by Renee Ryan
Looking over the dog’s head, he caught her eye.
Her returning smile was enough to stop his breath.
“All right, boyo,” he said, desperate to regain control over his emotions. “Let’s get you back in the tub.”
Will set the animal on the ground, clapped his hands and set out. The dog obediently followed.
“Papa,” Caleb shouted. “We found a dog.” He pointed unnecessarily to the wet animal practically dancing beside him.
Bridget gave Will immediate assurance that his children hadn’t been in harm’s way. Of that he had no doubt. Not when he remembered the night they’d first encountered the dog and how quickly she’d soothed the nervous animal’s fears.
Bending over, Will lifted the dog in his arms and set him in the tub once more. “Where did you find him?”
“Actually…” Bridget poured a bucket of water over the animal’s soapy fur “…he found us.”
A wide spray of water and suds shot through the air as the dog shook, and then shook again. Giggling, Olivia opened her arms and twirled under the impromptu waterfall. Caleb jumped up and down in his own version of the same dance.
Feeling unusually lighthearted himself, Will swiped water droplets off his face. “I’m sure there’s a story behind this.”
“Oh, there is,” Bridget agreed, repeating the rinsing process.
Better prepared this time, Will took a step back before the animal shook himself free of the excess water.
By the third dousing every family member was as wet as the dog. No one seemed to mind, not even Bridget. She seemed entirely oblivious to her disheveled state. And that made her all the more stunning in Will’s mind. Her face was bright and happy and incredibly beautiful.
He took another step back and nearly trampled over his tiny daughter. He caught her before she fell to the ground. Then, on a sudden whim, lifted her high in the air and spun her in circles. Around and around and around. She squealed in delight, kicking her legs wildly.
“Again,” she demanded. “Do it again.”
Will spun her around in the opposite direction.
The moment he set Olivia on the ground, Caleb lifted his arms. “My turn.”
Laughing, Will obliged his son, tossing the little boy over his shoulder after the third spin. He hopped around a bit then lowered him to the ground.
Once his feet were steady Caleb rushed back to the dog, now a very calm animal who was stoically enduring a vigorous toweling off from Bridget.
“Can we keep him, Papa?”
“Please, can we?” Olivia echoed.
“I have a feeling the matter is already settled.” When both children simply stared at him, he clarified. “Yes, you may keep him, as long as he stays outside.”
A chorus of cheers rose in the air. Sensing something significant had just occurred, the dog joined in the fun with a blissful bark, bark, bark. An impromptu celebration ensued.
Two children, one dog, lots of happiness.
Unable to remember a time he’d seen either of his children this uninhibited and natural, or when he’d felt this full of joy, Will glanced over at Bridget. Gratitude filled him. She had her head down, her hands busy pouring out the tub water onto the lawn.
Needing to thank her, he walked over to her, took her hand in his and laced their fingers together. Her soft intake of air was the only sign of her reaction to his bold move. He tightened his hold.
“You’ve done it again,” he whispered.
She swung a startled glance up to his and then carefully drew her hand free. “I…I didn’t mean to force the issue. The dog isn’t a danger. He’s—”
Will stopped the rest of her words with a finger to her lips. “I’m not angry.”
Her mouth parted in surprise.
She looked so sweet, so innocent. So—kissable. He breathed in a sliver of hot summer air and nearly gave in to the urge to press his lips to her very attractive mouth.
She’s your children’s nanny, Will. Their. Nanny.
His instincts warned him to keep his distance, to remember why Bridget was in his home and that she’d refused to be his bride. She would not welcome his kiss—that had been made quite clear. “I better go change my clothes.”
She said nothing, simply stared at him. Her hair hung loose around her face, the brown locks shot with red fire from the sun. The warm July air wafted between them and, still, she remained silent, blinking up at him as though deciphering a puzzle.
His arms itched to gather her close. He stepped back instead, and did so again for good measure. Each inch pulled him away from her, away from the temptation of doing something both of them might regret. Because no matter how many times he told himself this woman wasn’t his, a rebellious part of him refused to accept that fact.
He turned on his heel and strode quickly to the house. His mother met him at the door. “My goodness, son, you’re soaked through.”
“Mother,” he said in way of greeting, then rested his gaze upon her face. The purple shadows beneath her eyes were all but gone, the tight lines around her mouth smoothed away. “You look…” he searched for the proper word “…refreshed.”
“Oh, I am.” She ran a hand over her hair. “The daily naps Bridget insists I take have restored my tired old bones beyond my wildest hopes.”
Once again Will found himself in Bridget Murphy’s debt. Five days in his home and she’d worked wonders. His children were happy. His mother was no longer exhausted and he, well, he needed to change out of his wet clothes. He started off.
“Will, before you go.”
He turned back around. “Yes?”
“Did you know Bridget and her sister are planning to move into Laird O’Malley’s house Sunday afternoon?”
“She told me about the plans several days ago.” And since that time he’d spent countless quantities of wasted breath trying to dissuade her from moving in so soon. But her excitement had been too great and she’d refused to listen to his arguments.
Although he’d eventually given up the fight, he still wasn’t pleased with the idea of her living in that ramshackle house without a proper inspection first.
“I think you should assist the Murphy sisters with their move.”
He’d like nothing better. It would give him a chance to check out the structure, assess any damage. But there was a problem, two of them to be exact. “The children—”
“Should stay home with me.”
“Are you sure you’re up to it?”
It was the precise wrong thing to say. “William Nathanial Black. I am not dead yet.” Tiny as she was, his mother looked rather fierce. “I am quite capable of watching my grandchildren for a few hours.”
He’d insulted her. That hadn’t been his plan. “Of course you’re capable.”
“Then it’s settled.” Her tone brooked no argument.
“Yes.” Will gave her one solemn nod of his head. “If Bridget wants my help moving into her new home, then I will be at her disposal the entire afternoon.”
“Wonderful. Now go.” She gave him a mock scowl, followed by a little shove. “You’re dripping all over my clean floor and adding extra work for the housekeeper.”
“So sorry.” He strode swiftly down the hallway, thinking his day couldn’t get much better.
Chapter Fourteen
Bridget was still disheveled, but thankfully composed by the time Will returned in a fresh set of clean, dry clothes. He looked handsome as ever, even with damp hair. She had to fight to regain her equilibrium all over again. There’d been a moment earlier, right before he’d gone inside, when she’d thought he might kiss her. He hadn’t, of course. But now her insides were all quivering and she was struggling with an array of complicated, baffling emotions.
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Her eyes met his from across the lawn and her stomach performed a slow, unexpected roll. Will was looking at her in that special way of his, as if he truly saw her, and she truly mattered to him.
Her cheeks grew warm and her hand lifted to her face. She brushed back a tangle of wet curls flopping across her eyes.
The dog caught sight of Will, did a few hops of joy and then raced straight for him.
“No,” Bridget yelled after the animal. “No jumping.”
Undeterred, the dog continued toward his target, but then he skidded to a stop, dropped to the ground at Will’s feet and executed a quick flip, stopping once his feet were in the air and his belly was exposed.
Will gave the white fur a brisk rub. “You miserable mutt, spoiled already.” He looked up, glanced around him, focused on Bridget. “Where are the children?”
“Upstairs with your mother.” She angled her head toward the house. “Esther offered to bathe them while I clean up out here. He likes you,” she said, indicating the happy dog at his feet.
“Have you named him yet?”
“I was thinking we could call him Winston, or maybe Gus, or, perhaps—” she narrowed her eyes and thought about the animal’s propensity for uprooting bushes “—Digger.”
“Digger, huh?” Will laughed, the sound a rich, hearty baritone. “I’m afraid to ask.”
“Best that you don’t.”
They shared a smile.
Will straightened, the dog all but forgotten. “Bridget, about our agreement…” His words trailed off.
She tried not to stiffen at the sound of his serious tone. Needing something to do with her hands, she called the dog over and rested her fingertips on his head. “Our…agreement?”
Eyes dark and somber, Will stepped closer. “I’d like you to stay on as the children’s nanny. For however long we can have you.”
“Oh.” That ridiculous stipulation of hers. How could she have forgotten? Perhaps because she felt so much a part of this family already, as if the matter had been settled long ago.
“I’d like to stay on.” She stroked first one then the other of Digger’s silky ears. “I’d like that very much.”
“Then we’re in agreement.”
“We are.”
His gaze dropped to her mouth.
Her lips trembled in response.
He drew in a long, hard pull of air. “There is one other matter I wish to discuss with you.”
Her hand stilled on the dog. She swallowed and then ran her fingernails down his back.
Will’s gaze followed the gesture. “I’d like to offer my assistance to you and your sister Sunday afternoon.”
“You want to help us move?”
He must have sensed her surprise because his lips twisted in a grimace. “Is that so hard to believe?”
“No, but—” she pulled her hand back to her side “—what about the children? I don’t think it would be wise to bring them out just yet.”
She didn’t add that she feared for their safety. That would only open up yet another conversation about her decision to live in a house that wasn’t quite sound.
“My mother will watch them for us.”
For us. Bridget’s heart danced a happy jig against her ribs. Did he realize how that sounded?
She had to turn away so he wouldn’t see the joy that surely must be in her eyes. They had more than enough hands already committed to the move. Nora, herself, Maeve, Flynn, even Cameron Long had agreed to be available for most of the afternoon.
Nevertheless Bridget found herself saying, “I would love for you to assist us on Sunday. Thank you for offering.”
“No, Bridget, thank you.” He reached out and placed a finger under her chin, adding pressure until she looked in his direction. “Thank you for bringing happiness back into this home.”
“You’re welcome, Will.” She tried to keep her voice easy and bright, but the tension building inside her was like nothing she’d ever experienced. She was both hot and cold at the same time, all shivery inside and out.
Oh, Lord, what’s happening to me? What is this strange, new feeling?
Will dropped his hand and shifted slightly away. “I better return to work.”
“As should I.”
“I’ll be home at the usual time tonight.” He reached down, acknowledged the dog with a quick pat then was gone.
Trying not to sigh, Bridget watched his retreating back until he disappeared around the house.
You like him, Nora had accused. “Oh, Nora,” Bridget whispered to the spot Will had just vacated. “You have no idea how much.”
* * *
Sunday afternoon brought rain, the kind of hard, pile-driving sheets of water that created mud puddles and bad tempers. And to think, the morning had started off so well. The sun had shone brightly in the sky. The church service had been both inspiring and moving, with another fitting sermon on faith and trusting the Lord.
God was trying to tell her something and Bridget was listening. Her future was in the Lord’s hands. She simply had to have faith that all would turn out for the best, no matter what obstacles came her way.
Just like the week before, Bridget and Nora had sat with Will and the children in their pew. Esther had joined them, as had Cameron Long and—this one shocked them all—Deputy MacDuff.
More stunning still, Ben had spent most of the service whispering softly with Will’s mother. Evidently the two were friends, good friends. It had been nice to see Esther smiling so liberally. When she’d giggled at something Ben had said to her, Will had caught Bridget’s eye and grinned. He was clearly enjoying his mother’s transformation.
With such a stellar beginning to the day, Bridget refused to be put off by the ill weather now. They were moving into their new house this afternoon and nothing, not even a little rain—all right, a large downpour—was going to stop them.
“It’s just water, Nora,” Bridget insisted when her sister grumbled a third time in less than a minute. “So we get a bit wet. We’ve been through worse.”
“That’s certainly true.” Nora snapped open her umbrella and stepped out into the rain. Rolling thunder marked her progress to Flynn’s carriage, where Maeve was already waiting with baby Grace in her arms.
Bridget followed her sister a moment later, picking her way carefully down the walk as she avoided first one puddle and then another. Raindrops fell in tidy rivulets from the points of her umbrella. Instead of feeling annoyed, she experienced a surge of excitement. Will had arranged to meet them out at the house. She was happy he would share this new beginning with her.
Flynn met Nora at the end of the walkway. Seemingly unaware of the rain falling down on his head, he took her arm.
“Is this all of your belongings?” He hitched his chin toward the top of the carriage where he’d finished tying off the second of their two trunks.
“That’s it,” Nora said.
“Then we should head out to the house without further delay.” Although Flynn appeared somewhat impatient to be off, he helped Nora into the carriage then turned and took Bridget’s arm.
Instead of allowing him to hand her into the carriage behind Nora she pulled out of his reach. “Flynn, wait.”
Water dripping down his face, he gave her a questioning look.
“I have something I wish to ask of you, a favor, of sorts.” When he didn’t respond, she continued, “It’s about my employer’s mother.”
“Your…employer.” Flynn frowned, his expression no longer patient but somewhat stern. “You are speaking of William Black, the man from the docks, the one looking for his bride.”
Her brother-in-law’s face took on a troubled expression, and Bridget doubted it was because of the rain pounding down on his
head. What exactly had Nora told him about Will?
She wasn’t sure she wanted to know. “Would you mind examining Will’s mother before you and Maeve leave for Boston later today?”
The doctor slid firmly into place. “Is she ill?”
“No. At least she seems well enough.” In fact, now that Bridget thought about it, Esther had glowed with good health this morning in church. “However, she recently suffered what I believe was a bad case of exhaustion. It wouldn’t hurt to make sure she’s as well as she seems.”
“If it’s important to you then—”
“Oh, it is. Very important.”
“Then how can I refuse? Now if that’s all, let’s get you out of the rain.” He took her arm and steered her toward the carriage. This time, Bridget went willingly.
Once the women were settled inside, Flynn shut the door behind her with a firm snap. A moment later the carriage gave a hard jolt then rolled smoothly forward.
Nora chattered happily with Maeve, sharing details about their stay in the boardinghouse and the lovely people they’d met. “Oh,” she said, cutting herself off in midsentence. “I haven’t told you yet. Gavin McCorkle came to visit us this week.”
“Gavin was in Faith Glen?” Maeve’s surprise sounded in her voice. “Were his brothers and Mrs. Fitzwilliam with him?”
“No, he came alone.”
“He came all the way to Faith Glen, by himself?” Maeve asked, wiping a droplet of water off the baby’s blanket.
Bridget joined the conversation, explaining how the boy had stopped by the jailhouse. “According to Gavin,” she added, “Mrs. Fitzwilliam has hired a private detective to locate her missing stepgranddaughter.”
Maeve digested this information, her expression thoughtful. “The widow is certainly a woman of her word.”
“And very determined, too. I predict she’ll locate Mary within the month.”
All three sisters nodded in agreement.
“What I don’t understand—” Maeve sat up straighter “—is how did Gavin end up at the jailhouse? Why didn’t he try the boardinghouse first?”
