Page 7 of Military Daddies' Nanny

I cross my arms, feeling the familiar defensive walls rising. "And how do you propose we do that, Nathan? You think I don’t want them to be happy?"

Nathan shakes his head, his gaze steady. "Of course you do. But sometimes, it takes more than just discipline. They need to see us happy too, see us enjoying life. They need balance."

Nathan's words leave me feeling exposed, and my defensive armor cracked. I feel a pang of guilt. "You're saying it like it's my fault," I snap, the frustration bubbling over.

Nathan raises an eyebrow, his expression softening. "I'm not blaming you, Drew. I know you're doing your best. But they need more than what we can give them."

The tension eases slightly, but the weight of Nathan’s words lingers. He’s right. They need more. But how do I give them that without losing control? The questions swirl in my mind as I watch the kids in the living room, their quiet cooperation a stark contrast to the childhood they deserve.

My mind drifts back to six years ago when Karen left the country. She walked out on us, leaving me to raise Bella and Jason alone.The memory still feels like a punch to the gut. I had to pull myself together for the kids. My military background helped; discipline and order became our foundation. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.

The early days were the hardest. Bella was only seven, and Jason was three. They needed stability, and I had to provide it. My routine became our anchor. I’d wake up early, make breakfast, get them ready for school, and then head to work. Every day was a battle against chaos, but we managed.

We survived.

Nathan moved in with us shortly after Karen left and quickly became indispensable. His presence provided a sense of normalcy for the kids, balancing my strictness with his gentle nature.

Together, we found a rhythm: he handled the evenings while I focused on the business. We made a good team.

Carlos, whom I met in the military, was also a lifeline. He had saved my life during a mission gone wrong, and his laid-back demeanor and knack for repairs made him a perfect fit for our auto shop.

Carlos treated Bella and Jason like his own, bringing much-needed lightness to our home environment. I don’t know what I’d do without him.

Raising the kids alone was a constant challenge, and I often collapsed into bed exhausted and worried about the future. While I didn’t really miss Karen, I did constantly wonder how life would have been if she’d never left in the first place. I worried about the kids’ happiness and well-being.

Nathan and Carlos were my support system, and we’d often sit in the garage after hours, discussing the kids and the shop, trying to figure out how to make things work.

There were triumphs, too: Bella’s first science fair win, Jason’s steady improvement in school. Each milestone felt like a victory, making up for the absence of their mother.

Balancing work and home life was a tightrope act. The auto shop demanded long hours, and sometimes I felt like I was failing on both fronts. But Nathan and Carlos’s unwavering support kept me going. I couldn’t do this without them.

We specialized in custom builds and repairs, a niche market that kept us busy. I handled the business aspect, Nathan was the master builder with skills honed from his engineering days in the military, and Carlos managed the repairs with a keen eye for detail. We made a good team.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the past six years, I realize how far we’ve come. But Nathan’s words echo in my mind. “They need more.” The truth is hard to swallow, but it’s there. We’ve done our best, but maybe it’s time to think about what’s missing.

Nathan sighs, running a hand through his hair. "What we need is a woman's touch around here."

I frown at this, the idea unsettling me. I haven’t dated since Karen left, too busy with work and raising the kids. The thought of bringing someone new into our lives feels foreign, almost like a betrayal.

Can I even do that?

"I don’t know, Nathan," I say, my voice uncertain. "We’ve managed this long without one."

Nathan leans forward, his expression earnest. "But at what cost, Drew? Look at the kids. They need more than structure and discipline. They need someone who can bring warmth and joy into their lives."

I shift in my seat, the conversation uncomfortable but necessary. "I’ve been thinking about getting some help at home," I say slowly. "Maybe a nanny or something. Someone who can be here when I can’t."

Nathan nods, a small smile forming. "That’s a start, Drew. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Just think about it."

The idea of hiring a nanny feels more manageable and less intimidating than bringing someone new into our personal lives.

The latest business venture has been occupying most of my thoughts lately. A big car company reached out to us, wanting custom engines. It's a huge opportunity, but it also means long hours at the shop and countless meetings to get everything just right. The growth potential is incredible, but so is the stress.

We can’t mess this up.

With the increased workload, the need for help at home has become more pressing. I can't be in two places at once. I’d already been considering hiring someone to ensure Bella and Jason have an adult around when I’m tied up with work.

I’d located a website called "Nancy the Nanny". A site that offered access to a list of nannies in the area had directed me to Nancy. She looked nice enough in her profile picture, notextraordinary but kind and approachable. Her smile seemed genuine, and there was a warmth in her eyes that was hard to miss.

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