“You mean you called my grandma?”
Full lips curved into a smile. “Your former employers speak very highly of your work, and each would hire you back in a heartbeat. You know, it’s not too late to return to them.”
I drummed my fingernails on the armrest and considered the navy and gold paintings on the wall behind him. “Why would I do that when I feel so welcome here?”
Miller leaned his tan forearms on the desk, his searing gaze trained right on me. This was not Miller, my brother’s lifelong best friend, but boardroom Miller. “Here’s my concern. You recently suffered a difficult life experience, and this job is your rebound.”
“Yesterday I was propositioned by Sid, the night manager at the downtown Gasser Up and Go, and I held strong with that rebound option, so I think you can safely assume this job won’t be a rejection response for me either.”
Miller looked about as amused as he had been when teen me had handed him a hot cocoa mid–snowball battle.
“Miller, I wouldn’t have picked up my entire life in Nashville to move back here if I wasn’t serious. As I mentioned in my cover letter, twenty vets a day commit suicide.”
His eyes flashed. “I’m very aware of that statistic.”
I tempered my passionate tone knowing he understood that figure on a personal level. His brother-in-law Jonathan had been one of those terrible numbers. “Equine-assisted therapy can address PTSD in a way other methods cannot. Quite simply, it works.”
“I hope it does.”
“I know it does.” I could feel my face redden and my pulse hitch. “Maybe your assistant could’ve let me know my future boss didn’t want me here.”
“I didn’t say I didn’t want you—”
“Uncle Miller!” As if on cue, a redheaded girl bounced into the office, looking thirteen going on thirty with a sassy crop top, ripped jeans, and makeup applied with a deft hand. A lollipop-crunching smaller child tagged along behind her, clutching a wild-haired Barbie doll. “Oops. Are we interrupting?”
“You know very well you are.” Miller opened his arms to the two girls, and they both tackled him. “I thought you were riding bikes.”
“We came back early,” the older one said, making no pretense of her bold stare in my direction.
Miller kissed the top of her head. “Because you’re nosy. Hattie, these two party crashers are my nieces. The tall one is Ava. She’s twelve and likes boys, manga, shopping, and boys. The short bossy one is Poppy.” He gave one of Poppy’s golden curls a tug. “She’s four and enjoys playing in the mud and reading books. Often at the same time.” Poppy peeked at me from behind Miller’s leg and giggled when he tickled a rib. “Out you go, girls.” Miller walked them to the door and affectionately nudged them into the hall. “Go see if Mamie has some fresh broccoli with your name on it.”
“Uncle Miller,” the youngest squealed.
“Or cookies. Whatever.” He shut his door and returned his attention to me.
“Your sister’s girls?”
“Yes.”
Gone was the jovial mood the children had brought in. If we’d been in a movie, a slow, mournful concerto would’ve played. “How are they doing?”
“Coping.”
“How long has Kayce’s husband been gone now?”
“Two years. I’m not sure Poppy even remembers her dad anymore.” He ran a hand through his already disheveled hair, and eyes heavy with burdens met mine. “Kayce’s still in the Army. She was unexpectedly deployed to Africa four months ago, so the girls are staying with me. She should be back on base in a few weeks, will do reintegration business, then hopefully arrive in Sugar Creek for a visit by the first of October.”
“That must be a lot—for all of you.”
“The girls are still adjusting. Poppy’s in a pre-K program and thriving, while Ava’s enrolled in middle school here and barely speaks to any of us. Kayce’s transitioning out of the military this winter and resettling in Sugar Creek, so once she’s here permanently, things will calm down.” He glanced back toward the door where the sound of laughter drifted. “After a rough weekend, I let them both stay home today.”
“If you want, I could—”
“Leave it.” Miler’s harsh words echoed in the office. “I’m sorry, and I know you mean well. You’re going to meet a lot of people you want to fix, but let’s leave my two nieces off the list.”
“That wasn’t what I was going to offer.” That was exactly what I was going to offer. “I was merely about to say if you ever need a break and want me to take your nieces for some ice cream and girl time, I’d be happy to help.”
He chewed on his bottom lip, watching me closely. “I’ve got it under control, but I’ll call you if a need arises.” Miller’s gaze traveled to a window where sunlight streamed inside. “Your grandmother says you’re looking for a place to rent and interested in the farmhouse on my property.”
