CHAPTER 45: BABYSIT HIM

MARIE "Marie," Taylor began, his voice breaking the silence. He turned to face me, a hesitant smile on his lips that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I was thinking… Would you consider looking after Caleb for a while? Just until things settle down." I straightened up, surprised by his request. Caleb, his five-year-old son, was a sweet, energetic kid. But I wasn't sure I was up to the task with everything going on. "Taylor, I… I don't know if I can," I replied slowly, searching for the right words. "I've got a lot on my plate right now, and I don't know if I'd be able to give him the attention he needs." Taylor sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, a gesture I recognized as a sign of his frustration. "I get that, Marie, I do. It's just… I feel uncomfortable leaving him here. I mean, with Charles and all." He glanced toward the hallway where Charles had disappeared earlier. "I'd feel better if Caleb was at home, where I can watch him too. You know how it is." I nodded, understanding h