10. Moving In
10
MOVING IN
EVERETT
Kenzie steps out of the house with a single bag.
My chest tightens. One bag. That's all she's got to her name.
"Ready?" I jump out of the truck and approach her, reaching for the handle of her bag.
"Yeah, I'm all set," she replies, a small smile on her face.
The girls are bouncing in their seats, faces pressed against the window, watching our every move. I didn't give a whole lot of thought to this arrangement, specifically how my girls will handle having another nanny. But judging by the smiles on their faces. They're thrilled.
Kenzie releases the bag, and I'm surprised by how light it is. "This everything?"
She shrugs. "I travel light. "
I nod and open the passenger door for Kenzie. Then, I toss the bag in the back with the girls.
The second she sits inside, the girls start in, and I close the door. But before I round the truck, a hand clamps down on my shoulder. Big Bear.
"A word, son," he rumbles, steering me away from the truck.
I nod, following him. His face is serious, more so than usual.
"Listen here, Everett," he starts, his voice low. "That girl there? She's special. Been through more than most, and she's still standing. You treat her right, you hear me?"
I bristle. "I know how to treat my employees, Big Bear."
He shakes his head. "This ain't about employment. It's about family. Kenzie's become part of ours, and I expect you to remember that."
I glance back at the truck, where Kenzie's laughing at something the girls said. She looks... happy . Relaxed.
"I hear you," I say finally.
Big Bear nods, satisfied. "Good. Now go on, get her settled."
As we walk back, I see Kenzie's eyes mist over. She hops out of the truck and throws her arms around Big Bear.
"Thank you," she whispers. "For everything. "
Big Bear hugs her back, his massive frame dwarfing her. "You take care now, you hear? You're family, Kenz. And if you need anything, you just holler. I have no problem climbing that mountain and thumping some heads."
Kenzie laughs, brushing away her tears. "I don't think that'll be necessary, but hearing it makes my heart full."
They embrace once more and I think about Big Bear's statement.
She's special. Been through more than most, and she's still standing.
I guess that makes four of us.
I watch the exchange, feeling like I'm intruding on something private. The way Kenzie fits into their family. It's... unsettling. Like she's cast some kind of spell over everyone.
Not me, though. I can't afford to fall for her charms. This is about giving the girls a stable home life and getting my team up and running. Nothing more.
The twins scramble out of the truck, wrapping themselves around Big Bear's legs.
"Bye, Uncle Bear!" they chorus.
He chuckles, tugging one's plait and squeezing another's nose. "You two be good now, you hear?"
They nod solemnly, and then each grabs one of Kenzie's hands. The sight of them leading her to the truck hits me in a way I wasn't expecting.
As we pull away, I can't shake the feeling that everything's about to change. And I'm not sure I'm ready for it.
The drive out of town is quiet. I sneak glances at Kenzie. She's gazing out the window, a soft smile on her face. The girls are unusually quiet, too, like they can sense the weight of the moment.
As we approach the gate to my property, I hear Kenzie gasp. It's a small sound, but it speaks volumes.
Harper, ever the perceptive one, pipes up. "You haven't seen anything yet, Miss Kenzie!"
Kenzie peaks back over her shoulder with a smile.
I catch her eye in the mirror and wink. "That's right, peanut. Just wait."
The girls giggle, and some of the tension eases. I punch in the gate code, and we start the climb up the mountain.
This place... it's more than just a house. It's our sanctuary.
Bringing the girls here after Jillian left was the best decision I ever made. I spared no expense in making it a home, a place where we could heal and grow together.
As we round the final bend, the house comes into view. I hear Kenzie's sharp intake of breath .
"Oh my God," she whispers.
Pride that swells within me. It's a beautiful place if I do say so myself. The log cabin-style exterior blends seamlessly with the surrounding forest, and the large windows offer breathtaking views of the mountains.
"Told you," Hazel says smugly from the backseat.
I chuckle, pulling up to the house. Before I can even cut the engine, the girls are scrambling out, tugging Kenzie along with them.
"Come on, Miss Kenzie! We'll show you around!"
Kenzie laughs, letting herself be pulled along. But before she disappears into the house, she turns back to me. Our eyes lock, and for a moment, everything else fades away.
"Thank you," she says softly, her voice full of sincerity.
I swallow hard, caught off guard by the warmth in her eyes. "You're welcome," I manage. "I'll see you for dinner."
She nods, then lets the girls drag her inside. I stand there for a moment, listening to their excited chatter fade as they move deeper into the house.
What the hell have I gotten myself into?
I shake my head, trying to clear it. This is just business. A mutually beneficial arrangement. Nothing more.
But as I head inside to start dinner, I can't shake the feeling that I'm lying to myself.
The house feels different with Kenzie in it. Warmer, somehow. More alive. I can hear the girls' excited voices echoing through the halls as they show her around.
"And this is where we have movie nights!" Harper's voice drifts down the stairs.
"And sometimes forts," Hazel adds.
"Ooh, comfy," Kenzie replies, and I can hear the smile in her voice.
I busy myself in the kitchen, pulling out ingredients for dinner. Spaghetti and meatballs - the girls' favorite. As I work, I can't help but listen to the tour happening upstairs.
"This is your room, Miss Kenzie!" Hazel announces.
There's a pause, then Kenzie's voice, soft and awed. "It's beautiful. Thank you."
I remember setting up that room, making sure it had everything needed. It's not much, but now it's hers. The thought of her having a space of her own here does something to my chest that I'd rather not examine too closely.
The sound of footsteps on the stairs pulls me from my thoughts. Kenzie appears in the doorway, the girls flanking her like tiny bodyguards .
"Hey," she says, a little breathless. "Need any help with dinner?"
I shake my head. "I've got it covered. You girls go get washed up."
The twins scamper off, leaving Kenzie and me alone in the kitchen. The silence stretches between us.
"This place is amazing," she says finally. "I can't believe I get to live here."
I shrug, focusing on stirring the sauce. "It's just a house."
She laughs, the sound light and genuine. "Just a house? Everett, this place is like something out of a dream."
I look up at her then, really look at her. Her eyes are bright, her cheeks flushed with excitement. She looks... at home .
The thought hits me like a punch to the gut. I clear my throat, turning back to the stove.
"Well, I'm glad you like it. The girls seem pretty excited to have you here."
"I'm excited to be here," she says softly. "Thank you again, Everett. For everything."
I nod, not trusting myself to speak. She lingers for a moment longer, then turns to go.
"I'll go make sure the girls actually wash their hands," she says with a laugh.
As she leaves, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. This woman... she's dangerous. Not in the way I'm used to dealing with, but in a way that threatens to upend everything I thought I knew about myself.
I shake my head, focusing on the task at hand. Dinner. Feed the girls. Get through this evening. Then, review the blueprints for Raven V. That's all I need to worry about right now.
I took the girls out to lunch, hoping to get them squared away for a few hours of focused work. We went for a hike, then the park, and ended our outing at Millie's since the girls had such an awesome week.
Never in a million years did I think I'd have Kenzie under my roof tonight.
I freeze at the sound of laughter.
Not a crash. Not "sorry, daddy." Not "ut-ohhh."
But Kenzie's laughter, mixing with the girls' upstairs, fills the house with a warmth I haven't felt in a long time.
I promised myself after the divorce that I was off the market. Jillian's betrayal and subsequent actions ensured I was done with relationships. When she chose her military career over our family, leaving me to raise Hazel and Harper alone, I felt the ground beneath my feet shift.
Every late-night deployment, every missed birthday, and every time she prioritized her duties over our daughters gnawed at my insides. Those memories solidified my conviction to keep my heart locked away, a fortress built on the pain of abandonment.
Until I found myself in marital counseling, I would have pegged myself as a relationship kind of guy. I was the idealistic young soldier who believed in love’s strength, the kind who could conquer anything with the right partner at my side.
My commitment to my family was unwavering, but life had dealt me a brutal hand—one that left me with jagged scars.
All it took was a messy marriage and a messier divorce to make the whole union look unfavorable. The heartbreak left no room for trust, particularly in my heart. The thought of letting another woman in, only to be hurt again, felt like a risk I couldn't afford to take.
But Kenzie is different. She's here for them, not me.
She embodies a nurturing spirit that seems to naturally resonate with my daughters. From the first moment she interacted with Hazel and Harper, something clicked. There's a sincerity in the way she listens to them, a compassion that's clear in her eyes.
It's not just about her role as a nanny; she genuinely cares about their well-being. I may not have been ready to open up my heart to another woman, but I can't ignore the bond Kenzie was forming with the girls or the trust they had in her already.
That's why I let the nanny issue go on as long as I did, even when I felt uncomfortable. I didn't like how each new caretaker unsettled the girls, forcing them to acclimate to a stranger's presence time and time again.
But Kenzie?
She eases their fears, stripping down the walls they’ve built against disappointment. It’s as if she brings the joy they sorely missed when Jillian walked out. I trust her with my girls, who deserve stability and happiness, especially after everything they've been through.
As I listen to Kenzie's laughter filtering through the house, I can almost allow myself to believe that maybe, just maybe, I've found a light in this darkness.
But still, my resolve remains. This is just a business arrangement. A way to ensure Hazel and Harper are looked after while I focus on Raven V missions.
Nothing more, and definitely nothing worth risking my heart over.
I'll remain the consummate bachelor with two amazing daughters. And I'll make sure she's paid well enough to move on to her next destination in January .
The fact that Kenzie is in Silver Ridge for a limited time is just one more confirmation that this is temporary.
She's helping me. I'm helping her.
The sound of running water and giggles floats down from upstairs. Kenzie's got the girls washing up, and from the sounds of it, they're having a blast. It's been a long time since I've heard them laugh like that.
I set the table, and my movements are automatic. Four place settings. It feels... right, somehow. Like this is how it's supposed to be.
"Dinner's ready!" I call up the stairs.
The patter of feet answers me, and soon, the kitchen is filled with chatter and laughter. The girls tumble into their seats, Kenzie following close behind.
"Smells amazing," she says, taking her seat across from me.
Spending time with the girls makes her seem more calm and relaxed.
I grunt in response, serving up the pasta. The girls dig in immediately, sauce smearing their cheeks.
"Girls," I say, my tone warning.
They slow down, sheepish grins on their faces. Kenzie laughs, the sound warming the room.
"It's okay," she says, winking at the twins. "I eat like that sometimes, too."
I raise an eyebrow at her. "That so?"
She meets my gaze, a challenge in her eyes. "What can I say? Good food deserves enthusiasm."
The girls giggle, and I feel the corner of my mouth twitch. Damn it. She's got me smiling now too.
Dinner passes in a blur of conversation and laughter. Kenzie draws the girls out, asking about their day and their favorite subjects in school. She listens intently, and every word they say is the most important thing she's ever heard.
I find myself watching her more than eating. The way she interacts with the girls, it's... natural. Like she's always been here.
"Daddy?" Harper's voice pulls me from my thoughts.
"Yeah, peanut?"
"Can we have ice cream for dessert?"
I hesitate, about to say no, when Kenzie jumps in.
"How about we make some fruit smoothies instead?" she suggests. "I saw some berries in the fridge earlier."
The girls' faces light up, and I find myself nodding. "Sounds good to me."
As Kenzie and the girls bustle around the kitchen, pulling out ingredients and arguing good-naturedly about which fruits to use, I lean back in my chair, taking it all in .
This woman... she's only been here a few hours, and already she's changing things.
It's dangerous, I know. Getting too attached, letting her in too deep. But watching her with the girls, seeing the way they respond to her... it's hard to remember why I was so determined to keep my distance.
The blender whirs to life, drowning out the chatter for a moment. When it stops, Kenzie turns to me, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Want to try it first, boss ?" she asks, holding out a glass.
I take it, my fingers brushing hers. A jolt of electricity shoots through me at the contact, and I quickly pull away.
"Thanks," I mutter, taking a sip.
It's good. Really good. The perfect balance of sweet and tart.
"Well?" Hazel asks, bouncing on her toes.
I nod, swallowing. "It's great, button. Good job."
The girls cheer, high-fiving each other and Kenzie. As they settle in to enjoy their smoothies, I catch Kenzie's eye over the rim of my glass.
She smiles, a soft, genuine thing that hits me right in the chest. I nod back, not trusting myself to speak.
She's going to be trouble. I can feel it in my bones. But watching her with the girls, seeing the way she's already brightening up our lives... I'm starting to think it might be worth it.
As the evening winds down, the girls growing sleepy and full of smoothies, I realize I'm not ready for it to end. Not yet.
"All right, munchkins," I say, standing up. "Time for bed."
They groan in unison, but there's no real fight in it. They're tired, I can tell.
"Can Miss Kenzie tuck us in?" Harper asks, her eyes wide and pleading.
I glance at Kenzie, who nods. "I'd love to, if that's okay with your dad."
I hesitate for a moment, then nod. "Sure. Go on up, girls. We'll be there in a minute."
As they scamper off, I turn to Kenzie. "You don't have to if you don't want to. It's not part of your job description."
She smiles, shaking her head. "I want to. They're great kids, Everett."
"Yeah," I say softly. "They are."
We head upstairs, the sound of the girls' chatter growing louder as we approach their room. Kenzie pauses at the door, looking back at me.
"You coming in?"
I shake my head. "Nah, you go ahead. I'll say goodnight after. "
She nods, then slips into the room. I lean against the wall, listening to the muffled voices inside. Kenzie's laugh mingles with the girls' giggles, and something in my chest tightens.
This feels right. Like this is how it's supposed to be. And that scares the hell out of me.
After a few minutes, Kenzie emerges, closing the door softly behind her. She looks up at me, her eyes soft in the dim hallway light.
"They're ready for you," she says quietly.
I nod, pushing off the wall. "Thanks. For... all of this."
She smiles, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe. "It's my pleasure, Everett. Really."
We stand there for a moment, the silence stretching between us. There's so much I want to say, so much I'm afraid to say.
Finally, I clear my throat. "Well, goodnight then. I'll see you in the morning."
"Goodnight, Everett," she says softly, then turns and heads down the hall to her room.
I can't take my eyes off her as she walks away, her hips swaying gently with each step. I stand rooted to the spot as if I’m balanced on the edge of something massive, something that could change everything I’ve ever known.
With a sigh, I push open the girls' door. They're tucked in, eyes already heavy with sleep.
"Night, Daddy," they mumble in unison.
I kiss each of their foreheads, my heart full. "Night, munchkins. Sweet dreams."
As I close their door, I glance down the hall towards Kenzie's room. The light's still on, a soft glow under the door.
I head to my office, the familiar creak of the floorboards under my feet a stark contrast to the laughter that filled the house earlier. The silence now feels heavy, almost oppressive.
I pull out the blueprints for Raven V headquarters, spreading them across my desk. The crisp paper crinkles under my fingers as I smooth it out. This is it. It's really happening.
I gave Specter the green light. Raven V is a go.
I should be focused, excited even. This is what I've been working towards for months. But my mind keeps drifting back to Kenzie. To her smile, her laugh, and the way she fit so seamlessly into our lives today.
It's just one night , I remind myself. But it counts.
My eyes scan the blueprints, taking in the layout of the command center, the training facilities, and the secure communications hub. But instead of seeing the future of Raven V, all I can picture is Kenzie tucking the girls in, her soft voice drifting down the hallway.
Kenzie. In my house. Right now .
I run a hand through my hair, frustration building. This isn't like me. I don't get distracted. I don't let my guard down.
But today... today was different. The house felt alive again. Warm. Like a home should feel.
I push away from the desk, giving up any pretense of work. My feet carry me to the liquor cabinet almost of their own accord. The smooth glass of the whiskey bottle is cool against my palm as I pour a generous measure.
The first sip burns, grounding me in the present. I close my eyes, savoring the smoky flavor. This is a moment to celebrate, I remind myself.
Raven V is happening. My team, my brothers, we're going to make a difference.
So why does it feel hollow?
I drain the glass, the warmth of the alcohol spreading through my chest. It's been a long day. A good day, but long. Maybe that's all this is. I'm tired and off-balance from the changes.
Tomorrow .
Tomorrow, I'll get back on track. The plans can wait until morning.
I set the empty glass down, the soft clink echoing in the quiet room. As I head for bed, I pause outside Kenzie's door. No light spills from underneath, no sound of movement within.
Is she asleep? Lying awake, thinking about the day like I am?
I move on. It doesn't matter.
But as I climb into my own bed, the sheets cool against my skin, I can't shake the feeling that something has changed. It could be the whiskey.
I guess, time will tell if it's a good thing or not.