Page 9 of 5+Us Makes Seven

I winced as the word came out of his mouth.

“How did you enjoy working with Doctors Without Borders?”

“It was an experience,” I said.

“A positive one or a negative one?” he asked.

I tried to keep my cool as I raised my eyes to his.

“A mixture of both,” I said.

He studied me for awhile, underneath that cold green stare. He set my resume behind him on his desk and crossed his arms over his chest. His eyes made no effort to conceal the fact that he was running them up and down me. Taking in everything I had to offer right in his office as he leaned heavily into his desk.

I felt exposed, and I didn’t like that.

“I have three children. All under the age of seven.”

“Oh, those are good years,” I said. “What are their ages?”

“My eldest is six, my middle child just turned five, and my youngest turned three a couple of weeks ago.”

“Are they in school?” I asked.

“They all are. My youngest is blossoming quickly, so she’s already in a preschool atmosphere. Though I’d like it if she only did half-days instead of spending her entire day there.”

“Half days are usually better suited for children her age. Does she come home unexplainably cranky?” I asked.

“Most of the time, yes.”

“She’s overworked in a full-time environment. But I’m sure the preschool she’s at has half-days. Or would approve of her only being there a half-day. Drop her off around nine, pick her up around one. Bring her home, get her a nap. Or food first, depending on what she wants. She’d probably sleep until her siblings got home, then dinner and family time before sleep.”

I watched his eyes harden on me as he hung onto the words coming out of my mouth.

“Just like that?” Carter asked.

“Yeah?” I asked. “It’s a simple schedule. A standard one for someone as young as three.”

“It’s been hard for them since their mother died,” he said.

Oh no. I felt my heart break for the man in front of me.

“When did she pass? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“A couple years ago.”

“Did you see any regression in you

r children?” I asked.

“Any what?”

“Regression? Signs they were backtracking in their development?”

“To be honest? I wasn’t really present for it. I was grieving, and I hired a nanny on the spot to try and help. It’s been an uphill battle ever since.”

I nodded my head as my gaze dropped to my lap.

“You must think I’m a terrible father,” Carter said.

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