“So I would become Waylay’s guardian?”
Things were moving so fast. One second, I was getting ready to walk down the aisle. The next, I was suddenly in charge of deciding the future of an eleven-year-old stranger.
Nash swept a hand through his thick hair. “Temporarily. You’re obviously a stable, healthy adult.
“What happens if I don’t?” I hedged.
“Juvenile and Domestic Relations will place Waylay in a foster home. If you’ve got no problems staying in town for a few weeks while we figure things out, the law’s got no issue with Waylay staying with you. If things work out, you can even make it permanent.”
“Okay.” I nervously wiped my hands on the back of my shorts. “What things are we going to be figuring out?” I asked.
“Mainly what your sister is up to and what that means for guardianship.”
“I’m in big trouble. I need money, Naomi.”
I bit my lip. “She called me last night. Said she needed help and wanted me to bring cash. Do you think she’s in actual danger?”
“How about this? You focus on Waylay and let me worry about your sister,” Nash advised.
I appreciated the theory, but in my experience the only way to make sure a mess was cleaned to my satisfaction was to do the cleaning myself.
“Did you bring cash?” Knox asked, his eyes on me.
I looked down at my feet, feeling stupid and embarrassed. I knew better. “I did.”
“She get it?”
I focused on Nash’s fac
e since it was friendlier. “I thought I was being smart. I had half of it in the car and left the other half in my suitcase.”
Nash looked sympathetic. Knox, on the other hand, grumbled something under his breath.
“Well, I guess I’d better get back in there and introduce myself properly to my niece,” I said. “Please keep me posted.”
“You’re not staying here.”
This proclamation came from Knox.
I threw my hands up. “If my presence bothers you that much, why don’t you take an extended vacation?”
If looks could boil blood, mine would have turned to magma.
“You’re not staying here,” he repeated. This time he pointed to the flimsy door with the busted lock.
Oh. That.
“I’m sure I can come up with a solution,” I said brightly. “Chief—”
“Call me Nash,” he insisted again.
Knox looked like he wanted to shove his brother’s head through the already damaged door.
“Nash,” I said, turning up the charm. “Do you know where Waylay and I could stay for a few nights?”
Knox pulled out his phone and glowered at the screen as his thumbs moved aggressively over it.
“I could give you two a ride to Tina’s place. It’s not exactly homey, but she’s a lot less likely to break in and bust up her own stuff,” he offered.