Page 16 of A Surprise Wedding for the Cowboy

“Moa? Moa?” Jamie pressed his fingertips together to sign more.

Stephanie reached for the glass of milk, poured some into it, and handed it to the toddler before Tate had managed to set his burger down.

He’d be a fool not to accept her offer. She was a natural with Jamie, and the adoration was mutual. If she were at Sweet River, he wouldn’t need to worry about his young charge. He could see Stephanie and Jamie greeting him at the end of the day, a hot meal on the table — whoa. Nanny. Not wife, dude. Nanny.

Although… he studied her anew. Until this afternoon, she’d been a chance acquaintance he’d probably soon have forgotten he’d met. She lived in Jewel Lake, and he was here for only a few days, weeks, or maybe months. But now, it seemed, he lived here, too. And had the potential to see her every day for the next couple of years.

Or, possibly, the rest of his life.

Tate stabbed a French fry into ketchup and ate it. Then another. He cringed when he looked at Jamie, who’d spread his macaroni and cheese all over his face and in his hair. But the kid was happy. And that was partly due to Stephanie.

“It’s a deal.” He took a large bite of the burger.

“You’re sure?” Her eyes widened as she leaned toward him, her lips parted.

Lips. He wasn’t looking at her lips. “Absolutely. I’ll consult with Grandfather about the employment offer and living arrangements but, since I’m Jamie’s legal guardian, Grandfather will defer to my judgment. As far as I’m concerned, I couldn’t be happier with the situation. How soon could you start?”

“It’s Wednesday…” Stephanie looked thoughtful. “I’d booked this week off, but I can put in my resignation in the morning. Dad would like two weeks’ notice, but I happen to know he has a drawer full of potential hires, so I’m sure I can be replaced quickly. I’ll see what I can do.”

That might leave him with Jamie underfoot for a few days, but they’d be fine. It was going to take time to get moved in — he might even need to send back to Chicago for some of his stuff, though he’d taken most everything he regularly used to Kansas in December, so it was in the back of the SUV. Should he let his penthouse go? Time enough for that decision later. Mom sometimes stayed with him when she needed to work from the company’s headquarters.

“Unless you’ve changed your mind.”

He blinked Stephanie into focus, realizing he hadn’t answered her. “That sounds good. I’ll make the guys pinch hit with Jamie as needed, in the meanwhile. We’ll be setting up office and living spaces, so I’m sure it will be a few days before we’re settled into our new rhythm.”

“Dad would probably disown me for not giving proper notice, anyway.”

Tate studied her face. “Is this going to be all right? I don’t want to tamper with your family dynamics.”

Her chin lifted. “They need some shaking up. Trust me.”

Strangely, he did. Trust her, that was. He held up his hand, and she slapped it with a high five. “Deal, then.”

Jamie held up his hand and giggled when Tate gave it a light smack. “Fie.”

“You got it, shorty. Give Stephanie a high five, too?”

Jamie held his hand toward Stephanie and beamed at her when she tapped it. The light in both of their eyes as they looked at each other calmed Tate’s questions. Whatever Grandfather threw at the family next, Tate could handle it with Stephanie at his side caring for Jamie.

And if it came to more than that? He wouldn’t exactly complain, but there was no need to rush into anything. He’d be seeing her plenty when she worked for him.

Not enough, though. She’d mostly be spending time with his nephew while he furthered Sullivan Enterprises’ newest acquisition. But she’d be nearby in staff housing, and… he’d pray about it, and see where things went.

Chapter Six

Tate carried a drowsy Jamie up the stairs in the lodge. Should he really have agreed to Stephanie’s plan without a formal job posting and interview? But it seemed like she’d provided him with a 24-hour interview.

The door to his room stood ajar. Tate frowned. He hadn’t left it that way. He nudged it open, peering inside.

“I wondered when you’d get back.” Bryce lay stretched out on Tate’s bed.

“I took Stephanie to town and got dinner while I was there.”

“With her.”

Tate shrugged. “Why not?”

“You never did tell us how you met her.”

---