Page 3 of Military Daddies' Nanny

The car’s engine starts, and I see Kelly and Josh waving from the back seat. I wave back, a bittersweet smile on my face. They’re such wonderful kids, and they’re going to do great things.

Eleanor gives me one last wave before the car pulls away. I watch until they disappear from view, my heart heavy yet full of hope for their future. They’re starting fresh, and so am I, in a way.

It’s a new beginning for all of us.

Walking back inside, I feel a mixture of emotions. Pride for the impact I’ve had on their lives, sadness at their departure, and gratitude for the experience. I’ve done my best for them, and that’s all I could have hoped for.

I close the door behind me, the soft click echoing in the quiet house. I look around and see the remnants of Kelly and Josh's presence—brightly colored toys scattered here and there, a forgotten drawing on the coffee table. I sigh, my heart heavy.

I really am going to miss those kids.

But life moves on, and so must I, on to the next family. I’ve been running a private babysitting service for two years now. I started it right after I graduated from college.

I had always loved kids and wanted a career where I could make a real impact on their lives. When you add the fact that kids don’t judge, and actually see me for who I am? Now that’s what you call a dream job.

So, I took the plunge and started my own business. It wasn’t easy at first; I remembered the struggles, the long days, and the nights spent worrying if I’d made the right choice.

My house is a reflection of my work. It’s filled with toys, books, and all kinds of child-friendly furniture. Every room holds memories of the children I’ve looked after. Each one leaves a mark, a piece of themselves behind.

Running a private babysitting service means I get to form close bonds with the families I work for. I’m not just a babysitter; I’m part of their lives, their routines, their special moments. It’s fulfilling in a way I never expected.

As I tidy up, picking up toys and putting them away, I reflect on the countless kids I’ve cared for over the years. Each one is different, each family unique. It’s a job that requires patience, creativity, and a lot of love.

And I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

Since I graduated, I’ve dedicated myself to this work. It’s more than just a job. It’s my passion. I’ve seen kids grow, helped them through tough times, and celebrated their successes. It’s a privilege to be a part of their lives.

Looking around, I feel a mix of emotions. I miss Kelly and Josh already, but I know there are other kids out there who need me. I’m ready for my next clients, ready to open my home and heart to them.

This is what I do, and I do it well.

As I work, I decide to call Jamie. She’d called earlier, but I was too busy with the kids to answer. Jamie Long has been my best friend since college, and I know she'll want to hear about my day. She's always so bubbly, and I need that energy right now.

She always knows how to cheer me up.

I dial her number and hold the phone between my ear and shoulder as I gather the toys into a basket. Jamie and I met during our freshman year. I didn’t have many friends in high school, but Jamie and I clicked instantly. She was bold and outgoing, the exact opposite of my quiet, reserved nature.

Sometimes opposites really do attract.

Jamie’s been a true friend from the start. She’s always had my back, even when things got tough. We’ve been through so much together—late-night study sessions, heartbreaks, and countless adventures.

She’s more like a sister than a friend.

Speaking of sisters, one would think I’d be closer to Temple, Jamie’s sister. Temple is quiet like me, and we get along well, but there’s something about Jamie’s wild spirit that just draws me in.

She brings out a side of me I didn’t know I had.

The phone barely rings before she picks up. "Hey, girl! I was trying to call you earlier," Jamie says, her voice bright and full of life. As always, she makes me smile.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I had the kids over," I explain, bending down to pick up a stray stuffed animal. "Kelly and Josh, you know."

"Oh, aren't they leaving the state?" Jamie asks, sounding genuinely curious.

"Yes, they are," I sigh. "Their parents just picked them up. This was the last time I got to see them."

“Oh, I bet you’re going to miss those little rascals,” she says. “You always get so attached to the kids you take care of.”

“Yeah, I do,” I admit. “But it’s all part of the job. And I love it.”

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