Page 18 of Nanny Crush
I look at the clock on the bedside table and see that it’s already six A.M. With a groan, I push the blankets back and silence the alarm. Standing up, I stretch and yawn before making the bed and then going to the connected bathroom to get ready for the day.
I leave my room at six-thirty on the dot. I go to the kitchen, make a pot of coffee, and get started on putting the kids’ lunches together. I give them both a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a bag of chips, some carrot sticks, some apple slices, a package of gummies, and a juice box. I put everything into their lunch boxes and then put their lunches into their backpacks so they won’t be forgotten.
Once lunch is done, I start on breakfast. I cook a couple slices of bacon and make some fresh pancakes. I add a handful of grapes to their plates and pour them both a glass of orange juice. I put everything on the table and then head upstairs to wake them. Maddy wakes up immediately, but Xander gives me a little trouble. Eventually, both kids are up and at the table, eating their breakfast while I unload the dishwasher and start reloading it for the day. When the kids finish eating, I take them upstairs to dress and to brush their teeth. Xander brushes his teeth on his own, but Maddy needs help.
I lay Xander’s clothes out for him and leave him to change. I help Maddy into some clothes and then I take her back to the bathroom to do her hair.
“How do you want it?” I ask, brushing it free of tangles.
“I want Elsa braid.”
I laugh. “Easy enough.” I French braid her hair and lift her up to the mirror when I finish to see. She smiles wide, giggles, and claps her hands.
“Okay, let’s go get our shoes on and get ready to go.” I hold out my hand and she takes it. I’ve just finished getting Maddy’s jacket on when Xander walks into the room. “Jacket, dude,” I tell him.
He grabs it and puts it on without having to be told again. I hand the kids their backpacks and they pull them on just as Liam walks into the kitchen.
“Whoa, look at you two all put together and ready to go.”
“Sasha made me Elsa, Daddy!” Maddy says, yanking on his pant leg.
He looks down at her with a smile. “I see that! She did a good job, huh?”
She smiles and nods.
“Coffee is already made and there are some pancakes and bacon on the stove if you’re hungry,” I tell him as I grab my purse and keys. “Come on kids. Let’s go.”
On the way to the door, I pick up their booster seats and carry them to the car. I get them strapped in and we’re on our way to school. After dropping them off, I head toward the coffee shop. Kinsley is behind the counter and when she sees me walk in, she smiles.
“Hey there, busy mom,” she jokes.
I laugh. “Ha, ha. I need a latte.”
She nods and gets to work. “So, how’s the new life going?”
I nod. “It’s good. I’m tired, but everything has gone smoothly so far.”
“See, I told you you’d be perfect for the job. What’s it like living with Liam?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. I’ve only seen him a couple of times. He’s always in his office working.”
“How are the kids?”
“They’re pretty well-behaved as long as you keep them busy. They’re kids, you know. They try everything to see what you’ll let them get away with. I’m getting ready to head to the store and get some things to make them a reward chart.”
“Aww, look at you getting all creative.”
I roll my eyes. “Yeah, because nobody has ever thought of a reward chart before,” I joke.
I hand over some money for my coffee and take a sip.
She hands me back my change. “Well, I’m glad to see that it’s all paying off. When can we celebrate?”
“Can’t. I’m on the clock 24/7.”
“What? You don’t even get weekends off?”
“Nope, the kids don’t see their mom. I mean, I can ask for time off, but I don’t think it’s appropriate to do so right now. I just started.”
