Page 21 of A Little Twist

I can’t argue with Adam’s observation. When the group grows bigger than twelve, plus Britt’s bloodhound, it’s when I miss my fishing trips with Pop the most. I like peace and quiet. So sue me.

“I’m not sure how anybody knows what’s going on when you’re all talking at the same time.”

“We can trade off,” Aiden volunteers. “Trust me, her absence puts a crimp in Britt’s and my honeymoon period, too.”

“I’ve got you both covered.” Adam points to me. “I can help you with P until you find a sitter, and Owen and Ryan are easy to watch. They keep each other entertained.”

“Thanks, bro, but I’m going to need more than a sitter.” Scrubbing my forehead, I try to think. For weeks, I’ve talked about finding a full-time nanny for my daughter, but there wasn’t a sense of urgency.

Not to mention, no one has floated down on an umbrella ready to fill the position.

Unless…

Cass jumps to the forefront of my mind. She’s looking for a place to live, a job working with kids, and I’d pay her well. It feels like a solution.

It also feels risky.

While Aiden and Adam are making plans for the boys, I’m wondering if it’s possible to have a woman I’m lusting after under my roof full time without blurring the line between employee and employer.

The problem is I want to blur the line, and I’m running out of patience.

CHAPTER6

CASS

Sunlight burns across my closed eyes, and my head jumps off the pillow. “Ohh… shit.” The pain of a hangover slams me down again. “Too many watermelon margaritas!”

Last night, when we finally crashed, I made Piper give me the couch, since I have to get to the distillery to meet the florist first thing. Across from me Britt is on her back in the queen-sized bed, eye mask securely in place, making puppy-dog snores. Edward is at her feet, and Piper is beside her with her head under the pillow.

I try one more time to get up, grasping assorted pieces of furniture for balance as I take the ten steps to the small bathroom. Running cold water over a washcloth, I hold it to the back of my neck while I inspect the damage in the mirror.

Mascara is smeared under my eyes, and I vaguely remember us sitting on the rug, holding hands as we belted out “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift and crying like a bunch of drunk dorks. I’m pretty sure Edward was howling along with us.

“I’m never drinking again.” Grabbing a face wipe, I scrub the makeup off my eyes and quickly apply tinted moisturizer and a fresh coat of mascara.

My hair is a wreck, but I don’t have time. I whip it up into a ponytail, and once the flowers are in place, I’ll cut out early to shower and repair the damage. I grab the bottle of ibuprofen out of the medicine cabinet and swallow two pills with a handful of water from the sink.

Stepping out of the bathroom, the sound of Britt’s tiny snores makes me grin, and I study my two best friends, plus Edward the dog. I wouldn’t trade last night for anything, even if it does mean I have the hangover from hell.

The big day is finally here. I’ve been busting my ass for a month, and it’s going to be the very model of a modernTown & Countrywedding.

It’s been a lot of work, but it’s all been pretty straightforward and drama-free. I’m so thankful Britt’s not one ofthosebrides. She’s always been more traditional than her nutty family, but she’s no bridezilla.

I’m sure wanting such a traditional ceremony has more to do with Aiden’s family than hers. Britt’s family would fit right in at the Elvis Chapel in Vegas, but she wants the fairytale. Hungover or not, I’m making sure she gets it today.

Pulling my faded denim overalls over my hips, I fasten one shoulder strap over my white tank and grab my phone.

“Ugh…” Piper groans softly from the bed, pulling her auburn head out from under the pillow. “You’re actually moving? What are you? Immortal?”

“Hardly,” I whisper, stepping into beige Birkenstocks. “I’ve got to get to the distillery to meet the florist. I’ll see you two this afternoon.”

“You’re a machine. I’m going to die now.” She shoves her head under the pillow again, and I exhale a laugh.

Her son Ryan spent last night with Owen at Aiden’s mom’s house. All three of the kids are in the wedding, and Patricia and Gwen are in charge of getting them to the distillery on time, dressed and ready to perform.

My money’s on Patricia for doing the lion’s share of that job. Gwen is probably telling them supernatural stories and trying to feed them the dusty Fig Newtons she keeps in the pockets of her caftan. I have to hand it to her—it does keep them occupied when things get slow.

Owen is the ring bearer, Ryan is an usher, and Pinky is the petal girl. They’re so cute, and they take their jobs very seriously, although I am a little worried about Pinky.

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