Page 9 of Nanny for the Cowboy

I stop at the foot of the stairs now that we’ve made the round through the entire main floor. Cocking my head, I study Clover. She’s paying attention to every word I say, and I have to admit that’s a good start.

“He’s got a couple consoles, a Switch and his PS4. I’m sure he’ll want to tell you all about his favorite games, though.”

She smiles, and dammit, it’s like sunshine after a storm. “Can’t wait.”

“But speaking of those chores. We work outside, there are animals to feed and clean up after, and Darby knows what he has to do to help. We wake up early to get it all done. Hope you’re not thinking of sleeping in.”

Clover rolls her lips between her teeth, and I’m too aware of the motion. My throat tightens for a moment, and then I shift my eyes from her stormy blues toward the floor.

“I wake up pretty early for work. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

There’s that word again.Fine. And I can’t help but wonder what it’ll be like when Clover realizes that she’s not, that she’s in way over her head.

Let’s put that to the test, shall we?

“I’ll be expecting your help around the ranch as well. I’m a bit laid up after all. It’s why I need the help. I’ll be expecting you to aid me and Darby in shucking out the muck, graindistribution, dinners and breakfasts, keeping the house tidy, and we’ll need to maintain Darby’s school schedule. He’s in several extracurriculars, including science club and basketball.”

Clover’s eyes go wide as I rattle off all the things that running this house entails. It’s a family and a ranch. It’s not just some kid going to school and back.

You think office work is hard, little one? Ha.

“Oh, well, okay.” She clears her throat, shaking her head. “I’m sure I can handle it. I’ll learn the ropes and get to it. Do you think that?—”

But the words are cut off by the sound of footsteps rushing down the stairs, and suddenly, Darby leaps toward me, fully jumping into the middle of the conversation.

I can only catch him so much, and he immediately gets a stern look as I take a step backward to right myself after the collision.

“Are you trying to break my other arm?” He stares up at me sheepishly. “That’s what I thought. Anyway, Darby, this is Clover. She’ll be the nanny I was talking about.”

He looks over at her, cocking his head in a silent interrogation that only children manage to get away with. After a moment, he sticks out his hand with a grin.

“Hello, Ms. Clover. I’m Darby. It’s nice to meet you.” It’s nice to see that he can at least remember his manners when meeting someone for the first time.

Clover laughs, her expression giving away her surprise at Darby’s handshake. She still takes it, nodding her head at him all the while.

“Well, hello. That’s quite the introduction, Darby. And you can just call me Clover.” Her grin is easy and relaxed, and all I can do is watch the two of them interact with each other. “So, I heard that you and your dad need ahandaround here.”

Eyeing Darby and jutting out her elbow, Clover jokes, and my son snickers under his breath, knowing that I’m unlikely to appreciate the jest at my expense.

“Yeah, for sure. Dad really needs to get his arm fixed. But I’m glad you’re here to help. Where did you come from?” Darby eyes Clover’s clothes as he asks.

“Darby,” I chide, but he just looks at me with his brows up and shrugs.

“It’s alright.” Shaking her head, Clover waves it off. “I’m from New York City, so a long way from the country.”

“The city!” Darby perks up like he’s just been plugged into the outlet, and I roll my eyes, folding my arms across my chest. “I so want to go somewhere like that! I’ve never been out of the state! What’s it like?”

Still smiling, Clover takes a step forward and leans in slightly. My son isn’t as tall as he’s going to be, but even at ten, he’s almost as tall as Clover.

“Oh, okay, well, I’ll admit that the bugs arewaybetter in the city.” Darby grins at that. “Sure, they exist, but oof, they aren’t like this. Also, everywhere is air-conditioned in the summer, and it doesnotget this hot. I’m sweating through my shirt!”

They both giggle, mirroring each other with the slow release of tension from their shoulders and before I know it, the new nanny is talking to my son like they’ve known each other for years.

They chat about TV shows and games, and Clover seems to know quite a bit about them for not being a ten-year-old herself. I’m not sure how I feel about that, but I find myself smiling as I watch them before quickly shaking it away.

This is a business arrangement. It’s not permanent, and neither of us can get attached to the city chick who probably won’t last a day on the ranch.

“So, Dad,” I pull away from my thoughts and eye Darby with a slight smile, “is Clover your girlfriend or something?”

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