be surprised, but he didn’t want another nanny starting then leaving right away.
“I’ve worked with kids like that. They haven’t moved through the anger stage of grief. When my mother died, I got stuck in that stage.”
Ian studied Annie’s calm features, and for a few seconds he felt wrapped in that serenity. She seemed to know how to put people at ease. “He went to a children’s counselor, but little was accomplished. Frankly, I don’t know what to do next.” The second he said that he wanted to snatch it back. He was Jeremy’s dad. He should know what to do, shouldn’t he? “I’ve reduced my hours at the clinic to be around more, but all Jeremy and I do is butt heads.”
A light danced in the young woman’s eyes. She leaned forward, clasping her hands and resting her elbows on the arms of the chair. “There will be a period of adjustment with any new nanny, but I don’t run from problems. I like challenges. They make me dig in. They make life interesting.”
Ian would be trusting Annie with his children, so he needed to trust her with all the background on his eldest child. “I should warn you, Jeremy is also having trouble at school. He never talks about his mom like Jade and Jasmine do. They are always asking me to tell them stories about Zoe and me. Whenever they start talking about her, Jeremy leaves the room—or rather, stomps away. I’m at my wits’ end.” For three months he’d been thinking that, but now he’d spoken it out loud to another person. The very act made some of his stress dissolve.
“Counseling is good, but sometimes you need to be with a child outside an office to understand what’s really going on. I’ll do my best to help Jeremy.”
When Annie said those words, Ian felt hope for the first time in a while.
“I’ve checked your references, and they are excellent. I know how picky Tom is, and he never would have recommended you if you weren’t good. Do you have any questions about the job?”
Annie sat back again, scanning the living room. “What are my duties?”
“I have a cleaning lady who comes in three times a week, but in between there may be light cleaning. I love to cook, but there will be times when I’m held up at the clinic. Tom told me you are a good cook.”
“I like to when I get a chance.”
“The kids will be out of school for the summer in six weeks. The older ones have some activities you’ll need to drive them back and forth to, but Joshua doesn’t yet.”
“In other words, he’ll need to be watched closely,” she said with a chuckle.
“Yes. One time he managed to climb to the top of the bookcase then couldn’t get down.”
“Where will I be living?”
“I have an apartment over the garage you can use. We have a breezeway that connects the garage to the house. You’ll have your own place but be close if needed quickly. Will that be all right?”
“That will work perfectly. I’ll need Sundays off unless you have a medical emergency, and I’ll take off the other time according to the children’s schedules.”
“That’s fine with me. I’ll supply health insurance and a place to live. Your starting salary will be five hundred a week on top of your benefits. After three months we can discuss a raise. Is that all right with you?”
“Yes.”
“When can you start?”
“Monday. I’ll move in on Sunday. I’ll have my family help me.”
Only four days away. “Great. Will you share Sunday-night dinner with us so I can introduce you to the children? I’m cooking.”
“I think that will be a good way for me to meet them. A school day is always hectic with everyone trying to get where they need to be.”
“I have a Ford Explorer you’ll use to drive the children. It’ll be at your disposal at all times.” Ian rose. “Let me give you a tour of my house, then the apartment, before you leave. I’m afraid it was a mess from the last nanny. The guy remodeling it will be through in a couple of days. We’ll only be able to peek inside because he’s refinishing the wooden floors today.”
“Will I get to meet Joshua before I leave?”
“Probably. When he takes a nap, it’s usually only an hour or so.”
Annie pushed to her feet, looking around. “I imagine you don’t use this room much, or your children are neater than most.”
“They don’t come in here often. The cleaning lady comes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. She has her own key, so she’ll let herself in.”
“That’s good. If I have to do any shopping that’ll be the time to do it. Do you want me to go to the grocery store for you?”
“Yes. I understand you did that for Tom and his wife.”
Annie nodded as she followed Ian into the dining room. “If you plan some meals, you can add what you need to my list. With such a large family, I’ll probably have to go twice a week.”
When Ian walked into the kitchen, he swept his arm wide. “Right before you came, this place was a disaster.” He crossed to the dishwasher and opened it. “I’ll have to empty this and refill it properly after you leave.”
She laughed, a light musical sound that filled the room.
Ian went to the utility room and swung open the door. “This is where I stuck all the mess I couldn’t take care of. I didn’t want to scare you away.”
“Then, why are you showing me now?”
He smiled. “Because I believed you when you said you like a challenge.”
“I don’t scare easily.” Annie chuckled.
“Good. The nanny who stole from me used to hide the mess rather than pick up. Sadly, I copied that method.” Ian gestured toward a door at the other end of the utility room. “That leads to the short breezeway and garage.”
The next place Ian showed her was the huge den. “This is where the family hangs out the most.” He indicated the room full of comfortable navy-blue-and-tan couches, a game table, a big-screen TV and several plush chairs with ottomans.
“I can see kids relaxing and enjoying themselves in here.”
“The only other room downstairs is my home office.” Ian pointed to the closed door across from the den then headed for the staircase. “On the second floor I have six bedrooms. I had the first nanny staying in Aunt Louise’s room, but my kids got upset. I quickly renovated the area over the garage, but she was fired before she had a chance to move into the apartment.”
“Those women give the nannies of this world a bad name. The ones I’ve gotten to know love children and go above and beyond.”
At the last room at the end of the hallway, Ian stopped and gestured. “This is Joshua’s bedroom. I’m surprised he isn’t up, but he’s been getting over a virus or—” He eased open the door to find his son
