Page 46 of More Than a Helping Hand

“I can’t thank you enough. Let me pay you for your time. I feel awful about this.”

“You won’t pay me. And please don’t feel awful. Bailey is a fun little girl. And I don’t mind helping out.” He chews his lips a second. “And I’m grateful that you trust me enough to let me help.”

I clasp his hand. “I hate asking for help. More than I hate cold showers.”

He threads his fingers in my hair and tugs me to his chest. “You are in a season of life where you need help. There is nothing wrong with that.”

“Why are you thanking me for letting you help?”

“I’m thanking you because you didn’t assume I was some weirdo who can’t be trusted around your daughter.” He sighs. “When my parents died, there was no question about where Brooke would live. She needed me, and overnight, I went from being a carefree nineteen-year-old to taking care of an eight-year-old girl. We’d get weird looks when out sometimes. And for a while, I harbored a fear that I’d be accused of something. You never looked at me weird for being willing to help. That’s why I’m grateful.”

I cup his cheek. “That never crossed my mind. I’m worried you’ll think I’m a horrible mom. Life wasn’t like this in Arizona. But since moving and getting this job, it’s been hard. The place isn’t well-run. It’s understaffed, and I’m the newest employee. Options in this area are limited, so I keep holding out, hoping it will improve. But I start online classes in August, and I won’t be able to balance everything.”

“Studying what?”

“Working toward being a nurse practitioner. I was working on my Masters when Derek left. And after he died, I put that on hold. Since my parents have offered to help, I started again.” I roll my neck from side to side. “But I’m just not sure if it’ll all work out.”

He taps my shoulder. “Turn around. You need my magic fingers.”

I do as he asks, and when he starts kneading my sore muscles, I drop my shoulders and release my tension. “Oh. That feels really good.”

His lips brush my ear, then he says, “Only one of my many talents.”

After several quiet seconds, while I let myself enjoy his massage, I lean back against him. “You need to go home.”

He grins. “I do. And I’m glad you take my flirting as intended. When I said I’d let you set the pace, I meant every word.”

“I appreciate that. And I’m hoping that one day I’ll be brave enough to make whatever this is public. If you get tired of keeping secrets, let me know. I won’t blame you.”

His lips touch mine, and a door creaks, followed by footsteps. He moves across the couch faster than a mosquito dodging a swat.

Bailey rubs her eyes as she walks into the living room. “Mom?”

“Hey, sweetheart, I’m home. Finally.”

“I didn’t brush my teeth.”

“She fell asleep on the drive over, which is why she isn’t in her jammies.” Anderson gives an apologetic shrug.

I hug her, then smooth her hair. “Don’t worry about it tonight. Want me to tuck you back into bed?”

As she nods, her gaze cuts to Anderson. “And DeeDee too. He needs to show you a picture.”

“That’s right, Munchkin.” He taps on his phone, then turns it toward me. “Bailey learned how to saddle a horse today.”

“Wow! You are learning lots of fun stuff hanging out at the barn.”

“Yep. Can I ride a horse, Mom?”

“Let’s talk about that another time.” I maneuver her into the hall, and the three of us parade into Bailey’s bedroom.

She climbs in bed, and I pull her covers over her.

Anderson gives them an extra tuck. “Sweet dreams.”

I kiss her forehead. “Good night.”

“Nighty night.” There’s a wide grin on her face, which makes me wonder what she saw or heard.

---