Page 16 of Whisper Sweet Nothings
I’d shake it off because this was a good fit.
She was exactly what we needed.
“Thanks,” I grumped, and they both laughed some more. “But I agree. This is delicious. You said you took some cooking classes abroad?”
“Yes. I spent a summer in Paris during college, and I took a few classes while I was there. I’ve always loved to cook.” She reached for a strip of bacon.
“Can Winnie come with us to Paris?” Melody asked for the second time in two days. Between my daughter and Bridger, they were putting both of us on the spot. “I’m the flower girl in my uncle and aunt’s wedding.”
“If she would like to come with us, she’s more than welcome. Let’s see how the first few days go. We don’t want to scare her off.” I chuckled. “Did Winnie tell you that she’s a writer?”
Melody’s eyes grew wide. “I love to write, too, Winnie. Do you write books or letters?”
“I write books. I’m working on a new one now.” She shrugged, as if it was no big deal.
“That’s impressive,” I said. “This should work out well because you’ll have your hours free to write while Melody’s at school.”
“Yeah, that sounds like the perfect schedule. And I also write a lot in the evenings before bed,” she said.
We went over the schedule, and I told her that Melody had lessons today with my brother’s fiancée, Wren, who had a horseback riding school for kids. They could walk there from school and then walk home, since we lived close to everything. So there was no need to drive today, though Bridger had already texted to say that he’d have a car dropped off this morning. That would come in handy when it got colder outside.
We finished up breakfast, and Winnie loaded the dishes in the dishwasher while I got Melody’s lunch in her backpack and grabbed her jacket.
We got into my truck because I’d be going to work after we dropped Melody at school. I introduced Winnie to Mrs. Groucher, who acted completely unimpressed to meet her. We’d had a late start getting out of the house, so the bell rang shortly after we’d arrived, and we were hurried out the door after a quick goodbye to Melody.
“Wow, her teacher is a real delight,” Winnie said.
I laughed. “Yeah, she taught me and my brother and all of my cousins. She’s been the kindergarten teacher here since the beginning of time.”
She snorted as we made our way to the parking lot.
“All right, well, I’ll plan to be here early for pickup, and then I’ll take Melody to her horseback riding lessons. Just text me that address so I can save it in my phone.”
“That sounds great.” I shoved my hands in my pockets. “I can drop you by the house on my way to the office?”
“That’s all right. It’s nice outside, so I can walk, and that way I’ll get my bearings for the area.”
“Sounds good.” I glanced down at my phone to see a text from my cousin. “Bridger just texted to say that he dropped a car in the driveway. The keys are under the mat on the driver’s side. There’s an extra car seat in the front closet for Melody if for any reason you need to go anywhere in the car. Just text me so I’ll know where you are.”
“You got it. Thank you. I’ll see you later,” she said, holding up a hand as she started walking.
I climbed in my truck and glanced down at the endless group chat with my brother and cousins.
Rafe
I heard Archie hired the new nanny.
Bridger, I thought you were a man of few words. When did you get so gossipy.
Bridger
Fuck off. Wasn’t me, dude.
Rafe
I had breakfast at the Honey Biscuit Café this morning. Oscar told me you hired his niece.
Easton
