Page 48 of This Heart
“Do you think there is a chance they’ll say no?”
Shrugging, I replied honestly, “I don’t think you have a very good chance of them saying yes. Additionally, it depends on the location of the lot. Is it even zoned for commercial?”
“No, it’s residential, but in my experience, money can buy you pretty much anything you want.”
A bark of laughter slipped free. “Not in Moose Village. Perry the Moose would have better luck opening up a restaurant on the lake than you will.”
“Perry the Moose?” he asked, a confused expression on his face.
Waving it off, I stood. “I’m sorry I can’t help you. I hope this wasn’t a waste of your time.”
With a smile, he shook his head. “Not at all. I’m going to stay, order some dinner, and enjoy the evening on your rooftop.”
“Please, order anything you want; food and drinks are on the house.”
Rich reached for my hand. “That’s mighty nice of you, Liam. Thank you.”
I walked Rich back out and got him a seat at the bar on the rooftop. I informed Chad, the bartender, that drinks and food would be on the house for Rich, Nathan, Aurora, and their guests. By the time I had finished talking to him, Rich was conversing with a woman sitting next to him. I chuckled, slapped him on the back, and told him to enjoy his night.
Two weeks had passed having Kim as Winnie’s nanny, and things seemed to be going well. Winnie was happy, I was happy knowing my daughter was safe and at home, and Kim seemed to like the schedule. She had her mornings and early afternoons before she had to show up to watch Winnie. Each night, I was able to leave between ten thirty and eleven, which worked out well.
I put two pancakes on Winnie’s plate and cut them into pizza-sized shapes. I filled a bowl with syrup and set it next to her. Winnie didn’t like the syrup on her pancakes; she wanted to dip them in it. I thought it was adorable—messy, but adorable.
“I thought today we could go to the bookstore for storytime and you could pick out a new book.”
Winnie’s eyes lit up as she nodded her head. Her little blond curls bounced with the motion. The doorbell rang and I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was only eight thirty in the morning. Making sure Winnie was okay, I quickly went to answer the door. When I opened it, Aurora stood there. Her blond hair was in a braid and hung to the side over her shoulder. She didn’t have a stitch of makeup on, and I couldn’t help but notice how it made her look even more beautiful. And those eyes of hers. I was utterly lost in them for a moment.
“Liam?”
I shook my head.
“Liam? Are you okay?”
With another quick shake of my head, I forced a smile. “Sorry, I was just surprised to see you here.”
Her cheeks turned pink. “I’m so sorry. I thought I would swing by before heading to the bookstore. The last few times I stopped by, I couldn’t see Winnie.”
“Why not?” I asked. It was then that I realized I hadn’t invited her in. “Shit, come on in. Winnie’s eating pancakes.”
Aurora walked in, set her purse on the small table at the front door and quickly made her way into the kitchen.
“Rora!” Winnie shouted with glee.
“Hello, little princess!” Aurora said, bending down and kissing Winnie. “Yummy, pancakes!”
Winnie dipped one into her syrup, then held it out for Aurora, who promptly took it and pretended to bite Winnie’s finger.
Giggling, Winnie picked up another one and pushed it out to Aurora.
“No, thank you! It’s your turn to eat.”
I watched as she slid into the chair next to Winnie. “I’ve missed you, little one.”
Remembering what she had said a few moments ago, I asked, “What did you mean you weren’t able to see Winnie?”
The smile faltered for a moment on Aurora’s face before she smiled once again. “I’m sure it’s nothing. It’s just, each time I’ve stopped by, Kim told me it wasn’t a good time to visit. I’ve been super busy with the remodeling of the bookstore, so I’ve had to stop by after it closes.”
“What did she mean it wasn’t a good time to visit?” I asked.
