“Well, that’s kind of perfect then, isn’t it?” I blinked, surprised by her answer. “Also, I had no idea you minored in early childhood development.”
“I did.” She nodded. “I’ve always loved working with kids. And even if I didn’t pursue a career with children, with the instability that Ky and I had during my first few years, I always wanted to make sure I was at least a little more prepared to be a mom than Becca was.”
“That’s actually really cool,” I said, my chest warming at the thought that something that must have been really hard in her past had motivated her in such a deep way to do what she could to be better equipped for her future family.
She had just barely graduated from college but was already way more ahead in that regard than I’d been at that age.
“And it definitely bumps you up the list of candidates,” I said. “You’re even more qualified than I thought.”
“Oh really?” she asked, her eyes lighting up like she actually did want the job.
“Plus,” I said, a smile tugging at my mouth before I could stop it, “there’s also the small fact that Charlotte adores you.”
Her smile broadened. “So you’re saying I might actually have a chance at getting the job?”
“If you’re serious about staying on…” I set my fork down, leaning back slightly. “I’d love to offer you the position right now. It saves me the headache of interviewing people I don’t know when I already trust you—and when I already know Charlotte’s given her stamp of approval.”
“Really?” Her brown eyes brightened with excitement.
“Really,” I said.
“Yay!” Her smile bloomed fully then—real, unguarded, and ridiculously contagious.
And when Charlotte sent Nora a celebratory grin over her plate, I couldn’t help thinking this was the best and easiest decision I’d made all week.
14
NORA
Charlotte chatted happilyaround bites of her brownie as Theo and I carried dishes to the sink and leftovers to the counter after dinner.
At some point this week, his house had started to feel familiar. The cabinets. The drawers. Even the way the light slanted across the island. It felt almost like a second home.
“Do you have a few minutes to go over more details about the job?” Theo asked as he set the hot pads I’d used earlier in a drawer by the stove. “I’ve got a few things coming up this summer that I should probably walk you through.”
I checked the time on my watch out of habit, even though I had absolutely nowhere else to be. No plans aside from chilling on my couch with whatever show I’d half-watch until bed.
“I don’t have anything else going on,” I said.
“Awesome.” He smiled. “The weather’s actually pretty nice tonight. How about I get this food in the fridge and then we can sit out back and talk while we eat the amazing brownies you and Charlotte made?”
“Sounds good to me.” Then noticing he was still wearinghis suit, I said, “Actually, how about I put all this away? I’m sure you’d want to change into something more comfortable before we go outside.”
He looked down at himself like he’d forgotten what he was wearing. Blue suit. Tie loosened. Lawyer mode still mostly engaged. “That would actually be great.” Then, checking himself, he added, “That is, if you’re sure you don’t mind?”
“Go ahead.” I waved him away. “I’ve learned my way around the kitchen this week. I think I can manage leftovers.”
His smile was quick and grateful. “Thanks.”
Before he disappeared upstairs, he turned to Charlotte. “Hey, have you gone to the bathroom recently?”
“I’m otay,” she said automatically, licking some brownie crumbs off her fingers.
“We’re going to play in the backyard once I change,” he explained, already anticipating an argument. “How about you go potty real quick so we don’t have to come back inside?”
She hesitated, lips pursed in clear resistance.
“Come on, Char,” he said, gently.