In their arms, I am home, safe and adored beyond my wildest dreams. And in that moment, I make a silent vow to always see myself through their eyes—radiant, powerful, cherished and infinitely desirable. Their love is the greatest gift, and I will never take it for granted.
How did I reach this point with three handsome men utterly worshiping my body?
If anyone had told me months ago that this would be my reality, I would have called them crazy. And now, with whirlwind sensations overwhelming me, all I can do is surrender to this sublime experience.
Chapter 1
Nancy
The kids cling to my legs, tears streaming down their faces. Kelly’s small hands grip my jeans tightly, and Josh buries his face against my hip. My heart swells with emotion, and I bend down to hug them both.
"Aww, Kelly, Josh, I'm going to miss you guys, too. But you have to live with your mom and dad now." My voice wavers, and I struggle to keep my composure.
Sweet six-year-old Kelly, with her big blue eyes glistening with tears, looks up at me. "I’m never going to forget you, Nancy." Her voice is small and full of conviction, and it squeezes my heart.
Josh, who’s nine and trying so hard to be brave despite his own tears, says, "I’m going to miss all my friends, but I’m going to miss you more, Nancy." He wraps his arms around my neck, and I hear the sincerity in his words.
I touch my chest, feeling a mix of pride and sorrow. These kids have become such a big part of my life. I stroke Josh's hair and give Kelly a gentle squeeze. "I’ll miss you both so much, too. But you’re going to have so many adventures with your mom and dad."
Their parents, Mike and Eleanor, stand a few feet away, watching with a mix of gratitude and sadness. Eleanor finally steps forward, her voice gentle but firm. "Okay, Mike, take them to the car."
Mike nods, gently prying Kelly and Josh from me. Kelly’s grip loosens reluctantly, and Josh gives me one last, tight hug before following his dad. I watch them walk away, my eyes following their every step.
I hope they know how much I love them.
The morning air is crisp, the sun casting long shadows across the driveway. The sound of birds chirping contrasts sharply with the heavy silence between Eleanor and me. The kids’ cries still echo in my ears as I watch them climb into the car, their faces pressed against the windows, waving frantically.
Eleanor stays behind, and I turn to her, still feeling the warmth of the kids' hugs. The driveway is flanked by tall oak trees, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. The garden is in full bloom, colors vibrant against the green lawn. I’ve spent so many mornings here, watching the kids play, teaching them about the flowers.
"Thank you, Nancy," Eleanor says, her voice breaking the silence. "For everything. You’ve been such a big part of their lives."
I nod, my throat tight. "They’re wonderful kids, Eleanor. You and Mike have done a great job with them."
She smiles, but it’s tinged with sadness. "We’re really going to miss you, too. The kids...they adore you."
"I adore them, too," I say, my eyes still on the car as it starts to pull away. "I just want what’s best for them."
Eleanor steps closer, putting a hand on my shoulder. She reaches into her bag and pulls out a wad of cash, pressing it into my hand. “Here, Nancy. It’s five hundred dollars.”
I blink in surprise, my fingers instinctively closing around the money. “Oh, Eleanor, you already paid for my services.”
She shakes her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “No, this is a tip. I cannot thank you enough, Nancy. Since you’ve been taking care of our kids, they’ve been so happy. We’ve been able to talk to them more about their friends, about what’s happening in school. I don’t know how you do it. You must be magic.”
Her words warm me from the inside out. I smile at her, touched by her sincerity. “Thank you so much, Eleanor. You’re a great mom, too.”
Eleanor’s smile falters a bit, and she looks down. “Well, lately, I know we’ve been too busy. We might not have been the best parents.”
I shake my head quickly. “No, not at all. The children never felt neglected. They love you and Mike so much.”
She sighs, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “Well, thank you very much for saying that. We’re headed to my sister’s place now, where we’ll stay until our flight tomorrow.”
I nod, understanding the importance of their departure. They’re starting a new life in a new state because Mike got a new job. I swallow the lump in my throat. “I know it’s a big move for you all. Thank you for your patronage, Eleanor.”
Eleanor reaches out and squeezes my hand. “We’re going to miss you so much. I’ll make sure to leave you a great review.”
“Thanks again, Eleanor,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. I watch as she finally turns and walks toward the car, her steps slow and heavy.
As she gets into the car, I stand there, my hand still warm from her touch. The garden around me seems quieter without the kids' laughter. This place won’t be the same without them.