Page 17 of The Widower's Nanny

“Let’s go then.”

Lilly does indeed have names for all ten of the koi in the pond and she introduces me to all of them. Then we feed them some special pellets and help Benjy pull out some of the overgrown plants around the edge of the pond. While we work, Benjy tells us how special they are.

“Koi bring you good luck. They’re a symbol of strength, courage, and perseverance.” He leans close to Lilly. “According to Japaneselegend, koi swim against the strongest currents in search of a special waterfall. Should they find it and successfully ascend the falling water, they will become dragons and fly away.”

Lilly’s eyes grow big. “Dragons? Cool.”

I look at the fish in the pond. “Good thing these guys are safe in the pond. Not a waterfall in sight.”

“But I want them to turn into dragons.”

Benji laughs. “That would be a sight to see.”

We leave Benjy to go have lunch and while we are eating, my phone rings. It’s Preston. I excuse myself and leave the dining room to answer the call.

“Hi.”

“Rachel. How’s it going?”

“Great. We’re eating lunch. We spent the morning at the koi pond. Did you know koi can turn into dragons if they swim up the right waterfall?”

“Actually, I did. Benjy told me that story about twenty years ago.”

“So, he’s been with the family a while too, then.”

“Yes.” He is quiet for a moment. “I want to apologize for this morning.”

“I don’t remember you doing anything to apologize for.”

“I was grumpy. I’m not fond of Mondays.”

“You mentioned that.”

“What’s the plan for the rest of the day?”

“I think we’re going to go swimming this afternoon.”

“Sounds fun. I’ll be at a board meeting.”

“I win.”

“Yes, you do. I’ve got to go. I’ll see you tonight.”

“Have fun at your board meeting.”

“Goodbye, Rachel.”

He ends the call, and I go back to Lilly and my lunch. I give her a smile. “How about a swim after lunch?”

“Yippee!”

We spend the next few weeks in much the same manner. We’d explore the grounds and find something interesting to keep us occupied for a few hours. Then we’d spend the afternoon in the pool. Preston leaves in the mornings in a better mood than he had been on that first Monday, and we all have a pleasant dinner every night. Lilly will spend the meal talking about what we did that day.

I believe Preston is pleased with how things are going and not so against the idea of a nanny anymore. At least I hope so. I hope he likes the job I am doing with Lilly because I sure like taking care of her. She is a sweetheart, with just an occasional outburst when she doesn’t get her way. But she gets over it quick enough. And I like him, too. Handsomeness aside, he is interesting and I like spending time with him.

On a Thursday afternoon, we are at the pool and I am sitting on the edge with my legs in the water, watching Lilly. I’ve been swimming and my hair is in that weird stage of being half dry but a tangled mess from being wet. The last person I want to see me is Preston. So when I hear someone behind me, I am afraid to see who it is.

When Lilly yells, “Daddy!” My worst nightmare comes true. I turn and look up at him.

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