9. The Proposal
9
THE PROPOSAL
KENZIE
"What was that?" I stutter, my heart racing a mile a minute. The taste of Everett's lips still lingers on mine, and I can't quite believe what just happened.
One minute, I'm sitting in Millie's, trying to enjoy my first real paycheck lunch, ready to get lost in a book. The next, Paige is there, spewing venom and calling me every name but a child of God. And then... Everett's kissing me like his life depends on it.
My cheeks burn as I remember the feel of his strong hands cupping my face, the way his body pressed against mine. It was... intense . Overwhelming. And now he's standing here, cool as a fucking cucumber, offering me a job?
I shake my head, trying to clear the fog. "I... I don't understand."
Everett's blue eyes lock onto mine, his gaze steady and unwavering. "It's simple, Kenzie. You need a job. I need a nanny. We can help each other out."
My mind whirls. Part of me wants to say yes immediately. The salary he's quoting is more than generous - enough to save up and get out of this town for good. But another part, the part that's been hurt too many times, is screaming at me to run.
"I... I don't know," I hedge, wrapping my arms around myself. "I mean, I appreciate the offer, but..."
I don't know.
The words hang in the air, heavy with indecision. My mind races, weighing the pros and cons of Everett's offer. On the one hand, the money would be life-changing—enough to finally get me out of this godforsaken town and start fresh somewhere far away from the judgment and whispers.
But on the other hand...
I steal a glance at Everett, taking in the hard lines of his face and the intensity in those blue eyes. This man is a force to be reckoned with. That much is clear. And after the way he looked at me at the bus station, I felt like I was lower than dirt. I'm not sure I want to be anywhere near him.
Especially not living under the same roof.
My gaze drifts to the diner's entrance, and I picture Paige's twisted sneer as she hurled those vicious insults. If that's the kind of drama I'd be signing up for by taking this job, maybe it's best to steer clear.
"Kenzie?" Everett's deep voice snaps me out of my thoughts.
I blink, refocusing on him. "Sorry, I was just... thinking."
His brow furrows slightly, and I can practically see the wheels turning in his head. "Look, I know this whole situation is... complicated. But I need help with the girls, and you're good with them. That much is obvious."
A pang of longing tugs at my heart as I think about Harper and Hazel, those sweet little faces that welcomed me so warmly. Being around them had felt... right, in a way I can't quite explain.
But then I remember the way Everett had looked at me, and my resolve hardens.
"I appreciate the offer, Everett, I really do," I say, keeping my tone even. "But I'm not sure taking a job with you is the best idea right now."
His jaw tightens, and for a split second, I think I see a flicker of disappointment in those icy blue eyes. But it's gone before I can be sure.
"Because of what happened at the bus station," he states, not a question.
I nod, suddenly unable to meet his gaze.
"Listen, Kenzie," Everett leans forward, his voice low and intense. "I don't know the whole story with you and Ian, and frankly, it's none of my business. But what I do know is that you didn't deserve to be treated like that."
My head snaps up at his words.
"I was out of line with how I reacted. You're new in town, and I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions."
The apology, however subtle, catches me off guard. Part of me had already written Everett off as just another judgmental small-town asshole. But then his concern for me last week. This man is causing a lot of confusion for me.
I shake my head, letting out a soft, rueful laugh. "You know, for a hot minute there, I was seriously considering just hopping on the next bus out of this place."
A ghost of a smile tugs at the corner of Everett's mouth. "Can't say I'd blame you. Silver Ridge can be... a lot to handle sometimes."
"You don't say," I deadpan, and we share a brief, understanding look.
And this strange sense of connection with Everett resurfaces. Maybe it's because I see him through the eyes of the girls. Or maybe it's because he's one of the few people that has ever stood up for me.
It seems like such a small act, but after the last month in this town, it's huge. And despite my better judgment, I find myself reconsidering his offer.
Because the truth is, I'm running out of options here. The Petersons have been incredibly kind, but I can't impose on their hospitality forever. And while Steph's shop is a godsend, the pay barely covers my basic needs, let alone allows me to save up for a fresh start.
Everett's offer could be the lifeline I've been looking for.
But can I really trust him? Can I let my guard down enough to work for him, to be around his daughters?
My instincts scream no. That I should protect myself and keep moving like I always have.
Yet... something deeper tugs at me, urging me to take a chance. To let someone in, just this once.
I take a deep breath, steeling my nerves. "All right, Everett. I'm listening."
"You'd have your own space in the guest house. Sundays off. Free time when the girls are at school. And most importantly, you'd be away from all this small-town bullshit."
His words paint a tempting picture. No more whispers behind my back. No more judgmental stares. Just me, the girls, and...
Everett .
The thought sends a shiver down my spine. Living under the same roof as him? After that kiss?
Lord, give me strength.
"I don't know," I say again, weaker this time. "It's a lot to process."
Then I hear tires on the gravel. I turn to see Mel's truck pulling into the parking lot, and relief washes over me.
Thank God for small mercies.
Mel hops out, her face etched with concern. "Kenzie! Are you okay? I heard what happened."
I manage a weak smile. "I'm fine, Mel. Just... a little shaken up."
Mel's eyes dart between me and Everett. "What's going on here?"
"Mr. Logan here just offered me a job," I explain, my voice steadier than I feel. "As a live-in nanny for the girls."
Mel's eyebrows shoot up. "Oh? And what do you think about that?"
I bite my lip, torn. "I... I'm not sure. It's a great opportunity, but..."
"But you're worried about what people will say," Mel finishes for me, her voice gentle.
I nod, grateful she understands. "That, and... well, it's complicated."
Mel takes my hand, giving it a squeeze. "Listen, Kenz. You know you always have a place with us at the ranch. But maybe... maybe this could be good for you. A fresh start, you know?"
I look at her, surprised. "You think I should take it?"
She shrugs. "I think you should do what feels right for you. But it could help to give yourself a little distance. And if it's not working, you can always come back."
"Really?"
"Yeah, you know we got your back. But I'm afraid if you hang too close, Imma have to hurt Paige because she's doing the most, and I'm not with that."
Mel and I have been tight since I arrived. I don't know what I would have done without her.
"You're really too good to be true."
"I know, right." She winks, and I shake my head.
Mel’s offer is the safety net I need, and then I turn back to Everett.
"By salary, what do you mean?"
Everett shrugs and quotes a number that makes my knees wobbly.
"Damn. I'm good with kids," Mel offers, stepping forward, and we all chuckle.
"That and I'll need you to commit to staying at least through the year. My folks will be back in town in January .
"Four months?"
Everett nods, and I glance over his shoulder to see the girls waiting with bated breath.
I stare at Everett, my mind racing as I weigh the pros and cons of his offer.
On one hand, the salary he's quoting is more than generous—enough to finally give me the financial security I've been craving for so long. With that kind of money, I could save up and be out of this town by the end of the year, free to start fresh somewhere far away from the judgment and whispers.
But on the other hand, the thought of living under the same roof as Everett Logan gives me pause. He seems to see right through me, stripping away all my defenses until I feel naked and exposed. And after that unexpected kiss at the diner, the tension between us is thick enough to cut with a knife.
I sneak a glance at the girls, who are watching me with hopeful expressions. Harper's eyes are wide and pleading, while Hazel tries her best to look nonchalant—but I can see the way her fingers are crossed behind her back. Bless their hearts, they really want me to say yes.
"Kenzie?" Mel's voice breaks through my thoughts.
I blink, realizing I've been silent for too long. "Sorry, I'm just... trying to wrap my head around all this. "
Everett's gaze is steady, giving nothing away. "Take your time. It's a big decision."
A big decision is right. This could be the fresh start I've been praying for—a chance to get back on my feet and figure out what I really want from life. No more scraping by on minimum wage, no more staying at the shelter or relying on the kindness of the Petersons. I'd have my own space, my own routine. Hell, I could even take some online classes and work towards a degree in early childhood education.
The idea of being paid to take care of the girls, of nurturing and guiding them, fills me with a warmth I haven't felt in a long time. Not since... well, not since Kendrick and I were separated.
But then there's Everett.
Tall, brooding, intense Everett with his penetrating stare and that aura of quiet strength that seems to follow him everywhere. Just being in the same room as him sets my nerves on edge.
And after what happened with Ian... I'm not sure I can handle that kind of vulnerability again.
"Kenzie?" Mel's voice pulls me back to the present. "You, okay?"
I force a smile, hoping it looks more convincing than it feels. "Yeah, I'm good. Just... thinking it all through, you know?"
Mel nods, her expression softening. " Listen, Kenz. I know this is a lot to take in. But maybe... maybe it's a sign, you know? A chance to get your feet under you and figure out what you really want."
I chew my lip, considering her words. She's not wrong—this could be the opportunity I've been waiting for. A stable job, a roof over my head, and the chance to save up and plan my next move without constantly worrying about where my next meal is coming from.
But then there's that nagging voice in the back of my mind, the one that whispers all my deepest fears and insecurities.
What if I'm not cut out for this? What if I screw it up and end up disappointing everyone, just like I always do?
I've made so many bad decisions. I just don't know if my heart can weather through another one.
"I don't know, Mel," I murmur, wrapping my arms around myself. "It's a big risk."
"Life's full of risks, sweetie." Mel reaches out and squeezes my hand, her touch grounding me. "The question is, are you gonna let fear hold you back? Or are you gonna take a chance on something that could be really good for you?"
I swallow hard, my gaze flickering over to Everett. He's watching me intently, his expression unreadable. But there's something in his eyes. Like he wants me to say yes, even if he'll never admit it out loud.
But as terrifying as this opportunity is, it's also a chance to prove something to myself. To show that I'm more than just the sum of my past mistakes and heartbreaks. That I'm strong enough to take control of my own life and create the future I want for myself.
"Okay," I hear myself say. "I'll do it."
Mel grins, giving my hand an excited squeeze. But it's the girls' reactions that really get me—Harper lets out a squeal of delight while Hazel pumps her fist in the air, a triumphant grin spreading across her face.
Everett's eyes widen slightly, as if he didn’t expect me to agree. "You're sure?"
I nod, more confident now. "Yeah. I'm sure."
A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. "All right then. We'll hash out the details tomorrow. For now, let's get the girls home."
As if on cue, Harper and Hazel pop their heads out of the truck window. "Is Miss Kenzie coming with us, Daddy?"
Everett glances at me, a question in his eyes. I hesitate for a moment, then nod.
"Yeah, girls. Miss Kenzie's coming with us."
Their excited cheers bring a genuine smile to my face. Maybe this won't be so bad after all.
As I climb into the truck, Mel catches my eye. "You got this, girl," she mouths, giving me a thumbs up. "And if you have any problems, I'll send Big Bear."
I nod, my heart pounds a little faster, fingers tightening at my sides. What have I gotten myself into?
Everett turns on the engine and glances over at me. "Do you want to grab your things?"
"Yes, if you don't mind."
The drive to the shelter is quiet. The only sound the soft country music playing on the radio and the occasional giggle from the girls in the backseat. I stare out the window, watching the familiar sights of Silver Ridge fade away as we drive through town.
My mind's racing, replaying the events of the night. That kiss... Lord, that kiss. I can still feel the heat of Everett's body against mine, the way his hands cupped my face so gently. It was like something out of a movie, not my real life.
And now here I am, about to move in with him and his girls.
"You okay over there?" Everett's deep voice breaks through my thoughts.
I turn to look at him, taking in his strong profile in the dim light of the dashboard. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... processing, I guess."
He nods, his eyes never leaving the road. "It's a lot, I know. But we'll figure it out."
His confidence should be reassuring, but it just makes me more nervous. How can he be so calm about all this?
"So, um... when do you want me to start?" I ask, trying to focus on the practical details.
"Tomorrow work for you?" he replies, glancing over at me.
I blink, surprised by how quickly this is all happening. "Oh. Yeah, I guess that works."
We lapse into silence again, and I find myself sneaking glances at Everett. The streetlights cast shadows across his face, highlighting the strong line of his jaw, and the slight furrow between his brows.
He's handsome. There's no denying that. But it's more than just his looks. There's something about him that draws me in, even when I know I should keep my distance.
A man is what got me into this situation. And now, it looks like a man might be my only way out.
The truck rumbles down the winding mountain road, the steady rhythm of the engine providing a grounding comfort amid the chaos of my thoughts. I watch the scenery past, trees and rocks merging into a green and brown blur that offers a momentary distraction.
Each twist and turn of the road mirrors the tumultuous emotions roiling inside me— hope, fear, and uncertainty—each vying for their moment in the spotlight.
I’m caught in a whirlwind, still reeling from Everett's kiss, his lips lingering on mine like a promise wrapped in confusion. My heart races, a stark reminder that the stakes are higher than ever.
The girls in the backseat giggle, their laughter a sweet melody that tugs at my heart. Their innocence reminds me of everything I want to provide for them and how, despite my own turmoil, they deserve stability and love.
But as I glance at Everett, his profile illuminated by the soft glow of the dashboard lights, I can't ignore the unease bubbling within me. This man, with his rugged charm and intense gaze, is so different from Ian.
Yet here I am, torn between the past that threatens to define me and the uncertain future he represents.
But all the drama aside, I still can't believe… Everett Logan kissed me.
The memory of his lips on mine replays in my mind. I can still taste the faint hint of coffee on his breath.
Part of me wants to revel in the moment, to let myself get swept up in the fantasy of a man like Everett wanting me. But another part, the part that's been burned too many times before, is screaming at me to guard my heart .
To keep my eyes open. To not be stupid.
I shake my head, trying to clear the fog. Everett is my boss now, for all intents and purposes. And after the disaster with Ian, the last thing I need is to get dragged up into another messy situation.
But what if it's different this time?
The thought drifts through my mind, unbidden. What if Everett is the real deal? A man who sees me for who I really am, not just some fantasy he's built up in my head?
I sneak a glance at him in the driver's seat. His strong jawline is set in a look of determination, his eyes focused on the road ahead. He's all hard lines and quiet strength, a far cry from Ian's easy charm and empty promises.
Don't go there, Kenz. This man is grumpy, divorced, and has kids.
Granted, his kids are amazing. But this all spells… complicated .
Still, I can't deny the spark. I comb my mind, searching for another kiss that even partially compares. But there is none.
Maybe it's just my own desperation talking. After everything that's happened, maybe I'm so starved for affection that I'm reading too much into a simple kiss.
Or maybe it's a sign.
I shake my head again, more forcefully this time. I can't afford to get caught up in maybes and what-ifs. Not when so much is riding on this job.
The girls' laughter filters up from the backseat, and I turn to see them giggling over some private joke, their faces alight with joy. And I smile, wanting that for them, that carefree happiness that comes from feeling safe and loved.
And if taking this job, if living under the same roof as Everett Logan and all the complications that come with it, is what it takes to give them that... well, then, I'll just have to suck it up and deal with it.
I can do this.
I've survived worse than a little awkwardness with my boss.
This is just another challenge, another obstacle to overcome on my journey. And I'm a survivor.
The Energizer Bunny ain't got shit on me .
I turn, hiding my smile, and then I see the ranch up ahead.
I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what's to come. This is my fresh start, my chance to finally get my life on track. I won't let some silly kiss derail me.
Just keep your head down, do your job, and everything will be fine.
The truck comes to a stop, and Everett kills the engine. He turns to me, those blue eyes piercing straight through my resolve .
"Ready?" he asks, his voice a low rumble that sends a shiver down my spine.
I swallow hard, forcing a smile. "As I'll ever be. It won't take me long. I'll be right back."
I climb out of the truck, making my way to the shelter. With each step, I remind myself…
This is about the money. The girls. Nothing else.
I can do this. I have to.
With one last steadying breath, I open the door, leaving that kiss—and all the complications it brings—behind me.
For now.