Page 7 of The Widower's Nanny

Lilly giggles and eats a cracker.

The remainder of dinner is a bit awkward. I’m not used to having a complete stranger in my home. And definitely not the attractive, female kind either. But Lilly helps keep the atmosphere light andplayful. When we finish dessert, I ask Rachel to come into my office for a few minutes.

“Of course. Let me get Lilly situated in her room and I’ll be right there.”

I leave the table and head for my office. I need to get a few things straight with Miss Flynn.

The room is less like an office and more like a den or library. The home had belonged to my grandfather and he was an avid reader. He had massive bookshelves on two of the walls and they were still filled with his books. I’d never be able to read them all. But he always claimed he’d read most of them.

Knock Knock.

“Come in.”

The door is partially ajar. She gently pushes it the rest of the way before entering into the room.

“Have a seat.”

She sits on the chair in front of my desk. “Am I in trouble already? I feel really bad about the suspected intruder incident.”

“You’re not in trouble. I just want to talk about a few things.”

“Okay.” She clasps her hands in her lap and cocks her head at me. Once again I notice her auburn hair and angelic face. Her appearance is in contrast to her somewhat feisty attitude. She definitely isn’t intimidated by me.

“My mother might have told you that I’m not completely on board with the thought of having a nanny for Lilly.”

“She did mention you weren’t too happy she had to move back to the city.”

I sigh. “It couldn’t be helped. She has some health issues and we’re a ways out for her to get regular care.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“The other issue I have is the fact that you’re…so young.”

She raises an eyebrow. “I’m not that young.”

“Right. I know. What I meant was…when she mentioned hiring someone for me, I pictured someone older. More…”

“Matronly? A spinster perhaps?”

I can’t help but smile. “Do you really think it’s wise to mock your new boss?”

“I’m sorry. I’m not mocking you. I should’ve said grandmotherly.”

“Yes, more like that.”

She cocks her head again. “Why does it matter? Certainly someone of my young age can better keep up with Lilly’s enthusiasm.”

I point at her. “Fair point.” I lean back in my chair. “I assume Mom went over the schedule and what’s required of you on a daily basis?”

“Yes. Monday through Friday, eight to eight. You like to spend the weekends with her. It’s your one-on-one time.”

“Correct. The weekends are important to me.”

“I’m sure they are.”

“As is the couple of hours between dinner and bath time.”

“I will make myself scarce during that time.”

---