“What do you mean? I accept help. My aunt watches Carly in the summer when she isn’t in school.” “Anyone else?” Kim had told Susan at church how much Nathan had retreated after his wife’s death, spending more and more time at the farm with his strays. He may be grieving, but his behavior was affecting his daughter, too. He couldn’t be a hermit with someone like Carly, who seemed to love to be around people. “Maggie and her son, Brady, gave me a hand finishing up the repairs to the house,” he replied. “She’s a cousin. Any outsiders?” “Outsiders?” Nathan’s hand raked through his hair and ended up kneading his nape. “Maggie brought some friends with her. I didn’t run them off, if that’s what you think.” “This is your hometown, and since the hurricane you have kept yourself apart from your friends and even your family. Kim told me this morning you called and said you weren’t going on the boat tomorrow for Labor Day. I’m sure Carly would love the boat, and I’m here to make sure you catch up on your chores.
