Nanny Makes Three

“Or she may take after...my mother. She left the ranch to pursue a career in real estate and rarely visits.” He had no idea what had prompted him to share this about his mother.

“Not everyone is cut out for this life, I suppose.”

Or for motherhood. She’d left her sons in the care of their grandfather and hadn’t returned more than a handful of times during their childhood. Liam knew it had bothered Grandfather that his only child didn’t want anything to do with her family’s legacy. As for how Kyle felt, Liam and his brother rarely discussed her.

“You mentioned that you’re finishing up your degree. What are your plans for after graduation?”

Hadley smiled. “I’ve submitted my résumé to several school districts in Houston. That’s where my parents live.”

“You’re not planning on staying in Royal then?”

“I like it here. My best friend and her husband run an accounting firm in town. I’m just not sure there are enough job opportunities in the area for someone just starting out in my field. And I’m an only child. My parents hate that I live so far away.”

“What sort of a job are you looking for?” Liam found himself wanting to talk her into remaining in the area.

“School counseling. My undergraduate degree is in teaching, but after a couple years, I decided it wasn’t my cup of tea and went back for my master’s.”

“You’re certainly good with children,” Liam said. “Any school would be lucky to have you.”

While they spoke, Hadley had finished eating. She took charge of Maggie, settling her into the nearby infant seat while Liam finished his dinner. He made short work of Candace’s excellent cooking and set both of their plates in the sink.

“Can I interest you in a piece of caramel apple pie? Candace makes the best around.”

“Sure.” Hadley laughed. “I have a weakness for dessert.”

Liam heated both pieces in the microwave and added a scoop of ice cream to each. With Maggie sound asleep, she no longer provided any sort of distraction, and Liam was able to focus his full attention on Hadley.

“I took some video of Electric Slide being worked today. Thought you might be interested in seeing him in action.” He pulled up the footage he’d taken with his phone and extended it her way. “Even though he’s young, I can already tell he has his mother’s work ethic and athleticism. I’d love your opinion on him.”

“You’re the expert,” she reminded him, cupping the phone in her hands.

“Yes, but as I was discussing with my head trainer today, I have too many horses, and I need to figure out which ones I should let go.”

“You’re thinking of selling him?” She looked up from the phone’s screen, her expression concerned.

And with that, Liam knew he’d struck the right chord at last.

* * *

Knowing she shouldn’t care one way or another what Liam did with his horses, Hadley let her gaze be drawn back to the video of the big chestnut colt racing across the arena only to drop his hindquarters and execute a somewhat sloppy sliding stop. His inexperience showed, but she liked his balance and his willingness.

Lolita had been a dream horse. For two years she and Hadley had dominated as barrel racers and scored several championships in the show ring. During that time she’d had several offers to purchase the mare but couldn’t imagine being parted from her.

Until Anna’s accident, when everything changed.

“He’s a nice colt,” she said, making an effort to keep her reply noncommittal. She replayed the video, paying close attention to the horse’s action. He looked so much like his mother. Same three white socks. Same shoulder and hip. Same nose-out gesture when he moved from a lope into a gallop. How many classes had she lost before that little quirk had been addressed?

“Maybe you can give him a try when you come to the barn tomorrow.”

Her stomach tightened as she contemplated how much fun it would be to ride Lolita’s son. But Hadley hadn’t been on a horse in ten years, not since Anna had ended up in a wheelchair. Remorse over her role in what happened to her friend had burdened Hadley for a decade. The only thing that kept her from being overwhelmed by guilt was her vow never to ride again. And that was a small sacrifice compared with what Anna was living with.

“I’m afraid I don’t ride anymore.”

“I’m sure you haven’t lost any of your skills.”

Hadley found dark amusement in his confidence. She was pretty sure any attempt to swing into a saddle would demonstrate just how rusty she was.

“The truth is I don’t want to ride.” She didn’t think Liam would understand her real reason for turning him down.