Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78542 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78542 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
“You could use Stella needing a job as an excuse to bring up Jordyn hiring some help,” Deacon offers.
Ryder points at him. “I knew it would come in handy that Ramsey married a lawyer,” he jokes.
“Not a bad idea, son,” Dad agrees.
“Give me her number.” Ryder pulls his phone out of his pocket, and I do the same as I rattle off her number.
I know it sounds crazy, but I feel a sense of pride knowing that I might have been able to solve another issue for Stella. I couldn’t imagine not having a huge support system and having a baby doing it all on my own. I know that she has her grandparents, but George and Harriette are getting up there in age. George has been talking about retirement since I was old enough to understand what the word meant, and possibly, almost certainly, longer than that.
“I’m sure she’d be interested.” I don’t know Stella well, but Jordyn will be flexible with Ada's childcare hours. This is almost too perfect for what she needs.
“I’m going to go home and talk to my wife, and hand deliver her new employee.” Ryder grins.
“Hey, I should get some kind of finder’s fee or something.”
That causes a chorus of laughter. “How about I don’t tell my wife that you’re interested in Stella, and we’ll call us even?”
“Bro, no deal,” Merrick says. “We all know the ladies in the family know you’re interested.” He’s shaking his head, warning me away from Ryder’s deal.
“I’m not interested,” I remind him. “Can’t a guy help a girl out?”
“Sure, but when you’re both single and she’s hot as fuck.” Merrick freezes and flashes a grin at our dad. “Sorry, Pops, but you know it’s true. Anyway, not when the lady is sexy,” he amends.
Stella is sexy. There’s no denying that. Her platinum blonde hair and those baby blue eyes… and her toned legs? Yeah, she’s sexy.
“See.” Merrick points his index finger at me. “That look. He’s thinking about her right now.”
“Whatever. I’m thinking about her because we’re talking about it.”
“Lies.”
“So, no deal?” Ryder chuckles.
“Get out of here.” I wave him off. His laughter follows him around the house and to his truck.
I stay and talk to the others for a little longer until Mom gets home from the store. Everyone pitches in to help her haul in the groceries before we say our goodbyes and head our separate ways.
In my truck on the way home, I debate about calling Stella and telling her about the job. I really want to, but I know it’s better if I don’t. If she knew that I was involved in any way, she might not take the job, seeing it as a handout. When in reality, it’s something Ryder and Jordyn both need. I might be hard-pressed to get her to believe that.
I fight the urge, knowing it’s for the best. When I make it to the house, Merrick pulls in behind me. I’m about to ask him what the plan is for tonight, but he beats me to it.
“Pizza and chill at home tonight?”
I don’t know if he’s suggesting it because he thinks I’m hung up on Stella, which I’m not. Or because he just wants a quiet night in. In the last year or so, we’ve calmed down on going out as much as we used to. We stay in more or spend time with our brothers and their wives and kids.
“Sounds like a plan. I’ll call it in.”
“I picked up a twelve-pack last night on my way home from work. It’s chilling in the garage fridge.”
“Even better.”
The rest of the night, I make it a point to keep my phone in my pocket. I have to constantly think about not checking it. It’s stupid, but I don’t need to give my brothers any more ammunition to give me shit about Stella when there is nothing going on there.
Am I curious if she’ll accept the job? Absolutely. However, I know it’s best if I stay out of it. I’m certain Jordyn, and even Ryder can convince her to take the job. That means even if she was planning on leaving Willow River, she’s going to stay anyway. This job will get her back on her feet, and she can find her place here.
CHAPTER
SIX
Stella
My eyes are heavy as I stare down at my phone at the balance on my bank account. I wish I could blame the low balance on my tired eyes, but that’s not the case. Unfortunately, the number is real, and it’s decreasing every day. I’ve only been spending money for diapers, wipes, and things Ada needs, the necessities. Even so, those things are expensive.
I sold everything I owned except for my car, my clothes, and all of Ada’s things before moving to Willow River. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to get us here, and I’ve been using it to get by until I find a job. I didn’t expect it to take this long. I’m either not qualified because I have no education or because someone with more experience has been chosen over me. It’s not looking good, and I’m worried I might have to take my grandparents up on their offer to put me to work at the hardware store, even when I know they don’t need the help.