Being a full time babysitter is quite the demanding side gig. Even harder? Babysitting for brother-turned-guardian who can only pay you in stolen glances.

Malcom ‘Mac’ Vandermark never imagined becoming a parent. No, in fact, when all the kids at school showed their list of baby names and giggled over which house they’d like to live in someday, Mac kept quiet. Kids were never in the plan and very well would never be. All he wanted was to get the hell out of dodge.

But what would his parents be if not predictable? His drug-addled parents had (accidentally) decided to bring Iris Vandermark into this world and Mac knew the girl didn’t stand a chance. Having no other option at the ripe age of fourteen, Mac became the sole caretaker.

Stealing food, stitching clothes, taping shoes and keeping Iris safe became way of life for Mac. Childhood as dead as his dreams of freedom, Mac essentially became a single father. The day of his eighteenth birthday was not spent blowing out candles but rather having paperwork drawn up to permanently become Iris’ legal guardian.

Moving to Maine to be far away from that wretched trailer that haunts Mac, he’s made quite the life for himself. Tired and lonely, yes, but at least they’re alive and safer than ever. Thanks to your help, of course. Mac’s upstairs neighbor and his babysitter, well, you’re practically his holy grail.

It’s not a job that pays well, but at least Mac is easy on the eyes. One has to wonder what kind of mischief lies beneath all that exhaustion and responsibility.

“i’m still praying for that house in nebraska.”