I nodded. "Things have been more manageable lately."
"I wanted to let you know that we're all here for you. Whatever you need."
"You've already done more than enough. You helped me renovate my house and supported me at work when I wasn't able to be present."
Hudson clasped my shoulder. "That's what family is for. We're here for each other, no matter what."
"Thanks, but I hope I won't need you anymore. I want to stand on my own two feet and be someone you can count on again.
"I have no doubt," Hudson said with a smile.
I got into my truck and headed to my jobsite. I used to work alone, but lately I'd been paired with Cooper because I wasn't reliable. I hoped my next project would be a solo one again. I was ready for the added responsibilities.
I felt empowered, as if I could do anything. I could raise a daughter and be a business owner. I could do it all. And it was all because of Blake. I just hoped that she didn't quit and move away when she graduated.
I wasn't sure what I'd do without her, and it had only been a few days.
Throughout the day, she sent me pictures of what she was doing with Lilliana and gave me updates on whether Lil ate or took a nap. It was nice to hear what was going on with their day. It also felt intimate, as if she was Lilliana's mother.
The idea of not being a single parent was enticing. But that wasn't fair to Blake.
She was my nanny and possibly my fake girlfriend. I'd told the attorney to hold off on the paperwork for a few weeks while we transitioned to a pretend relationship.
Blake had been in my life for a while now, so we could say that it had been going on and only accelerated when she moved in with me. It could work.
When I arrived home, Blake greeted me at the door, holding Lilliana, who leaned toward me until I caught her. "It's nice coming home to my girls."
I cuddled Lilliana against my chest and wondered why I'd said girls instead of girl. Maybe it was the messages and images that Blake had shared with me throughout the day or just my overwhelming gratitude for how Blake helped me get my life back.
Things were feeling good, steady even. On some level, it felt too good to be true. Oakley had been too quiet, and Shep was right; she wasn't going to like the fact that Blake was living in my home. She'd strike out. It was just a matter of time.
Chapter Six
Blake
I'd fallen into a nice rhythm with Lilliana and Dalton. He'd get up early, leaving before Lilliana was even awake. And I enjoyed our lazy mornings where we'd read books. Then I'd cook her cheesy eggs, and we'd get dressed.
I'd started painting with her outside on the patio. It was too beautiful to paint inside.
Lilliana preferred using the sponge on the canvas, probably because it was easier for her to hold. When she was done with covering the canvas with paint, I set her up with finger paints on the patio so I could paint for a while.
I'd done the background first, the sky, which was different shades of blues, and today I was going to add the palm trees. These were more difficult, and I knew I'd have to paint many versions before I was happy with the result.
I snapped pictures of my day with Lilliana and sent them to Dalton. I figured he'd enjoy the updates.
After her nap, we went to the park or the library. When we returned, Dalton was usually home. He'd jump in the shower and then cook us dinner while I entertained Lilliana.
It felt very domestic. I'd lived with a lot of different families over the years, but I usually kept a distinct line between us. When the parents were home, I retreated to my room. But with Dalton, I didn't mind watching Lilliana so he could cook, and he always invited me to dinner.
He was the only single parent I'd ever worked for, so I convinced myself it was okay that it was different from my other jobs.
Each day, I grew more attracted to him. There was something about a single dad caring for their child.
Dalton chopped vegetables at the island counter while I played with a tea set on the table with Lilliana. "I want to start working on your bookshelves this weekend."
"You don't need to build me anything." My time here was supposed to be temporary after all.
"I like to build things, and I don't always get to do that at work. Let me do this. Besides, we could use more shelves here. I haven't bought much furniture."
