The Perfect Mistake (The Connovan Chronicles #2)

by Olivia Hayle

I’m on the last page when she speaks again. “I’m sorry,” she says. “For what?” “For being rude. When you first got here.” I smile at her. “Oh honey, that’s okay. I imagine it was hard having nannies come in and out of your life. But I appreciate your apology.” She nods. Sighs a little. “I don’t like nannies. But I like you.” “Thank you.” I settle back on the chair and fight the urge to reach out, to stroke her hair. It’s so rare that she’s this sweet and open with me, and it feels like a gift. “Why don’t you like nannies?” She looks at the edge of her comforter, fingers playing with the fabric. “If we didn’t have a nanny, Dad would be home with us.” she says. “He wouldn’t be able to work.” Ah. My heart breaks a little, hearing the conviction in her voice. I shift closer. “Honey, your dad wants to be with you. Both you and Sam. He’d be here all the time if he could. He just has a lot of other people depending on him, and he likes helping them, too.” “Mm-hmm. I know.” “Have you ever told him this?” She shakes her head. “I think he’d be happy to hear how you feel.” “Yeah.” Her fingers weave into the fringes of her blanket. “And if my mom wasn’t dead, she’d be here too. Dad is alone. I know he has to work.” “Yes, that’s true too,” I say carefully. “Do you miss her?” Willa glances over at me quickly before looking up at the ceiling. “Yes. Sometimes I remember her. Sometimes I think… maybe I don’t?” It’s posed as a question, a bit quick and quiet. “That makes sense to me,” I say...