Page 14 of Architect's Christmas Nanny

Jillian held out the backpack so Josie could slide her arms into it, and the next thing she knew, the two of them were heading out the front door.

She felt a pang that she didn’t get to go to the school with them and talk with the principal and Josie’s teacher. But she was just a nanny, after all, and soon to be a former nanny.

“We’ll wave from the porch,” Annabelle said kindly. “Come on.”

Jillian let herself be led out front. Though she was dressed warmly in a nice sweater and jeans, she shivered without her coat as they watched and waved when Brad pulled the SUV around. Brad slowed down a little and Josie rolled down the window.

“Bye, Jillian,” Josie yelled, waving back for all she was worth. “Love you.”

“Love you too, Junebug,” Jillian called back to her. “Have the best day ever.”

She knew she should hurry back in, but it was all she could do to watch after the familiar vehicle until it disappeared down the long drive.

It was disorienting to watch them drive away for the day. She didn’t know what to do with the rest of her day without them, let alone the rest of her life. She’d had other plans nine years ago, but none of that even felt real anymore.

When she turned to go back inside, she was surprised to see Annabelle still standing there. She had forgotten that she wasn’t alone. Annabelle studied her, a sympathetic expression on her face as she cradled a coffee mug in her hands.

“So, what are your plans?” Annabelle asked simply after a moment.

“I… I have no idea,” Jillian admitted. “Brad arranged another family for me, but I’m not sure…”

“Oh dear,” Annabelle said. “I just meant, what are your plans for the day? I was wondering if you might like to join me and a few of my friends for coffee in town?”

Well, at least her future was settled for the next few hours, which was better than nothing. Maybe talking with some people outside her circle would be helpful. And some coffee did sound pretty good.

5

BRAD

Brad pulled up in front of Trinity Falls Elementary School with that familiar sense of excitement filling him, as if he were still a small boy excited to run onto the playground and join his friends.

“What if I’m nervous every day?” Josie asked suddenly from the back seat, pulling him into the present.

“You?” Brad teased her. “You make friends wherever you go. I’m not a bit worried. This time tomorrow, you’ll be flying out of the car, and you won’t even have a second to say goodbye to your old dad.”

She didn’t reply, which was out of character. He frowned as he got her out and checked that she had her backpack. It was awfully cold out for early December. A frigid breeze seemed to move right through him, jacket and all, and he was glad he’d gotten Josie a hat she loved, so he knew she would wear it at recess.

“I don’t want to go in,” Josie said flatly when he had her settled on the sidewalk with all her stuff.

“Did eating all those pancakes make you too sleepy for school?” he teased, trying to get a smile out of her.

“We were happy in the city,” Josie said, not taking the bait. “We had a good thing going with my school there, and Jillian, and your work. Why are we even doing this?”

“You love Trinity Falls,” Brad said, feeling completely confused. “Our family is here, and we have the whole homestead to explore and enjoy. I don’t understand, Josie. I thought this was what you wanted. It was all you talked about when you came home after the holidays last year.”

“I’m going to be late,” she said sadly, before turning on her heel and marching off to the school he had loved so much as if she were going to prison.

He jogged after her, worry clouding his mind. Maybe this hadn’t been a good idea after all. Maybe he should have stayed with the firm in the city.

At least I didn’t sell the penthouse yet…

“Bradley Williams,” a familiar voice said.

He looked up and into the warm gaze of Principal Tucker, who was smiling at him fondly.

“Hi,” he said, trying desperately to pull himself together. “It’s great to see you, Principal Tucker. This is my daughter, Josie.”

“It’s lovely to meet you, Josephine,” the principal said, turning to Josie.

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