a stable place, Finn was thinking, and he wondered, if he offered to pay twice the rate, would Marni consider having Piper by herself, at least at the beginning so the young mum wasn’t pushed by the demands of four children? Piper would benefit and money wasn’t a problem. Finding someone caring and kind for Piper would be priceless.
He tried to think of a question. ‘Catrina said you’ve just been registered. Having two babies seems intense to me. Piper can keep me busy and there’s only one of her.’
She glanced lovingly towards the two gurgling on the floor and then across at her husband. ‘I mind lots of children. Have always loved them and thought for a while we’d never be able to have any. But then the boys came along, though I spent a couple of months in hospital hanging onto them, so they are beyond precious.’
She shrugged ruefully. ‘I’m worried I might spoil them and want them to learn to share, not just with each other but with other children. Some extra income would help and my husband and I are both the eldest from big families. Our families are in Western Australia so we miss having lots of kids around.’
‘I guess childminding makes sense in that case.’
Piper reached out and picked up the book. Scrunched it with her inquisitive fingers. Barely audible squeaks erupted when she squeezed and a crooked smile tipped her mouth as she battled between shyness and delight.
All the adults looked at her fondly. ‘So, information-wise, what sort of minding were you looking for?’
‘I’ve been offered a position three days a week, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.’
Marni nodded. ‘Three is better than five for Piper. Especially in the beginning. Has she been in care before?’
‘Yes, poor baby, most of her life, when I worked. About fifty hours a week. But not for the last six weeks and she was becoming unhappy before that. I was thinking to start a half-day, as a trial, just until Piper gets used to it. If she gets too upset I’d probably not go back to work for a while.’ He shrugged his apology.
Apparently she didn’t need it. That serene smile drifted across her face. ‘Being adaptable is good around kids. One of the secrets. She’ll miss you if she’s had you to herself for six weeks.’ A quirked brow made that question.
‘I’m not even sure it’s what I’m ready to do.’
‘That’s fine. You’re fact-finding, which is very sensible.’
Well, he’d better glean some facts. This was harder than he’d thought it would be. He glanced at Catrina and she sat tranquilly beside him, lending moral support, not interrupting. Just there. It felt good not to be on his own through this. ‘What hours do you have available?’
Marni laughed. ‘As I haven’t started yet it’s hard to say. Big picture—Monday to Friday, no more than forty hours, but the hours are flexible. And I get to keep the weekends for the boys and Bob.’
‘Where would she sleep in the daytime?’
‘We’ve a little room next to the boys’ room. Bob put two new folding cots in there and I think it’ll work well. And I’ll supply all the food. No hardship to make for one more and that way nobody wants what others have.’
It all sounded too good to be true. Plus they lived a few doors away from his own house. Even in this short time Piper seemed relaxed here. He gently swung her off his lap, book still in her hands, and rested her bottom on the floor. Just to see if she’d go.
As soon as she hit the floor she dropped the book and crawled curiously towards the two little boys. Stopped about a body’s length away and sat up. The three tiny people all looked at each other.
The adults smiled and Finn felt the tension leave his shoulders. The gods, or Catrina, had saved him again.
‘What about if I go and talk to my prospective employer tomorrow? Perhaps leave Piper here just for an hour and see how she goes while I negotiate? Then we’ll all know more.’
‘Why don’t you make it two hours? That will be a quarter of the time of her next visit, if you decide to go ahead. Just to give her time to settle. And take the rush out of your appointment. She’ll be fine. It will give us all a chance to trial the fit.’
‘I think that sounds like a plan. Yes, please.’ Finn stood up. Blew out a breath. ‘Phew. Thank you. I do feel better for asking and talking to you. That would be great.’ He glanced at Catrina, who stood as well. She smiled at him as if he’d just done an excellent job. It felt good. Reassuring.
Marni went across to the dresser and picked up a business card. ‘Here’s our phone number, and it’s got my mobile on it as well. You can ring or drop in when you know your time. The sheet has information about my business.’ She handed him a sheet of paper with her numbers and the payment rates. Easy.
‘That’s great.’ He picked up Piper, who had crawled over to him as soon as he stood up. She didn’t cling, more curious than panicked he’d leave her. ‘I’ll leave one of my own cards when I bring Piper. Then you can contact me any time.’
‘Give yourself ten extra minutes before you leave her tomorrow. To help her settle.’
He nodded. Then Bob came and shook his hand. Then they were outside and the door closed.
He felt like sagging against it. He’d done it. Another step towards a new life.
‘You didn’t say much.’
Catrina laughed. ‘I didn’t have to. You’re all made for each other.’
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