Page 6 of Baby Contract

I do know what he means but I wish I didn’t.

“Coming in,” Errol shouts over the cries as he pushes my door open. “Here, hold the child while I get the bottle ready.”

I take the squirming, squalling bundle that hasn’t seemed to be happy even a single moment since Megan abandoned her. I walk around and jiggle it, trying to tighten the blanket around the flailing arms. Swaddling is a two-person job, but Errol has disappeared to the kitchen. Every scream sends my heart rate through the roof. I grab the phone with one hand and dial.

“Your Home, Our Nanny at your service. What can I do for you?”

“I need a nanny. ASAP,” I yell over the cries.

“Yes, I can hear that you do.”

“I’ll pay whatever so long as you send someone today.”

“I have to do a background check.”

“Please, I’m begging you. I’ll pay enough for you to retire if you send someone right now.”

“Someone will be there in an hour, sir.”

Chapter Four

ADDISON

When I see the agency's number on my phone, I cringe. I was planning to call them later, but given how quickly they are reaching out, I assume Robert has already done so.

I wonder if they'll be upset that I'm not willing to accept this offer. It’s just not a fit, but Robert could throw a temper tantrum, and people with money often get what they want in the end. That would be me getting fired because he couldn't strong-arm me into working for him.

“Addison Parker,” I say, answering the call professionally.

“We have a change of plan. There is another family in need of a nanny now. I need you to get over there ASAP.”

“Okay,” I blurt out quicker than I should. Asking her a few questions may have been a good idea before I agreed, but I'm simply relieved that she isn't questioning me about Remington.

If I could get hired by another family, that would be perfect. It would mean Remington gets turned down but I still get to keep my job. A little luck might be on my side.

“I’ll send you the address over now.”

“And the folder?” I could read over it on the ride over.

“Sorry, I’m away from my desk, but I will when I get back there.”

"All right, are there any additional details you could provide?"

“Name is McRae.”

“You got a first name to go with it?”

“Carr.” Well, crap.

“A wife?” There is no way I’m making the mistake of assuming this time.

“It’s complicated.” I inwardly groan at her response, but it can’t be worse than Robert. I could check it out at the very least. I really have nothing to lose at this point. It’s either the unemployment line or work with this complicated family.

“All right, send me the information when you can.”

“Will do. Address coming over now.”

“Thanks,” I say before ending the call. I copy the address and plug it into my Uber app.

---