There with You (Adair Family 2)

“Then it’s decided.” Lachlan strode across the room and handed each of us a coffee. “Until you can find something more permanent, I have a server position open at the castle. You can start whenever you want.”

“Really? You trust me to work there?”

My soon-to-be brother-in-law smiled. “I trusted you with my niece and nephew, so I certainly trust you to work at the club.”

It was so similar to what Thane had said only days before that I had to lower my eyes to cover the flinch of pain. Yet if I was staying in Ardnoch, I had to get used to it. I was going to see Thane, Eilidh, and Lewis more than Thane realized at this point.

“Speaking of.” Robyn squeezed my shoulder. “The kids are asking for you. There’s only so long we can tell them you’re sick.”

Sipping my coffee, I moved out of my sister’s embrace and slumped down on the sectional. “Thane expects me to say goodbye to them. And I don’t want to. So … I’m putting it off.”

“My brother doesn’t know you’re staying?”

I shook my head. “He thinks I’m leaving soon, I guess.”

“Then don’t say goodbye.” Lachlan stared at me with a gleam in his eyes. “It’ll only confuse them when you never leave.”

“I’ll need to talk with them soon, though, about not being their nanny anymore. The very thought nauseates me.”

Robyn and Lachlan exchanged a look, and my sister turned to me. “I’ve got an idea … why don’t you get all dolled up for the Hogmanay party at Ardnoch. It’ll be an excellent distraction.”

The thought of pasting a smile on and socializing with movie stars wasn’t as appealing as it might have been six months ago. Plus, Thane would be there.

“Thane’s not coming,” Robyn assured me, as if she’d read my mind. “He’s staying home with the kids.”

“I don’t know.” I still didn’t think I had the energy to be the bright, bubbly, breezy version of myself. However, I also didn’t want to be alone in the house with the objects of my affection a mere stone’s throw away.

Something occurred to me. Directing my question at Lachlan, I asked, “I don’t suppose you need extra servers for this party, do you?”

35

Regan

Lachlan wasted no time putting me on his payroll. With employment came the offer to stay in one of the cabins Lachlan rented to seasonal employees just there for the summer. I knew right away he’d discounted my rent and was affronted I was being coddled again until Regan assured me it was just Lachlan’s way. He was extremely generous with his family, and he’d be offended if I refused the discount.

Every day on the estate, being away from Caelmore, away from Eilidh and Lewis, my uneasiness grew. It wasn’t fair for me to just disappear out of their lives. While I didn’t know what I’d say to them, I finally texted Thane the morning of New Year’s Eve to arrange a time for me to see them. We decided on the third day of the new year at the play park near the school. I didn’t want it to be public, but Thane, for whatever reason, thought it was best. His texts were clipped and no-nonsense. I didn’t recognize him in them. In fact, I hadn’t recognized the Thane I knew and loved since Christmas Day.

Maybe that would make it easier for me to get over him.

Eventually.

* * *

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Robyn asked me for the sixteenth time.

I stared at her, looking more glamorous than I’d ever seen her, in a long-sleeved, formfitting, sheer black dress that came to just above her knees. It was saved from being utterly scandalous by the stunning beadwork. The sequined embroidery created an explosion of golds, silvers, blues, and pinks that looked like fireworks. A perfect New Year’s Eve dress, an incredible work of art that had been a gift from Lachlan. Robyn wore her hair slicked back in a high ponytail that elongated her eyes, making them particularly sultry. Dark gold strappy heels that made her amazing legs look even more spectacular completed the ensemble.

She was a bona fide hottie.

“I’m sure,” I promised, answering her question. “Have I mentioned you look incredible?”

Robyn gave me a sad smile. “You have. And you look super cute in that uniform, but I will ask you again, and it will be the last time: Are you sure you want to work at this party rather than be a guest at it? Because frankly, it’s weird that my baby sister is serving people rather than standing at my side, showing all those Hollywood types what genuine beauty looks like.”

Tears brightened my eyes. “Have I also mentioned how you’re the best friend anyone could ever ask for?”

She smiled and came toward me, her arms outstretched, but I waved her off.