Page 56 of Mr. Wolfe's Nanny

And Jill has a new friend to talk to, share all her secrets with, to cuddle with. Yes, Tim at school is still her best friend but Marilyn has endless patience for her endearing chatter and she’s cool with all the cuddling because… well, she’s a dog. Who needs an imaginary friend when you’ve got a real, four-legged one?

Occasionally, she’ll wander off in another direction when Jill’s instructing the dog about something but Jill just takes that as her cue to discuss something else. “Over there is Lord Sebastian’s den. He’s sleeping mostly now, Ms. Quinn says, because it’s nearly winter. You shouldn’t disturb him. Where are you going, Marilyn? You’re right. We should go down to the rose bushes. I saw a rabbit there in the summer but I think Miss Fluffy Bum is in her den for winter, too. Ryder, is it my turn yet?”

Theo and I have settled on the lounge chairs on the back patio watching the children in the waning daylight. He came home early for once but, with winter so close, it’s already getting dark. “Five more minutes, kids. Ryder, let your sister have a turn.”

Ryder doesn’t even argue. He helps his sister onto the tire swing, giving her a push to get started and then takes off running with Marilyn.

“I’m glad they’re getting to enjoy it even with the colder weather,” I say of the tire swing. Snow from earlier in the month still lingers in places and more is expected soon. “How was your day at work?”

No answer so I turn to look at Theo who’s watching the kids and dog. He’s not thinking about work with that look.Good. I melt a little, seeing the love shining in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Quinn. I think you said something,” he says a moment later.

I shake my head. “It wasn’t important. This is more important, right here.” I jerk my chin towards the children playing.

“The moments which become memories,” Theo says softly, echoing my phrase.

His hand finds mine to squeeze. I think my heart squeezes, too. I think I’m falling in love with someone who isn’t the dog.

“So, how pissed might you be if I did something without checking in with you first again?” he asks next.

I chuckle at his odd question. “Are we getting a cat, too?”

“No,” he snorts. “You said you’re not going with Isa on that cruise, right?”

“No.”Why would I go on a singles cruise when I only want to be with you and the kids?

“How would you feel about a trip with me and the kids after Christmas then?”

Butterflies stir in my belly. “What have you got in mind?”

He bites at his bottom lip, invitingly. “You’ll see. Time to come in, kids!” The chorus of whining is cut short when he reminds them, “It’s Sleepover Night in Ms. Quinn’s room.”

Cheers and I’m left waiting for my answer. And, as it’s Sleepover Night, I guess I won't be getting him alone in my bed to question further either.

∞∞∞

The day after Christmas usually finds me feeling down. Not this year. I love my job. I love these kids. I…love.

Yesterday, the children tore through wrapping paper while Theo and I sipped coffee and watched. Marilyn thought the discarded paper was a great place to nap. Later, I spent time with Isa when Theo and the kids traveled to his parents’ house for dinner. It was a good day.

And last night, sneaking in late, Theo surprised me with a gift.“I wanted to give you something…”

One glance had told me it was a gift he’d put thought into, my favorite sort of gift. The keychain was like a charm bracelet with a ruby-red apple (‘because you’re a teacher’), an atom symbol (‘duh, science’) and a silver Lab.

“It’s lovely, Theo. But what’s the key for?”

“Well…”

There’d been a brand new BMW SUV sitting in the driveway. For me. I didn’t know whether I wanted to leap into his arms more or murder him on the spot for spending that kind of money on me.

“Call it your Christmas bonus,”he’d said before I could refuse to accept such an expensive gift.“Dan says yours is getting too unreliable.”

“Sure, blame Dan. How am I supposed to pay insurance on that thing?”

“New year’s around the corner. Maybe it's time to renegotiate your salary with your employer.”

“Theo…”

“I can’t be worrying that you or the kids might wind up stranded on the side of the road, can I?”

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