12. Hattie
TWELVE
Hattie
“You’re doing what?!” I exclaim on the phone. This is what I get for picking up the phone, but after Christopher canceled on seeing Ollie today, I went off on him. What could be so important that he canceled on the son he’s dying to get to know?
“We’re buying a house in Sapphire Falls.
You wanted to make sure I was serious about being in Ollie’s life, and I want you to know I am.
I can’t undo the past, but I can fix things moving forward, if I’m living close enough.
So Crystal and I talked it out, and we put an offer on a house in town,” Christopher explains.
“I’m glad to hear you’re serious about making things right and being here, but doesn’t it take time to buy a house? It’s not like you can buy it and have it next week, right?” I ask, pretty sure there’s a process.
“We added a bonus to the offer if they can move out sooner rather than later. It’s a cute house, with a backyard and space for Ollie to have his own bedroom for when—if he visits,” Christopher corrects himself.
I start to freeze, then pace around the horse stable, and I groan internally. He’s moving here, now? I can’t deny Ollie his father, but I thought this would only last a few weeks, and not be a permanent thing. Is it possible that he’s really changed for the better?
“Let’s just see how it goes before we go and tell Ollie,” I say calmly. No use getting his hopes up if the house falls through.
“If this house doesn’t work out, it’s only going to be another one. I already have feelers out for three others in town,” Christopher starts angrily, then pauses. “But fine, I won’t say anything to him.” He sighs.
“Okay, I’m at work so I have to get going. But you’ll be here on Friday?” I ask.
“Yeah, of course,” he says, and I hang up after a polite goodbye.
I want to throw my phone across the barn, but that will do more harm than good.
I wish I could let things with Christopher go, but it feels like I’m fighting against myself these days.
It would be selfish to keep Ollie from his father, especially when he’s turning out to be okay with him.
I groan, and Marshmallow, the white Clydesdale, makes a sound and bumps my shoulder as I pace.
“I know, I know. I should be happy, but I don’t like the thought of leaving Ollie with him,” I say aloud.
Marshmallow shakes her head.
“I know I would still see Ollie. And it makes sense to share Ollie if it’s with his own father,” I say.
Marshmallow neighs.
I stop, looking at her. “Now you know I don’t want to share him. He’s my baby; why should I have to?”
Marshmallow ducks her head down.
“I know, you’re right. It’ll be okay; it’s not like Christopher will replace me or that Ollie will like him better. I’m his mom, but I just wish there was a way to avoid them staying in town.”
After talking a bit more with Marshmallow, I feel better. I know she isn’t really answering me, but it feels like enough for now. I can’t run to Tilly or Lina about this. They’re good listeners, but they haven’t experienced anything like this, and they don’t know what to say.
I know all my options thanks to them, but it seems likely that this is the only thing that really makes sense.
So I get home a little earlier than usual thanks to working on the property. Emmy is sitting on the couch reading a book when I come in. I smile, watching the way she looks up at me behind her dark-rimmed glasses. Her red hair is pulled in a ponytail on the top of her head.
“Hey, how’s it going?” I put my shoes next to the door and drop my work bag on the table.
“Good, Ollie is fast asleep and fed,” Emmy says happily.
“That’s great. Sorry about Christopher not coming today. Was Ollie upset?” I ask. I had to break the news over text after they visited me today. I hated giving bad news and not knowing how someone reacted. Not to mention knowing how much Ollie had been looking forward to it.
“Not really. He mentioned it in passing but changed the subject pretty quickly. Is he coming on Friday?” she asks.
“I think so; it’s a little complicated, but he might be around more often.” I sigh. Emmy must be able to tell that I don’t wanna talk about it, because she changes the subject.
“So, not to burden you, but if you happen to know of anyone renting apartments in town, could you let me know? I might be moving sooner than I anticipated,” Emmy says, and I drop to the couch.
“Is this your way of quitting? Did Ollie do something? Because I thought you were having a great ti—” I start to spiral, panicking at the thought of losing her when even after a few days I can see a difference in our lives.
“No, no! I got an offer on my dad’s house, much more than anticipated, but they insisted on moving in right away. So, if I take it, and I really should, then I’m a tad homeless for the moment,” Emmy explains.
“How long are they giving you to move out?” I ask.
“Five days. Apparently, they’re in a big rush, and there aren’t too many houses for sale in town, so it’s a bit unheard of,” she explains.
My brows smoosh together, and then it hits me: is Christopher trying to buy Emmy’s dad’s house?
What are the chances of that? Probably more than I’d like to admit.
This just has to be a happy coincidence, because no way is this the only house for sale.
I wish I had a second to Google her dad’s house or send a text to Christopher about this pending property.
I have two options: tell Emmy not to take the money, and Christopher would be out of town a little longer.
Or I could keep it to myself and possibly lose my nanny and one-night stand.
I mean, just my nanny; it doesn’t matter that we had a one-night stand. That’s such a weird thing to randomly think. But it would be better for Emmy and Ollie if Christopher got this house, and that matters more than what I want.
Ollie’s happiness does and will always come before mine.
“What if you move in here?” I ask before properly thinking about it, even surprising myself. Have I had too much coffee today or something?
“What?” Emmy’s mouth drops, hanging completely open while she stares at me.
“I know it might be a little crazy, so feel free to say no. I’m coming off twelve hours of talking to animals and myself.”
“My dad used to say it’s only crazy if you answer yourself, so you’re probably fine.” She cracks a lighthearted smile.
I go on, “I just think it would solve everything. Like, you wouldn’t have to rush into some crappy apartment, and it would give you time to look around.
You’d be able to take care of Ollie, and I wouldn’t expect more from you—or anything from you on your days off.
I have a spare bedroom down here we never use.
It seems like a no-brainer.” I shrug, trying to seem more casual about it, but inside I’m bursting with energy; something about Emmy being so close makes me feel electric.
“You don’t think it would be weird? Me living here given our…history?” Emmy asks carefully. She looks at me intently, waiting for me to say something more.
“I mean, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t bring anyone else home while living here. But that’s for Ollie’s sake, not mine,” I lie. The thought of her bringing anyone else home, even if it wasn’t here, sends a fire to my chest. I don’t want to think about her being with anyone else.
“And you don’t think he’d find it weird?” Emmy asks.
“I mean, we’d tell him the truth. You’re looking for somewhere to live; this is temporary, so you can continue working here.
And this is only if you want to do it. Either way, I understand, but you’ve made my life so much easier, and I know Ollie has taken a liking to you.
I’d just like to give you the option before you consider throwing in the towel,” I explain.
“Ollie’s a special kid. I know it’s only been a few days, but I feel attached to him. Not in like a psycho nanny way, but just like I’d miss him if I couldn’t be here anymore.” She sighs.
“That’s sweet. I think he feels the same way about you,” I say.
“Do I ever need to watch Ollie for you to have a night out?” Emmy asks. Her glasses start to slide down her nose, and I try to search her eyes for a hidden meaning.
“No, I barely have enough time to sleep and bathe. I’m definitely not going on dates anytime soon. Our…history, as you put it, is all I’ve had time for in a while. It’s not something I make a habit of,” I admit.
“Oh.” Her voice is quiet, the tension in the air thick between us. “Can I take the night to think everything over? It’s been a lot, and I’m not sure I’m even going to sell the house yet.”
“Of course. Ollie and I are working on homeschooling stuff tomorrow, so you can call or text me anytime.” I smile.
“Perfect. We left you chicken and pasta in the fridge. It’s another family recipe that seems to have passed the Ollie test,” she teases, standing up.
My stomach growls at the thought. “Mmm, thank you so much. You seriously are spoiling me, and I don’t think I’m ready to give that up just yet.” I laugh.
“Have a good night,” Emmy says, grabbing her things.
I make my way to the kitchen and take out the leftovers while I think.
Sure, the guest room has mostly been my office for the last few years, but I wouldn’t mind clearing it out for Emmy.
I rarely do anything in there, and there’s already a bed from when Benny used to stay over.
Emmy would be on a separate floor, giving her space when Ollie is with me.
But she’d be close enough that she can use the kitchen too.
I know it’s crazy inviting the nanny who I hooked up with only a few weeks ago to come live with us.
It is probably the second most spontaneous thing I’ve done in my life; the first gave me my son.
But something about this just seems right.
If Emmy has a place to stay, then she won’t be so stressed about finding a place and might want to stay longer in Sapphire Falls.
I can already see it growing on her from the way she talks about it, but I want to keep that magic going.
Not to mention, Christopher might be the one buying her house, and if he stayed, that would be good for Ollie.
I don’t have to be happy about it, but even I can admit that there is something good to be said about a man who can change.
Maybe it’s him, or his new wife, or maybe he’s just realizing what he’s missing out on.
Either way, I’m glad whatever brought him back is keeping him around—for Ollie’s sake.