"I took the spring semester off to figure out what I want to do."
"I'd appreciate it if you give me notice if you're planning on leaving to go back to school." I had no idea what her program demanded, but I wouldn't stand in the way of her finishing school.
"I'm here for the summer. Then I'll need to make a decision."
I narrowly avoided Lilliana sticking her finger in my mouth. "When did you want to move in?"
Her forehead wrinkled. "As soon as possible, if it's okay. I've been living off the island, and the commute isn't the best."
"Whenever you're ready, I'm happy to help you get settled."
"Thanks, Dalton. You're a lifesaver."
Her words hit me in the chest. No one had needed me or expressed gratitude for anything I'd done for a long time. I'd been so wrapped up in Oakley's drama during her pregnancy, and then Lilliana was here, and I had to adjust to the demands of having a child. I felt like the opposite of dependable. My work ethic suffered because I wanted to be there for my daughter. I had to find a sustainable balance. I'd need to pursue a visitation schedule at some point.
I was afraid of what Oakley might do. She was quick to threaten to take Lilliana away from me. That scared me down to my core. I hadn't shared the full depth of her threats with my family. They'd want to fight back, and I didn't think that was a good idea. As long as I saw Lilliana, that was all that mattered.
"I'm happy that I could offer a solution for you, but you're helping me out more than you know."
She headed toward the front door, grabbing her purse from the side table. "You'll figure this thing out with Oakley."
"I hope so." But I wasn't so sure. I felt like a doormat. Oakley never considered my feelings or schedule when she did anything.
Maybe Blake was right. I needed to set some boundaries. It would be good for me and my daughter.
I was more than a little worried about how Blake would perceive my situation, but she'd been understanding and kind.
Blake tickled the bottom of Lil's bare feet, sending her into a fit of giggles.
"You're good with her."
Blake shrugged. "I love kids."
I opened the door for her.
"I'll text you when I figure everything out. I won't start working for you until I'm moved in."
"That works for me." I'd already talked to Ivy and Cooper about her fees.
"It was very nice to see you again, Dalton. You're a good dad." She walked through the doorway before I could respond.
She thought I was a good dad? That meant something coming from her. She was a psychology student. Surely, she saw things others couldn't.
I was moving in a nanny so I could work. But I wasn't immune to Blake's beauty. She was an attractive woman who'd be living in my home.
I had a feeling Oakley wasn't going to like this new arrangement. But I needed Blake here to deal with her erratic schedule. I needed to prove to my family that I was reliable.
I'd need to keep things professional. My focus was on my daughter, not on the gorgeous nanny I'd just invited to move into my home.
Chapter Two
Blake
Today was move-in day. I was grateful for the room because there weren't many affordable places to rent on the island. Everything was designed for tourists, not graduate students who needed a cheap room.
Thankfully, Ivy had mentioned Dalton's need for a nanny to me. Ivy hadn't wanted a live-in nanny since she only needed me part-time and her relationship with Cooper was new.
But Dalton was very single. I'd seen him at a few family events over the last year, and he'd always been preoccupied with his daughter or the drama surrounding her mother.
