A glance told him it was a reply from Elena, the applicant to whom he had just more or less offered the job.Without sitting, he leaned forward and clicked it open.That sounds perfect. Please let me know when and where you would like to meet or if there is anything else you may need from me. I look forward to meeting you and Hannah. ElenaAtlas smiled as he looked over the calendar and sent appointment times back to Elena, letting her know they would meet at his home since she would want to see her new place of employment.He stood and hoped this was going to be beneficial for Hannah, who had always been shy and withdrawn but was even more so after the accident.Atlas prayed this would go well. He only wanted to do what was best for Hannah, and he hoped Nora hair behind her ear, adjusted her blouse, and took a deep breath before knoc was the answer.ELENAElena tucked her blondeking. “Just smile and be yourself,” she muttered before internally chastising herself for talking to hersel

He ran a hand over his face, realizing he needed to do better. He needed to work harder, too, so she had someone she could lean on. Her parents were gone, so he was responsible for making her feel safe."Hudson," Hannah called out to him, giving him a big smile. "Did you see that? I moved my foot. I moved it!"Hannah giggled, looking back at her feet. "I moved it."Tears burned in the back of his eyes. Just a couple of months ago, she was as normal and happy as could be, and now she was so giddy that she could wiggle her toes.Nora looked at him, giving him a gentle smile. She walked over to him, patting him on the shoulder. "She's doing good. This is progress. This is all going in the right direction."Marigold looked back up at him. "What's wrong? Why do you look sad?"He quickly hardened his face and gave her a nod. He didn't need her feeling the emotions he was feeling. She was happy, and he wanted her to stay that way. "Nothing. This is good, Marigold."The PT nurse nodded. "I ag

Elena was it. He would have hired her without the interview, just from seeing how quickly she had moved to save him from being blasted with more baby poop.But Atlas was also nervous.ELENAShe was a little shocked when he offered her the job. Of course, she could tell he had been desperate. Any man would be if he was knee-deep in shit and couldn't get out.But she also had nothing better to do besides accept his offer. Maybe it had been a bit of a joke, but she felt she should be there. It was clear that Atlas needed help."Will you accept the offer?" Atlas asked once more, rocking Marigold himself now. She was half asleep in his arms, her little fingers wrapped around the fabric of his shirt.She couldn't help but smile at them. The man needed help, and she needed the money. The answer was clear, but she wanted to set down some rules."Yes, I accept the job, but I do have some requirements. And if those needs aren't met, I will not accept the job." She was sure it sounded like she w

Quite the contrary. Marigold was a sweet, energetic youngster who kept Elena on her toes. But then there was Atlas, who was there all day while she cared for his kin, stuffing himself inside his office where he kept the door shut like a hibernating grizzly.He would then emerge during meal hours, scarfing down lazy meals until Elena insisted they have dinner together. It was vital for Marigold to know her father rather than just some woman who took over the spot of both parents.His sense of humor made her heart leap. Elena was certainly quick to giggle, but Atlas had such a way with his expressions and delivery that tickled her funny bone. He spoke so dryly, his face deadpan as if he had been practicing comedy for years.During an evening when the air was crisp, they all sat at the dinner table talking about Elena’s time at college and, inevitably, about the strange position Alas had at this supposed Hendrick. She thought it was some kind of gentlemen’s club that he was pulling her l

Finally, after hours of attempts at comfort, little Marigold dozed off in her arms. The adrenaline scorching through Elena’s body had evaporated, leaving her taut and spent. She carefully laid the child in her crib with extra effort to be stealthy.It was only when she snuck out of the bedroom, leaving the door slightly ajar, that she remembered the carnal embrace they’d had in the kitchen.The house was dead quiet. Elena lifted her hand to her lips, running two fingers over their plumpness, trying to summon the memory of his taste. It felt so recent, yet, so long ago. Her entire attention had been on a disturbed Marigold, and then, standing there in the darkness, she remembered how badly she had wanted him.She hadn’t wanted anyone like that in a long time.She sauntered down the hall and stopped at his door. She bit her lip, imagining him in bed, pleasing himself just to keep the naughty thoughts at bay. She wanted to be the thing that pleased him, that felt him tense and release de