Charlotte looks at me, silently asking permission. Despite my lingering reservations, I find myself nodding. She stands, allowing my daughter to tug her toward the living room.

As they leave, Aaron moves to stand beside me.

"So that's the nanny," he says, his first full sentence about her.

"Apparently."

"Younger than you expected."

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