Page 56 of The Unconventional Nanny
We’re still about a month or so out from it being ready, but most of the remaining work is cosmetic. The bones of the building are in great shape and it shouldn't take long for it to get up and running. Especially now that my crew can work on it full-time without being pulled between two major jobsites.
"Sassy's Pub," she announces proudly. "Where your beer is served with sarcasm."
I toss my head back and laugh at how fitting the name is. When I can finally speak again after a few fitful moments of laughter, I ask, "You're going to steal your sister from me, aren't you?"
"I might," she tells me with a wink. "She would certainly fit in well."
That she would. Her shirts alone would be a hit with the patrons, but put an attitude with it, and she would be a dynamite bartender for a place like this.
"I have a feeling Sassy's Pub is going to fit in great with the townsfolk."
"You think so?" Annie’s eyes cast down and suddenly she doesn't look so sure. "I'm not a local. I'm an outsider coming in and bringing something that’s never been in the town before. Don't you think that might stir up some feelings?"
I'm quick to reassure her. "We never had a security company either, and look how well that was received, and continues to succeed."
Annie doesn't look convinced when she answers. "They’re a hit because the men are sexy."
I raise my brow at her knowing that one of those men is her brother.
"I'm well aware of how good looking my brother is. He's aged like fine wine, which is annoying as hell when you have single friends who like to remind you just how sexy he is. I'm kinda glad he's finally off the market. Now I don't need to listen to it as much."
I'm not sure Owen no longer being single is going to help how people perceive him, but what do I know. I don't even pretend to understand the inner workings of the female mind. I didn't when I was married, and I sure as hell don't now that Gracie is in my life.
Speaking of Gracie. My phone rings and I take it out of my pocket to see her calling. A smile forms on my face as I answer, but it doesn't stay long.
"Ang, you need to come home." Gracie's panicked tone puts me on edge. "Quickly."
"What's wrong? Is Everly okay?"
"She's fine. Everyone is fine. I just need you to come home as soon as possible."
"I'll be right there." I turn on my heel as I hang up the phone. Then I yell over my shoulder to Annie, "Go grab your brother and meet me at my house."
I take off at a dead run. Nothing will stop me from getting to those who mean the world to me.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
GRACIE
I stare down at the dead flowers and the note that came with them.
You're next
There's only one person they can be from, and it's the reason I called Ang in a panic.
Now, Everly and I are playing hide-and-seek in her room until he can get here. I'm not sure if Jeremy is still in the area, so it's better to be safe and keep the little girl busy and hidden if someone were to break in.
"Gracie!" Ang's booming voice echoes throughout the house and has Everly popping out from her hiding spot and screaming, "Daddy!"
I scoop her up and head downstairs, but Ang is already on his way up the stairs and meets us halfway.
"What's going on?" He sounds out of breath, and for a hot second, I wonder if he ran all the way from the pub.
"Kitchen island," is the only response I give him and lead us that way.
When we get to the kitchen, Ang takes one look at the flowers and the note, and hollers, "Son of a bitch!"
"Daddy!" Everly exclaims loudly. "Cuss."
