Keeping Her (The Lexington Series Book 2) (26 page)

Lucy

Everyone returned home towards the
end of winter break. I had spent some time talking to Sam about when I return
to school. I’m going to wait until September when Dean is almost one. It makes
sense to just wait, I’ll just be a year behind everyone else in graduating but
it’s not that big of a deal to me. It would work out, and in the meantime I’ve
been increasing my art portfolio. Catherine contacted me a couple of weeks ago
inquiring about how things were going with the baby. I told her I was out of
school until next semester and outside of mom duties I was just painting and
storing them and she asked if maybe she could sell some of these pieces. I
liked the idea since it would be like I’m working while I’m out of school and I
could get some exposure. When I told Sam about all of this she brought up the
subject of childcare. I have been thinking about this myself and Landon and I
spoke a bit about it.

I told her honestly that we were both
pretty freaked out by the idea of leaving him with some stranger, and she gave
me the bright idea of hiring someone now. That way it would give the sitter and
Dean sometime to get to know each other as well as Landon and I. They could
also be a help with Max. I won’t be returning to school for another 8 months so
I would be here the entire time to monitor how things are going between them.
And that way if we don’t like the person we have time to find someone new in
time. She told me about her aunt that helped raised her that didn’t live far
from us. She was retired and bored, I was skeptical when I heard the word
retired but she assured me she was in her fifties but had enough money to call
it quits. She really only became a Kindergarten teacher because it was a
passion of hers, she didn’t actually need the money. I agreed to discuss it
with Landon and let her know.

It took some convincing but he
finally relented. He just didn’t like the idea of Dean with anyone but he had
to see reason. I was going to be going back to school eventually and unless he
was planning on taking off next year then we would need to hire someone. The
fact this is someone that raised Sam and she referred her made him more
comfortable with the idea. Had I known that’s what it would’ve taken for him to
relax and get accustomed to the idea I would’ve led the discussion with that.
When I confirmed with Sam, she got back to me same day and said her aunt would
be happy to start next week. I told her to have her come by on Landon’s first
free day from classes, it was important that he was also here to meet her and he
wouldn’t have had it any other way.

We were sitting in the family room playing
with Dean when she arrived. I answered the door and led her into the front
living room which we never used. Landon came in holding Dean and we greeted
her. She didn’t look to be in her fifties, she looked much younger.

I stuck out my hand, “Hello, it’s very
nice to meet you my name is Lucy thank you for coming.”

She took my hand and gave it a firm
shake. “Hello dear I’m Margaret, but if you call me that I’ll take your hide. I
go by Maggie.” She gave me a sweet smile that I couldn’t help but return. She
turned towards Landon and extended her hand, “and you’re the poppa bear Landon
I take it. My Sam didn’t lie you are an eyeful for sure.” Landon’s cheeks
pinked as he shook her hand and I snickered. I believed that she was a constant
in Sam’s life because Maggie’s personality reminded me so much of her. “And
this must be the grandbaby Dean?” she asked referring to the baby.

Landon nodded. “It is. Do you want to
sit?” he offered.

She nodded and took a seat in the
single chair and we sat on the sofa. Landon cradled Dean comfortably in his
arms and then turned his attention to Maggie. “Dean was born on October 30
^th
.
He’s two and a half months and he’s a pretty good baby.” He explained.

Maggie nodded. “Oh dear, I know all
about him. Sam talks about him nonstop, she talks about all of you nonstop. I
wish I could’ve met her little boyfriend Nick as James refers to him and Max.”
my heart warmed at that, I had no idea that Sam and James spoke about us with
her
family as well.

I scooted forward on the couch. “Can
you tell us a bit about yourself?”

“Sure. I have a degree in early
childhood education. I began teaching almost straight away. I taught
Kindergarten and first grade for 25 years and I only retired because there was
funding issues and they needed to let go of teachers. I volunteered since most
teachers although they may love it, depend on it for their livelihood. I didn’t
need the money, I did it out of satisfaction but it was only fair to give up my
spot so someone else can continue to do what they love and be able to support
themselves.” She gave a small shrug. “Now I spend my time doing some volunteer
work and such, but I haven’t really found anything for younger kids. Sam was
talking about you guys and I actually came up with the idea and told her to run
it by you. I would much rather be doing something to help family.”

Landon’s eyebrows went up at the
declaration. He cleared his throat, “how much are you looking for as an hourly
wage?” he asked.

Maggie shot Landon a disapproving
glare and arched an eyebrow. “Excuse me young man? Did you
not
hear me
say that I have more money than to do with? You are Samantha’s children and
although I am not her mother, when she was younger I took on a lot of those
roles for her. While I don’t see you as
grandchildren
…” she shuddered.
“I am extremely too young for that, you’re more like nieces and nephews. I would
not want a penny from you we would both be doing each other a favor. You get to
know more of your extended family and you have us here as
support
not as
employees.
So if you two agree to this, know that I will respect all of
your instructions and wishes in regards to taking care of Dean, however I still
have a belt somewhere and I’m not afraid to use it. And that statement right
there will get you hurt.”

I couldn’t help myself I burst out
laughing. Landon turned his head to me and shot me a glare and I waved him off
with my hand. “Oh don’t you look at me like that Landon, you know it’s damn
funny.”

“You find everything funny girl.” He
said with a pout.

“Only when someone puts you in your
place it’s the best!” I was still cracking up.

“Well there’s no question that you’re
related to Sam. When can you start?” he asked.

I stopped laughing in shock. “Just
like that?” I asked.

He shrugged then nodded. “Yea, why?”
he asked confused.

I scoffed in disbelief. “Have you met
you Landon? You’re a pain in the ass and you
never
make things easy. Can
you honestly blame me for being shocked?”

He rolled his eyes. “Stop being so
dramatic Lucy. Sam suggested her and she’s her family. She trusts her and I
trust Sam. She acts just like Sam it’s scary and I’m kind of anxious for her to
meet Nick if I’m being honest.”

I shook my head and I turned my head
when I heard her laughing. When she caught my eye she shook her head. “I mean,
she talks about you guys all the time and I thought she might have been
exaggerating but it seems like it might all be true. I can be around whenever
you need me. Lucy I know you’ll be around until school kicks off so I can come
by tomorrow. Hell my schedule is free I can stick around here today if you
like.”

I shrugged. “Sure, you can stay if
you like and hang around until Nick gets home and I go to pick up Max so you
can meet them. I can show you around if you like?”

She nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”

I stood up and began walking. “We’re
going to start with this floor and stop in the kitchen I need to figure out
what I’m making for dinner.” She laughed and followed behind me. We spent the
rest of the day getting to know each other and she also got to know Dean. He
took to her immediately which was a huge relief to me because that was another
thing I was worried about. No matter how much we liked a person Dean will need
to also like them. She got to meet Nick and that was better than I had
expected. He fell for her almost immediately. I swear any woman who would fight
with him probably turns him on. He did however inform her that he will not be
the man that cheats on his woman with her family. She found it hilarious when
he began talking about how much in love he and Sam were and how she was looking
to leave James for him. Maggie stayed for dinner and even Max was comfortable
around her, the fact that she got on with the entire family on the first day
made me hopeful that we were right about things working out. Maggie’s
transition was smooth. We began with her spending a few hours a day to half
days. After the first couple of months I let her take over for the most part
while she was here during the day and I spent my time checking in and painting.
Spring came in fast and April was here before you know it. Samantha and James
were traveling out here to visit with some of Samantha’s family. It was
someone’s birthday and they were having a cookout. Sam invited us and we
decided to go.

It was Saturday afternoon and the
weather was perfect. Landon and I rode in his car with Dean and Nick drove with
Max since he wanted to ride in the front. I was nervous about going and I
couldn’t help but wring my hands together in anticipation. What if they didn’t
like us? These people were their actual family. Sure I feel like we are too but
it’s separate and different. For some reason, I began to like the idea of
having an extended family and I didn’t want to get my hopes up for nothing. When
we arrived I was a nervous mess and I was beginning to sweat. I was staring at
the house through my window in wonder and my anxiety went up another notch.

I felt Landon grab my hands. “Lucy
relax.”

I sighed and turned to face him. “I
know, but I’m worried Landon. What if they don’t like us?” I asked.

He shrugged. “Then they don’t like us
Lucy it won’t change anything. Neither Sam nor James are going to separate
themselves from you because of it and I don’t think Maggie will either. As fond
as she is for Dean, I can also see how fond she is of you.” He leaned over and
kissed my temple. “Besides, anyone would be crazy not to like you babe.”

I gave him a small smile and leaned
over to give him a quick peck. “Thank you Landon.”

He nodded. “Ready?” he asked. When I
nodded he got out of the car and came around to my side and opened the door.
After he got me out he got Deans carrier and put him inside. He grabbed my hand
and picked up the carrier and we met Max and Nick in front. Max grabbed my free
hand and Nick led us as we approached the front door.

He rang the bell and the door swung
open. “Nick.” James greeted him and he gave him a half hug in greeting.

“’Sup James, where’s my woman?” he
asked.

James rolled his eyes. “She’s in the
back and keep your hands off of her.” He warned. Nick just smiled at him and
James shook his head. Warning him off is like giving him a personal challenge.
When will my dad ever learn?

“Hey there baby girl.” He greeted me
and gave me a hug and a kiss to my hair.

I moved inside the house and he
pulled Landon into a hug. “Great to see you Landon.”

“You too James.” He told him.

“Max!” he greeted once Landon cleared
the door and Max jumped into his arms. He threw his arms around James neck.

“Hi James, you took foreverrrr to
come visit. Did you bring me anything cool?” he asked and I laughed. Every time
James and Sam came up they bought Max some new toy or game. He looked forward
to it each time.

“You know I did.” He guaranteed and
while keeping Max in his arms he led us out to the back of the house.

There were a lot of people hanging
around and I immediately became uncomfortable. There was a pool out here and a
grill. It was mainly adults but there were some kids running around as well as a
few babies and people that looked around our age. I was expecting to walk in
and become a spectacle. You know, when you’re the odd ball walking into a room
and no one knows you so they all stop and stare to judge you. I was surprised
when no one paid us much attention except for those close to us in passing.
They gave us smiles or offered hellos and the pressure in my chest eased a bit.
James led us over towards Sam who was standing with three other older women. As
soon as Nick spotted her he turned to James.

“There goes my girl, thanks James.”
He said with a smile and walked a little faster, I guess to beat him to her. He
didn’t respond he only shook his head.

“Sexy Sam!” Nick shouted and she spun
around. Now attention was focused on us because Nick was screaming. Leave it to
him to make a scene but then again he didn’t really care about being the center
of attention.

“Nicholas dear.” She said
sarcastically opening up her arms for him.

“Hey lover, how you been? You still
cheating on me with James?” he asked falling into her arms and lifting her off
her feet in a bear hug.

“Oh goodness you big beast.” She
laughed.

“I take that as a yes. I miss you
future wife.” He said and spun her around. She squealed in surprise then
swatted at him to let her down.

“Yes Nick, I miss you too.” She told
him and kissed his cheek. He turned around to face James and grabbed Sam by the
waist pulling her into his side and made a show out of placing a kiss to her
temple in slow motion.