Page 28 of 5+Us Makes Seven

“Well I know you hired a new nanny and I wanted to give everyone some time to adjust. But it’s been almost two months and I think you could use a weekend to yourself.”

“That… actually sounds nice,” I said.

“Have that nanny of yours pack them up for the weekend. I’ll be by in a couple of hours to pick them up. They can come stay with me, I’ll pump them full of candy, then I’ll send them back to you.”

“That doesn’t sound as nice, but I’m sure they’ll love it, Mom.”

“How are you doing, sweetheart?”

“Better with this merger behind us. Logan’s still in Germany, but he should be back in the next week or so. Once we’ve got them trained, we’ll launch the new name and a new marketing campaign and run for the hills.”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine. You’ve always doubted yourself before outdoing yourself. Your father was that way.”

“You doing okay, Mom?”

“Oh, it’s always hard around this time of year. You know how it goes,” she said.

“His birthday is always tough.”

“I’m heading to the store to pick up some things, then I’ll be by to get the kids. What’s the new nanny’s name?”

“Natasha,” I said. “I’ll call her right now and tell her to get a bag packed for them.”

“Wonderful. You enjoy your weekend.”

“I will, Mom. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

I hung up my office phone and pulled out my cell. I ignored the missed calls from my mother and immediately called Natasha. It rang a few times before the call picked up, and I could hear her panting on the other end.

“Hey, Carter. Everything okay?”

“I should be asking you that question,” I said.

“Yeah. No. I was on the other side of the house when I heard my phone ring. Sorry. What’s up?” she asked.

“My mother’s coming by in a couple of hours to get the kids for the weekend. I need you to pack them each a bag with their things.”

“Your mother?” she asked.

“She doesn’t bite. I promise. This weekend is a difficult one for her and I think having the kids will give her some comfort.”

“Is she okay? What’s wrong?”

“It’s my father’s birthday this weekend. It’s always tough on her,” I said.

The call fell silent and I could hear shuffling on the other end of the line. I leaned back in my chair as I heard Natasha panting again. What was she doing? Running a marathon inside the house?

“I’m upstairs about to pack them up,” she said. “Is there anything they specifically take to comfort them during overnight trips?”

“Clara needs that bear of hers and Nathaniel always takes his fire truck. Joshua isn’t as picky, but I’d pack his rubber ducky and his polka-dotted blanket, just to be safe.”

“Got it. Anything else?”

“Yes. I want you to let me take you to dinner tonight.”

The line fell silent again before Natasha drew in a deep breath.

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