CHAPTER SIX
Ingram
“I have a job,” I squealed with excitement as I ran into the kitchen at the compound.
I’d already stopped by the shop to tell Ky. He was excited for me but he also seemed a little hesitant. But I knew he wasn’t going to stand in my way even if all he saw was his baby sister when he looked at me.
Cami and Laurel jumped up and ran over to me. Tossing their arms around me at the same time, they shared my excitement.
They were the best girls anyone could have in their lives. I was sure of that. And since I’d met Bridget, Abigail, and Claire briefly, I knew I’d have an amazing support system here.
I was glad I’d come back here.
Home.
Even if I’d been nervous about it, I knew this was where my heart truly belonged.
Chry squealed with excitement from his highchair across the room. I walked over to him and scooped him up in my arms not caring that I was taking him away from his snack. He didn’t seem to care either as he rubbed his little nose on my cheek and threw his arms around my neck.
Cami got me a cup of coffee and we all settled down at the table. Chry reached for the cut up grapes on his tray as I placed him on my lap. As I shifted to move closer to his tray, he snatched up a piece and shoved it into his mouth.
“Tell us all about it,” Cami said with a huge smile. It was almost as if she was as excited as I was. Which, I felt it in my heart.
“It’s this cute little grocery store. All organic and natural stuff. Everyone there is so nice and I’m so happy to get the job. The manager is so relaxed.” I beamed with pride over my newest accomplishment. “The best thing is that they close at six, and the manager assured me that I wouldn’t be there any later than seven.”
I was happy that I’d be able to put Chry to bed every night. That was honestly the best part.
I had been torn about the whole job thing. While Ky and Chris told me that I didn’t need to get one right away, or at all, actually, I felt like I needed to stand on my own two feet. I was so grateful that they’d taken me and Chry in, but at some point, I had to find a way to make a life by myself— or at least be able to help out with my part of the bills and food. I wasn’t their responsibility and neither was Chry. If I didn’t get a job then what had those two years spent away been for?
As much as I loved my big brothers, I knew I couldn’t stay with Chris and Ky forever. They had a life ahead of them and so did I. After all, Ky had proposed to Chris, and that told me that they planned on spending the rest of their lives together. They didn’t need me around making added stress to their happiness. As it was, I knew they were trying to keep their private time quiet. Which, I had a feeling wasn’t really them.
So, I wanted to stand on my feet as much and as quickly as possible. Ky deserved all the good in his life. After all the stuff he’d been through, he deserved it all. Oh, and Chris, he was the best man I’d ever met. He was kind and caring. He had the biggest heart and I was happy that Ky had put his claim on it. Finally.
I truly believed everything was falling into place the way it was supposed to be.
“That sounds perfect for you,” Cami said and her eyes danced with happiness for me.
“What are you going to do with Chry while you’re at work?” Laurel asked and I knew she wasn’t trying to be negative. She was pulling that big sister card, always looking out for everything.
“I need to look into daycares,” I said and even though I knew it was coming, an uneasiness washed through me.
I wasn’t all that sure about strangers watching my sweet baby boy while I worked. I knew it might come to this and there was no way around it. Millions of people did it every day.
When I was at the farm, I had a huge support system. I’d had time to get to know everyone and become comfortable with them before I let Chry alone in their care. They had told me that it probably wouldn’t be that way when I left, so I understood that. Only, now that it was time, I felt this strange pit in my gut.
“I don’t suppose you know of any good ones?” I asked with an odd laugh. They didn’t have kids, and I knew the answer even before it passed my lips.
“We’ll help you out when we can,” Laurel jumped in, her hand landing on my shoulder in a comforting way. “And we’ll also help you research a good daycare, if it comes to that.”
“Thank you,” I said and my head bowed in a thankful manner. It sounded like she wasn’t all that thrilled about the idea either which gave me hope that this all might work out somehow.
“We have your back, Ingram,” Cami added and I relaxed as my head raised to see the smile on her face.
“We have to celebrate this,” Laurel said as her back went straight as a pole with excitement.
“I sent Chris a text message and he said he is cooking me a special dinner,” I told them. “Come. I’ll let him know.”
Laurel and Cami exchanged looks and then nodded to me with happy smiles.
