“Carson, McKenna’s twin brother. But you can call me Mr. Wilder if you’d like.” I untuck one of my arms to shake Dakota’s outstretched hand, chuckling at the way her face scrunches up at my remark.
“Oh my goodness, my apologies. It’s nice to meet you, Carson.” Dakota’s breath hitches as our hands meet—electricity pulses between us. But she quickly breaks the connection, pulling it away as if she’s been burned.
Mack interrupts us when she asks Dakota, “What is your availability for weekends and evenings? I’m on Abbott University’s volleyball team, so I may need the nanny to watch her during games if my parents decide not to bring her.”
“Honestly? I have practically no life. Most of my friends and family live out of state, so I rarely have plans that will conflict with your game or practice schedules. I’m assuming you’re also looking for someone to watch her while you’re in class?”
“Yes! But that’s just two days per week. The rest of the nannying position would come for practice times and games. There may also be the occasional nights where Carson plays that I might want to watch, but the games would be too late for Cadence.”
“That all sounds great.” Then Dakota turns to me and asks, “Do you also play a sport for Abbott?”
“I did last season. I just signed my rookie contract with the Minnesota Wolverines.”
When she continues to stare blankly at me, I smirk and add, “I am a professional hockey player.”
“Oh my gosh, how silly of me. Apologies, I don’t follow any sports aside from football. I don’t have much of a choice there,” she admits bashfully.
Now, my interest is even more piqued. “Why is that?” I ask.
“Well, growing up in Texas, it’s ingrained in our way of life.”
“Ah, so that’s where that slight drawl comes from. I like it.”
Dakota’s cheeks turn the most irresistible shade of crimson.
“Then there’s the fact that my older brother plays football for the Denver Mustangs.”
Wait . . . “Shit, really? What’s his name?”
“Brody Meyer, he plays—”
I cut her off. “Are you kidding me? Brody Meyer, one of the league’s all-time greatest quarterbacks, is your older brother?”
Her cheeks, to my surprise, get even darker with heat.
“My one and only.”
“Hey, Carse, could you go check on Cadence? I think I heard her just now. She might have woken up from her nap,” Mack interrupts.
Without another word, I run from the room to grab my niece from her crib. “I’m coming, Cadey Cat!”
I enter Cadence’s darkened room, and the motion-sensor night-light turns on, illuminating the space just enough for me to see my favorite little girl standing in her crib, making grabby hands at me.
Her wavy blonde hair stands up on end, making her look like baby Einstein.
She can’t quite say my name yet, but she’s getting close. It sounds more like Ca-Ca, which is cool with me. I have the sweetest little niece in the world, and she’s got me completely wrapped around her finger.
“Come here, Cadey Cat. Uncle Car Car is going to change your stinky butt, and then we’re going to woo your new nanny downstairs.”
After I change her diaper, I carry Cadence down the stairs on my hip, humming her favorite song as we go. When we enter the kitchen, her face lights up when she spots her mama.
“What’d we miss?” I raise my left brow. Cadence looks from Mack to Dakota and smiles so big her little dimple pops. Cadence claps her hands together, wiggling her body excitedly in my arms.
“I offered Dakota the position. And I’m hoping she’s about to accept the offer,” Mack announces, looking over at Dakota expectantly.
Just then, Dakota stands up and heads over to me and Cadence. She’s a petite little thing, easily a foot shorter than my six-foot-three frame. She’s wearing a beige crew neck that says “Pemberley est. 1813” with a graphic of an estate on it.
Ah, so she’s a Darcy girl.Dream Girl just keeps checking the boxes.
