Sweet Southern Haven

Baby Sitting

{Noelle’s POV}

I was angry at first.. but I knew that I had just been injured, and I’m still recovering. It was nice of him to let Emmaline stay here with me, but I got a bit distracted from our card game when I looked up and saw Silas lifting his shirt to wipe the sweat on his face away. I ogled him for longer than I feel like I should have, my mouth hanging open, as my eyes scanned over his body. He had abs, which I hadn’t expected.. and his chest and abdomen were hairy.. he was a man in every form of the word. Rippling muscles, tanned skin, the sweat gleaming off his skin had me captivated, until I heard Emmaline shout. “Yes! I win!” She giggled!

I knew she cheated, I’d been too caught up in ogling Silas that I hadn’t taken my turn, but I didn’t care. I laughed, patting her head. “So you did!”

She yawned, stretching her arms up to the sky. “I’m sleepy..” she said, standing up.

“Do you usually take naps around this time?” I asked, cleaning up the cards before putting them away.

She shook her head. “No.. I just didn’t sleep good in the hospital.” She said, jumping up onto the couch.

“Go ahead and rest, I’ll make some hot chocolate for you.” I said, walking into the kitchen. I looked outside, realizing that the sun had begun to sink in the sky. Had it really been that long, Emmaline and I watched tv, and played card games all day I guess.

I was startled when I heard the front door burst open. “Noelle..” Silas said, bolting towards me.

I looked up at him, his face was filled with panic. “What’s wrong Silas?” I asked.

“Listen.. I would never ask this.. but I don’t know what else to do. Mama and Daphne had to go out of town this morning, they’re hours away by now.. and I just got a message from Owen. He took Smokey out to check out the fence line in the woods, Smokey threw him.. and he’s hurt, bad. I have to go find him, can you watch Emmaline, just until I get back!” He muttered.

I walked over, placing my hand on his arm gently. “Silas, I’ve got Emmaline, you go find your brother. I promise you, she’s safe here with me. You have your key, I’ll lock the door, and set the alarms, it’ll be okay.” I said, smiling softly up at him.

“Thank you..” he said, leaning down and kissing my cheek. I don’t think he meant to do it, when he backed away he froze for a second, watching me.

I smiled up at him again. “It’s okay, go find Owen, I’ve got Emmy!” I said, turning and walking to the couch where Emmaline was sitting. “Would you like some steak and potatoes for dinner?” I asked, sitting beside her.

She nodded. “That sounds yummy!” She grinned wide.

I looked over my shoulder at Silas. “Go, I’ve got her, she’s safe with me.” I said.

He nodded, walking over and kissing Emmaline’s head. “I’ll be back as soon as I can be baby, you stay here with Noelle, she’ll take good care of you!” He said, before turning and running out the door.

Emmaline looked up at me, her eyes big, and full of worry. “D-Do you think uncle Owen will be okay?” She asked.

I picked her up in my arms and packed her to the front door, closing and locking it, before turning the alarm on. I walked into the kitchen and sat her down on the barstool at the kitchen island. “I think that your Uncle Owen is a strong guy, and he’s going to be just fine Emmy.” I said, turning and grabbing the steaks from the fridge. I unwrapped them and seasoned them up, laying them aside, while I peeled and diced potatoes. I threw the potatoes in a skillet with some oil, and seasoned them up, then began cooking the steak.

Once everything was done, I plated our food, fixing two extra plates for Silas and Owen. I cut up Emmaline’s steak, and handed her the plate. “Would you like some ketchup for your potatoes?” I asked, opening up the fridge.

She nodded, smiling brightly. “Yes please!” I put some ketchup on her plate, and the two of us ate our food. “This is the best steak ever!” She cheered.

“Really?” I asked. “I’m glad you like it!” Once we were done eating, I washed up the dishes, and wrapped up Owen and Silas’ plates before walking Emmaline to the couch. She had begun to rub her eyes and yawn more, I knew she was getting tired. “Would you like me to read you a story?” I asked, walking to my bookshelf while she got comfy on the couch.

“Yes please!” She smiled, pointing to all of the books. “You have so many books! Do you like to read?” She asked.

I nodded. “I was a teacher before I moved here, and I loved to read.” I smiled, looking through my books. I grabbed a book about a fairy that becomes queen of all the fairies, because of her kind heart, and her helping nature. I wrapped the blanket up around the two of us, and she nuzzled into my side. As I read to her, I watched her eyes grow heavier, and heavier. She began to fall asleep, and soon, so did I. I closed my eyes only for a moment, leaning my head to the side on the couch, and before I knew it, we were both sound asleep.