Page 36 of This Heart
I wasn’t sure why, but it bothered me that she assumed Winnie couldn’t use a fork or a spoon. “She uses a spoon and fork just fine. She simply wants to use her hands to eat her tacos. Most likely because I am.”
She nodded. “I’ll work with her on using her fingers less.”
Looking at her, I wasn’t sure what to say. “She’s fine using her hands to eat her tacos, Kim.”
Kim paused before putting her taco into her mouth. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to overstep. If you’re fine with her eating as such, then of course.”
“She’s eating tacos, Kim.”
Laughing, she took a bite, chewed for a few moments, then wiped the corners of her mouth. “I’m so sorry, Liam. Of course. You’re absolutely right, and I did not mean for that to come off as if I thought it was wrong. The other family I worked for was a bit more…oh, how should I say this? Uptight.”
I relaxed, then gave her a tight smile.
“When is everyone supposed to be over?” Kim asked.
I glanced at my watch, then said, “I would think Aurora would be here any second now. She wanted to spend some time with Winnie before she headed to bed.”
“Does Aurora often spend time here? I’m only asking so I know to expect her dropping by to visit.”
With a half-shrug, I replied, “She didn’t for a while after Hope passed, but I don’t think she’ll be dropping in every day. The girls are all planning on taking turns on weekends to watch Winnie, so you have the weekends off like we discussed.”
“I don’t mind working on weekends. I’m used to being a live-in nanny, so it isn’t really an issue.”
Winnie was reaching for her cup, which was just out of reach. I slid it over to her, and she giggled when she grabbed it and took a drink. I didn’t have time to respond to her offer, once again, to be available on the weekends because the doorbell rang and Winnie cried out, “Rora!”
“Should I get it?” Kim asked.
I stood. “If you don’t mind watching her, I’ll get.”
“Sure thing!” Kim said, smiling at Winnie, who shoved more tacos into her mouth.
Glancing over my shoulder, I saw Kim smiling at Winnie. I opened the door to find Aurora and Harper standing there.
“Hello, ladies.”
Harper held up two bags. “We come bearing booze! Pizzas are ordered and will be here at eight.”
“And I brought the movie!” Aurora stated, holding up a DVD.
I stepped back and motioned for the two women to come into the house. They did, and Harper stopped and looked toward the kitchen.
“I smell tacos,” Harper said, her nose up in the air.
“You would be correct. We had them for dinner. I think there might be some left over if you want one.”
With a shake of her head, Harper replied, “I’m saving room for pizza and Aurora’s famous popcorn.”
Looking at Aurora, I raised a brow. “You have a famous popcorn?”
She grinned. “I do.”
“Rora!” Winnie cried out, causing the three of us to turn and see Kim carrying Winnie out from the kitchen. Both women next to me paused for the briefest moment, and I swore a look of hurt passed over Aurora’s face.
“You had dinner with Kim?” Harper asked in a low voice.
“Um, no.”
Turning to look at me, Harper raised her brows. “That’s what it looks like.”
