Page 13 of Mr. Wolfe's Nanny

Yes, I've only met them but my heart is already so full of affection for these kis. It's like this is what I was meant to do. Isa had been gloating so happily when I admitted that over the phone earlier.

Tonight, I'm unpacking some of my favorite books, including some old science readers that are appropriate for the kids, when there's a knock on my door. "Enter, friend, and be welcome," I say, cheerily as I catch Jill hovering uncertainly outside.

The uncertain look fades and she steps inside. "It's pretty in here," she says, nothing the fairy lights I've strung up for relaxation purposes.

"Thank you. I like sleeping under the stars but without the bug bites so I've brought the stars indoors with me."

Jill starts to giggle before her brother interrupts us. "There you are, Jill. Don't bother her up here. You know the nannies don't like that," Ryder says, carefully sticking to the hallway.

Jill looks worried, nibbling at her thumb. Poor girl. And poor boy who thinks I'd mind them visiting me.

"I'm the new nanny, Ryder, and I have new rules. The first is either of you are welcome in my quarters whether you need me or just wish to visit. Just knock."

Jill's stopped nibbling at her thumb but Ryder doesn't appear to believe me. It's okay. I'll work to win his trust. I can only imagine losing his mother so young must've left scars. Just like mine.

He's still loitering outside but Jill makes herself more at home, spotting something from my collection of supplies. "Is that a microsoap?"

"Yes, it is a microscope," I say, gently correcting and pulling it out of its box for her to see.

"Why do you have it?" she asks as I note Ryder moving into the room, curiosity overcoming his reluctance to enter.

"To look at very small things up close. Like insects."

Jill gives me a little shiver of distaste but Ryder's definitely interested now.

"Children, you shouldn't be up here," a new voice says. It's Maria, the cook.

"Oh, but they're very welcome. They're making me feel less lonely as I settled into my new home." It's true but I want them to feel welcome. And, the anxiety I experience around other adults rarely plagues me with children this age.

The woman nods but I'm most pleased by the children's smiles. What kind of nannies did they have before who made them so nervous over a simple visit?

"Mrs. Wolfe is looking for her grandchildren," Maria tells us.

Before the children can hurry off, Jill passes me my microscope and whispers, "Lady Ducks makes me feel less lonely but Mrs. Hicks said she was stupid."

I force myself not to show any anger that someone would belittle a young child's imagination that way. "Lady Ducks is a worthy friend if she can make you feel less lonely but I hope to be your friend as well soon."

"We'll be great friends, won't we, Ms. Quinn?" she asks so hopefully it makes my chest ache.

"We will," I promise.

The child skips off, clearly satisfied and Maria sighs, watching her go. "She's a good girl. Mrs. Hicks was unkind which is why no one was sorry when she quit. Another one Ryder scared away."

I want to ask how he scared her off but instead ask, "How many nannies has Mr. Wolfe had since his wife passed?"

"You'll be the thirteenth." Good old lucky thirteen. "Some of the others were flighty and Mr. Theo couldn't trust them to do their job. One wound up in his bed one night, too." My eyebrows climb up my forehead to my hairline. "Uninvited," she says, laughing heartily, "and she was promptly dismissed. You seem..."

"Yes?"

"Different," she finishes. Different can be good, right? I hope so. "I made empanadas if you're hungry."

"Oh, thank you." Part of me would rather stay here building my next but I want to get to know her, too. "I'd love some."

I follow her into the kitchen where Julieta sits at the large table. The two women exchange glances and a plate is passed my way. I compliment the chef, they are very good.

We make polite chit-chat before Julieta murmurs to Maria in Spanish, "Muy bonita."

“Sí, él también lo pensará.”

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