LITMIR.BIZ

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“I’ve never hired a nanny before. I was expecting someone more mature. How long have you been doing this? Being a nanny, I mean?”

      Typical questions. She was used to them. She smiled reassuringly, trying to ignore the anticipation that was swirling in her stomach now that she was actually here. She only hoped he wouldn’t send her away. “I’m a teacher by profession. Second grade. But I’ve worked as a nanny during summers and holidays for the last six years.”

      Mr. Montgomery nodded, the worry lines in his forehead deepening. Had she come here only to be dismissed because she wasn’t gray-haired and over fifty?

      “I’m sure you’re qualified, or you wouldn’t be working for the agency.” He gestured for her to be seated at the table, then joined her, clasping his hands on the top. “I wanted to take a minute to talk about my daughter before I introduce you.”

      “I’m looking forward to meeting her.” She was surprised she could even speak around the tightness in her throat. He held her gaze, sending her heart pounding again. Could he sense her turmoil? Was the truth written in her eyes? Her false smile? Or was she being paranoid?

      “Abby has been through a lot these last six months. Her mother’s illness and death were hard on her. I brought her back here to be close to my family. My mother has been taking care of her since Christmas, but she had to leave the country suddenly.”

      Julie tamped down the pain in her heart and schooled her features. This wasn’t going the way she’d expected. What did he mean “brought her back”? “Abby wasn’t with you?”

      Montgomery set his jaw a moment before continuing. “She went to live with her mother in Mobile after the divorce. But she’s with me now and that’s all that matters.”

      She nodded, unable to speak. Everything was all wrong. She wished she’d read his application more closely. She’d seen where he’d recently lost his wife, but not that he was divorced. She fought to remain composed. “It’s hard for a child to lose a parent, especially at a young age. I imagine she’s having trouble adjusting to the change?”

      Montgomery glanced away briefly before meeting her gaze. “Yes. She was just getting comfortable here with my mom and now another change.” He rubbed his temple. “I don’t want her to be any more upset.”

      “When will your mother be home again?”

      “She’s supposed to return next week. My sister is a dancer. She was performing in London and had an accident. Mom flew over to be with her until she can travel.” He pushed away from the table and stood. “I wanted you to know what to expect. I’m not sure how she’ll react to this new development.”

      “I understand. As a teacher I’ve dealt with all types of children and their challenges. I’m sure it’ll be fine, but I appreciate you telling me.” She could see Mr. Montgomery relax slightly, as if a burden was lifted from his shoulders. Unfortunately it had shifted onto hers. Had the mother’s death been so traumatic? Was her father providing the love and support his child needed? She forced her thoughts off that track. One step at a time. One minute at a time.

      Montgomery met her gaze. “She means everything to me. I want only the best for her. I’m sure you understand.”

      The sincerity and concern in his tone eased much of her worry. It was clear that he loved his daughter. Montgomery’s cell buzzed. He slipped it from his pocket, excused himself, moving to the other end of the kitchen. She heard him say something about breaker boxes before ending the call.

      “Other than giving your full attention to Abby, you won’t have any other duties. The housekeeper, Mrs. Fontenot, comes on Friday. I’d like you to be here early enough to fix breakfast and take Abby to school in the morning and pick her up each day. I’ll be home in time to handle supper, but I’d like you to be available at all times while she’s at school just in case.”

      “That’s fine. I have plenty to keep me occupied. I tutor older students online, and I’m moving to Paris in a few months so there’s lots of paperwork involved.”

      “France. Sounds interesting. I meant to ask where you live. Is it a long commute to Dover?”

      “Not too bad. I live in Brandon, east of Jackson. It takes about forty-five minutes.”

      He nodded. “I’d prefer you were closer. But if for some reason you need to stay late or be here early, there’s a mother-in-law suite down the hall from Abby’s room. There’s also a small furnished apartment above the garage you can use.”

      “I’ll remember that. But I’m an early riser, so the commute isn’t a problem.”

      Montgomery rubbed his jaw, then rested his hands on his hips. “I think that covers everything. I’ll get Abby, and you two can get acquainted.”

      Julie kept the smile on her face until Montgomery disappeared into the hallway, then lowered her head into her hands. What had she gotten into? Her fight-or-flight instinct was raging. Heart pounding. Veins burning. Stomach in knots. Her common sense screamed run! But her heart ached to stay and face her fear once and for all. She had to know. Once she had that reassurance to hold on to, she could face the future.

      * * *

      Gil Montgomery strode down the hallway, puzzling over the new nanny. She was not what he’d expected. At first glance he’d thought she was a teenager in her jeans, loose sweater and big scarf. All that had been missing was a cell phone clutched in her hand. But a closer look revealed a woman near his age, with a rosy complexion and a smile bright enough to light up a room, though he’d seen a hint of anxiety in her big brown eyes. The wind had lifted her hair, sending wavy strands across her cheek, and wrapped him in a faint scent of spring.

      Spring was a long way off. Glancing down at his hand, he lightly rubbed his thumb over his palm. Had he imagined that jolt to his system when he’d taken her hand? Judging from her expression, he suspected she’d felt it, too. Odd. It had sparked like static, the way it had when he and his brother used to slide their feet across the carpet then zap each other. Except that they hadn’t crossed any carpet.

      Of course, her looks were immaterial. Her credentials were what mattered, and they looked exemplary. He was being overprotective. Hiring a nanny had him on edge. He wasn’t sure he liked the idea of a younger and very attractive nanny for Abby. He’d feel better with a more matronly woman, someone who could devote all her attention to his daughter. Unfortunately he didn’t have a choice. Until his mother returned, he’d have to rely on this woman to care for his only child.

      At the top of the stairs he stopped at Abby’s door. He wanted to pray, to ask the Lord to help his little girl, but he’d prayed for three years and nothing had changed. That wasn’t God’s fault. That was all on him.

      He tapped lightly on the door, then peeked in. Abby was curled up on her bed looking at a book, her ever-present gray-and-pink polka-dot backpack at her side. His heart swelled, pressing against his rib cage. Every part of her was perfect, from her sweet little face with her big brown eyes to the sprinkle of freckles across her button nose.

      He finally had her back, and from now on he’d be part of her life. A knot formed in the center of his chest. He’d missed so many of her milestones. It had cost him nearly every penny he possessed to gain custody of her and bring her back home to Dover. He would have spent twice that to have her with him again.

      But to Abby, he was a stranger. He was the father who never came to visit, who never called or sent gifts. He had, of course, but interference from his ex-wife and her meddling sister had driven a wedge between him and his daughter. Now she was home, but she was withdrawn and sad and he had no idea how to help her.

      He approached the bed, putting a big smile on his face. “Hey, pumpkin.”

      She looked over at him, her expression devoid of any emotion. “I’m not a pumpkin.”

      She’d started to smile under his mother’s care, but now she’d have to adjust to the nanny. So much change so quickly. “I know you’re not. Your

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