Page 21 of Whisper Sweet Nothings
Winnie
It had beenone week since I’d started working for Archer Chadwick.
I’d gotten a lot of writing done during the day while Melody was at school, and I enjoyed my time with her when I’d pick her up. She and I had a ton of fun when we were together, and she’d helped me make dinners this week. I’d taught her some of my tricks of the trade.
Archer was appreciative of the meals I’d prepared this week, yet he always remained very professional around me. As soon as we’d finish eating, he’d tell Melody to say good night to me, which was my cue to leave. We didn’t spend any time together when she wasn’t around, which was probably very normal for a nanny. This was my first time in a gig like this, so I was following his lead.
I’d make breakfast, and he’d thank me, and then he’d take her to school, and I’d start writing. He wanted that time with his little girl, and I respected that. And then I’d pick her up from school and take her to her riding lessons, or dance class, and we’d come home and get homework done before we’d start dinner.
I’d even made my first friend in Rosewood River.
Wren Waterstone was Melody’s riding instructor, and we’d hit it off immediately. Melody went over to the ranch twice a week, and I loved hanging out and watching her.
Archer had asked me last night if I was certain it was okay if I joined them in Paris, and of course I was more than okay with it.
I mean, it’s Paris. Who wouldn’t be okay with it?
So Wren had invited me today to the Honey Biscuit Café, which my aunt and uncle owned, to join her and her friends for what they called a “boozy book brunch.” She wanted me to meet them, as they were all going to Paris for Archer’s cousin Rafe and his fiancée Lulu’s wedding.
Lulu was in this group, and she was obviously the bride, and the other women were all going as guests.
I was going as the nanny.
But it would still be nice to know them before we traveled together.
She’d asked if I was a reader, and I’d shared that I was an avid reader. She’d inquired about my writing, since obviously Archer had mentioned it to his brother. I’d told her that I was working on a new book, but I was fairly private about my career as a romance author, mostly because it was still new and I was still finding my footing with it, even though the first two books that had released had been more successful than I’d ever imagined.
Thank you, BookTok.
I pulled the door open, and my aunt Edith came walking over and opened her arms before I stepped in for a hug. My aunt and uncle had always been great to me, as my dad and his brother had always been very close. They visited us a couple of times a year, and I’d always looked forward to seeing them.
“It’s so good to see that beautiful face,” Aunt Edith said.
“Now she’s so busy with her new job and working on her book, we’ll barely see her,” Uncle Oscar grouched as he came around the corner and pulled me into a bear hug.
“I saw you both yesterday,” I said, laughing, because I’d come by to have lunch with them.
“Well, we know if we pour on the guilt you’ll keep coming around.” He chuckled.
“I’m happy to keep coming around.”
“Is that ex-husband of yours leaving you alone?” my uncle asked, his tone more serious now.
I sighed. “Yep. The divorce is final, so there’s nothing left to discuss.”
“Good. I never liked him,” he said.
“Stop giving her a hard time. Let her go enjoy brunch with the girls.” Aunt Edith swatted him in the arm before she turned to greet some customers when they walked in.
“All right. They’re in the booth in the back. It’s where they always host their little club meetings,” he grumped as I gave him a kiss on the cheek and made my way to the back of the restaurant.
Wren jumped up when she saw me, and she started the introductions. Wren was gorgeous with long blonde hair, and she also happened to be the eventing world champion. She was retired from competition now and lived with Archer’s brother, Axel, and they were engaged to be married.
“Winnie, this is Henley. She’s married to Easton.” I knew Easton was one of Archer’s cousins, since I’d been filled in on the family tree from Melody. She gave me a hug and squeezed my hands as if we were old friends.
“It’s so great to meet you. We’re absolutely thrilled that Archer found a new nanny, and that you’re coming with us to Paris.”
“Me too,” I gushed.
