Martin Wesley’s job as a CFO is very stressful. All he seems to do lately is work, with no end in sight. But one morning he answers a knock on his door and comes face to face with a social worker and a sad little girl named Samantha Wesley ... his niece. Martin is her only next of kin, and he has no idea what to do.<br><br>In steps daycare worker Ryan Gentles, who is very understanding and helpful, and Martin is beyond grateful. It doesn't hurt that the man is cute as a button, too.<br><br>With his heart pulled in two directions, Martin has to make a choice: continue to be a pawn in his company's games or find a new purpose by taking care of his niece, quitting his job, and reaching out for a love he never thought possible.

Because of Sam

Fifteen minutes later, after Sam was dressed, bathroom needs taken care of, and teeth brushed, she followed me into the kitchen. “How about pancakes for breakfast?” I asked as I dug around for ingredients. I hoped they weren’t moldy.


“With butter,” Sam added, her pronunciation of butter—bubber—was adorable.


“I think I can do that,” I replied. I made two small pancakes to see how much she could eat. I happened to have some plastic forks leftover from takeout that she could use. I needed to buy child-sized utensils today.


Once I cut up the pancakes into more manageable pieces and smeared everything with bubber, I set the food before Sam. She picked up the fork and said, “Thank you, Unka Martin,” before diving in.


“You’re welcome, sweetheart,” I said, and tucked into my own meal.


We were ready to go at seven thirty. Sam went to get some things she just had to take with her to daycare, and I gathered my laptop and briefcase. Then we were off.


Chapter 9