“I’ve just met up with Declan and Bree today, Dad. I know it’s been a shock to all of us that uncle Rob had five daughters outside of his marriage. But I really like Bree.”
Before her dad could go on about his brother being a disloyal cheat for having a secret family, Ryleigh waved the business card in the air.
“What does this Keenan guy has to do with me being unemployed?”
“He’s looking for a nanny. Tommy’s around the same age as Liv.”
Liv jumped over from her grandfather’s lap to Ryleigh’s and said, “I don’t want you to work for Tommy.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ll miss you. I don’t want you to live with Tommy,” Liv’s bottom lip wobbled as she spoke.
“I’m not going anywhere—”
“Ry, if you’d take this job, you’re supposed to live with Keenan and Tommy full time,” Jessie said.
“No way I’m letting my daughter live with a complete stranger.”
Ryleigh expelled a sigh. “Dad, he’s not a complete stranger. He’s related to—”
“He could be family of the queen of England for all I care. I’m not having it.”
“I think Ry should do it,” her mother said, surprising Ryleigh.
“I mean it. It’s about time Ry does something for herself. With us all now living under the same roof, Liv will be home with one of us whenever Jessie works the night shift.”
Liv giggled when Ryleigh wiggled her knees, shaking Liv on her lap.
“Thanks, Mom. I think this job would be good for me. I love children. You know I’ve been a babysitter throughout high school. This job would give me time to figure out my life and I could save up some money…”
Last night, she’d slept in one of the two bunk beds in the room she shared with her two sisters and niece. She would never admit this to her family, but the idea of spending some time away from this crowded house sounded not so bad.
“Hmm. I know you’d be a great nanny.”
“Not great, Dad. The best.”
Her father smiled at the spunk she reserved for bantering with her family.
“That’s my girl. So you’re really doing this?”
“He still has to hire me, Dad…”
Ryleigh smiled at her father as he waved her objection away. The idea of helping this Keenan guy and putting herself first for once excited her. She stood from the table in search of her phone.