Page 35 of The Unconventional Nanny
Ang laughs. "So does that mean when I present it during Willow Creek’s one hundred fiftieth anniversary this year, I'm going to be a cliché?"
My jaw drops. Again. "Wait, you're giving it to the town?" I look back at the masterpiece I would love nothing more than to be a passenger princess in. Not even drive it, but certainly to go for a ride in.
"Well, no, I'm not giving it to the town. But I do plan to drive it in the parade. I haven't exactly decided what I'm doing with it after that, though."
That gives me an idea. "The town should have their own car show." When Ang just continues to look at me, I rush on. "Hear me out. I noticed that every month there's some kind of town event. One of the months it should be a car show."
"How many classic cars do you really think are in town?"
At least he isn't blowing me off. That’s my first thought, but it's not the one I voice. "Probably more than you know. I bet Bee has one hidden somewhere."
That gets a laugh out of Ang. "You might be right."
I probably am. If the diner is any indication, the woman has something from every decade she’s lived. I wouldn't be surprised if she’s secretly a hoarder who likes to bring home stuff she finds on the side of the road.
"At least run it by whoever puts together the events," I encourage him.
I'm not sure who’s in charge of that, or I’d bring it up myself. I should figure that out. Maybe join a committee or two. Especially since it looks like I may be staying longer than I initially planned.
Chapter Seventeen
ANGELO
The fact that Gracie is making plans for the future in Willow Creek makes me very happy. It could be that she planned to stay anyway because of her brother, but I like to think it has more to do with me and the girls.
Call me romantic like that.
"There's an events committee, and I'm on it. Not by choice, mind you," I'm quick to add. I don't need her to think I'm an overachiever or anything. "It's one of those town rules that someone from the founding family must be on every committee the town has."
It's another rule I want so badly to change. I understand tradition, but it's exhausting. And I don't want that responsibility for my girls. I want them free to make their own decisions and not be tied to the town like I am.
"A.K.A.youhave to be on every committee in the town."
Gracie smiles when I roll my eyes and answer, "Exactly."
"So . . . would I have your support?" She tosses me a smirk that screams trouble.
"Maybe," I tease her back.
"I'm taking that as a yes," she sasses, and I can't help but smile at her in return.
I thought it was hard telling the girls no, but it looks like it will be even harder when Gracie uses that upturn of her lips.
"So how long before it's ready?" Her question brings me back from thoughts of her sassy mouth to the reason we’re here.
"A couple of weeks, max. The girls and I usually come at least once or twice a week, but we've been busy the past couple. As long as I get back on track, it’ll be done in plenty of time for the anniversary celebration."
Gracie's focus is back on the truck. "Can I come with you?" she asks in awe, then shakes her head. "I mean, I don't want to intrude on your time with the girls. I know we just talked last night about taking things slow, but I would love to be a part of this. Only if it's okay with them, though. Again, I don't want to step on toes."
I don't know how she's not out of breath after that long ramble. I'm pretty sure it was one long sentence without a single inhale of air.
"I wouldn't have brought you here if I didn't plan on sharing this part of our lives with you."
Her shocked expression reassures me that Gracie understands my meaning when I sayourlives. "But I need to talk to you about something first."
Her smile slips down into a frown. "I can tell by your tone that I'm not going to like this."
No, she's not, but I need to know that when I come clean in a few weeks, she's not going to get mad at me.
