Page 11 of Military Daddies' Nanny

Chapter 4

Nathan

"These schematics look fantastic, Nate," Carlos' voice crackles through my laptop speakers. "With the new catalytic converter design, we should be able to boost power output by at least twenty percent."

I nod, though the pride I would normally feel at his praise is muted. Designing high-performance engines was once my life's work—my purpose. But ever since I left the military, it's become more of a hollow exercise.

"Yeah, it's a solid build," I reply, unable to muster much enthusiasm.

"Though it pales in comparison to some of the blueprints you drew up back in service," he replies, echoing my own thoughts.

An awkward silence falls between us as I’m thrown back to the violence of war. Carlos grimaces, as if regretting his blunt words. He has always known how sensitive I am about the more violent aspects of our time serving our country.

While he reveled in the adrenaline and machismo of combat, I found myself increasingly disturbed by the destruction I enabled with my engineering skills.

"Well, that's all in the past now, brother," Carlos says, his gaze sympathetic. "We're building dreams these days, not weapons."

I offer a tight smile, his reassurance doing little to dull the ache of guilt that still lingers from those days. How many lives were lost because of the technologies I designed? The ever-present “what ifs” haunt me. It’s an emotional wound that never quite heals.

The crunch of tires on gravel filters through my open bedroom window, indicating Drew's return. I tilt my head, catching the faint murmur of a woman's voice alongside my brother's deeper timbre.

"Hey, I think Drew's back with the nanny candidate," I say, rising from my chair. "He mentioned something about looking for someone to help out with the kids and that his candidate was coming by today. I'm gonna go check it out."

"Ooh la la. Tell me if she's a hotsenorita!" Carlos hoots, waggling his eyebrows lecherously.

I roll my eyes at his crassness, a nostalgic pang tugging at my heart.

Even now, years after we transitioned to civilian life, Carlos still clings to the same macho bravado that made him such an intimidating soldier. I've always envied his ability to separate work from life, to shrug off the moral burden that weighs me down.

"You're impossible," I chuckle, shaking my head. "I'll catch you later, man."

Closing my laptop, I head downstairs, following the sound of voices. I pause in the living room entrance, taking in the scene before me.

Drew stands in the foyer, a young woman across from him. She can't be more than twenty-five, with wavy brown hair framing a soft, pretty face. Though she's just a few inches over five feet, her curves give her an undeniably feminine shape that my male gaze can't help but linger on appreciatively.

Beside her, Bella and Jason regard her with cautious curiosity, no doubt sizing up this potential new addition to our household.

My brow furrows as I take in their overly serious expressions. When did they become so solemn, so withdrawn? They're just kids, for God's sake.

The woman's gaze lands on me, her eyes widening almost imperceptibly. I feel heat rush to my face as I'm caught staring. Offering her a sheepish grin, I push off from the door frame and approach.

"You must be Nancy," I say, extending my hand. "I'm Nathan, Drew's brother."

She takes my hand, her grip firm and confident despite her diminutive size. "It's nice to meet you," she replies, a hint of breathiness in her soft voice.

Drew clears his throat loudly, drawing my attention. His jaw is clenched, eyes narrowed infinitesimally as he watches our interaction. I bite back a smirk. He clearly likes her.

"I'll leave you all to get acquainted," I say innocently, stepping back. "Let me know if you need anything."

I brush past Drew, allowing my shoulder to connect with his in a subtle jostle. He shoots me a quelling glare, but I just grin back at him impishly.

As I return to my room, I find myself replaying the moment Nancy looked at me in my mind's eye. There was a flash of something in her gaze, a spark that hinted at a warmth and vitality so often lacking around here. I've seen that look before from women who found me attractive.

Could she really be interested? In me?

The thought is almost laughable, yet I can't seem to dismiss it entirely. It's been so long since I've had that kind of connection with someone, that simple, uncomplicated spark of mutual attraction.Not since Jessie…

My smile falters as the memories threaten to overwhelm me. Jessie was the first—and only—woman I ever truly loved. My college sweetheart, she filled my life with joy and laughter, chasing away the shadows that haunted me even then. I thought we'd spend forever together.

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