"Can't you take them to your place?"
Rune lifted a brow, "no."
"Look, just… they've had a rough few days, and the nanny is obviously fired. Or maybe she's just run away screaming."
Can I join her?
"Anyway, I haven't had a chance to clean anything up yet."
Rune shrugged, pushing the pram through the door. "Later."
"Fudge," I muttered with a sigh knowing exactly how bad my house was. Disaster zone? Nope. More like hazardous waste dump. "Ma's gonna hear about this."
"Boss?" Ian poked his head around the door. "Guy in a fancy ass car just pulled up."
I straightened, reaching for my suit jacket and shrugging it on. "Thanks. I'm on it."
He flashed me a thumbs up then headed out.
Right. If you get through this, get the orders sorted, post an ad for a new foreman shipwright, then get the boys fed, washed and in bed, you can have a beer.
I blew out a breath, running a hand through my hair. "Let's hope this guy is worth it."
An hour and a half later I waved the client off, a signed contract in my hand and a weight off my shoulders. Ian came over, clapping a hand on my shoulder.
"He signed?"
"He signed." I confirmed. "Looks like you guys have a job for at least a few more months."
Ian grinned, his teeth standing out against the red of his beard. "Speaking of jobs, not to add to your load but your sister called."
I froze, "Astrid?"
"Nah, the harpy."
I shuddered, closing my eyes. Liv.
"Did she say what she wanted?"
He shook his head, saw dust puffing out from his hair at the movement. "She don't talk to the likes of me."
That's because she's got a crush on you.
I wasn't one for meddling and he'd figure it out, soon enough.
"Better call her then."
"Aye," he muttered, a little of his native Scot slipping free.
I pulled my mobile free, dialing my sister. She picked up on the first ring.
"Just listen, don't speak," Liv barked.
I braced. Experience had taught me to expect the worst when it came to Liv.
Please not an elopement. I don't want to have to bury your body.
"Rune called, your house is a pig sty. That's fine. I get it. You're a single dad, co-owner of a business, you got nanny problems. Erik, I. Get. It."
