Page 30 of Puck Your Nanny

"This place is beautiful." She runs her fingers along the edge of the linen napkin before unfolding it and placing it on her lap.

"Only the best. I wanted tonight to be special."

Her lips curve into a soft smile, appreciation flickering in her eyes as she glances around once more.

The server approaches with a practiced grace, setting down two leather-bound menus in front of us. "Welcome. Our specials this evening include a seared duck breast with blackberry reduction, a saffron-infused seafood risotto, and a filet mignon prepared with truffle butter. Let me know if you have questions or need recommendations."

I glance up at the server's name tag. "Thank you, Ken. Please give us a moment to decide."

He inclines his head politely and steps back, leaving us to our menus.

I glance up from the menu, watching as she scans hers with genuine interest and wide eyes. "All of this is so expensive."

I shake my head. "Don't worry about the price. Order whatever you would like."

She licks her lips and nods. "Okay."

We look at the menu for a few more minutes before she puts hers down, looking like she's ready to order. I glance over my menu at her. "So, how did you get into childcare?"

She tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I graduated high school early and went for my bachelor’s in college. I have degrees in child development and early childhood education. I always knew I wanted to work with kids, and being a nanny felt like the perfect way to apply everything I learned while still making personal connections. I love watching kids grow, seeing their personalities develop. It’s rewarding in a way I can't really put into words."

The passion in her voice is evident, her expression softening as she speaks. Its clear being a Nanny isn't just a job for her, it’s something she truly cares about. I admire that.

"That makes sense." I pick up my water glass and take a sip. I'll order wine once I know what kind of protein she wants. "You’re a natural with William. He’s lucky to have you."

A faint blush dusts her cheeks. "Thank you. He’s a sweet baby. He makes it easy."

I lean back, watching the way she lights up when she talks about him. "And before this? You mentioned working for the Millers. What was that like?"

Her smile turns wry. "Busy. They traveled constantly. I got to see some amazing places, but the stability was nonexistent. I loved the kids, but when they let me go, I realized I needed something different for my next family."

"You don’t miss the travel?"

She shakes her head. "Not really. I like the idea of putting down roots for once."

I nod, understanding more than she probably realizes. "I get that."

She tilts her head slightly. "What about you? I know you handle the business side of things now, but you were a hockey player too, right?"

I sip my water before answering. "Yeah. Played professionally for years. Hockey was everything to me."

Her curiosity is clear, but I steer the conversation away from the details I’d rather not discuss. My injury, the forced retirement; I don’t want to bring the mood down.

"Do you miss it?"

I consider my response. "Parts of it. The adrenaline, the team. But life moves on. I’ve found other things to focus on."

She studies me for a beat, as if sensing there’s more I’m not saying. Before she can press further, the server steps back to our table, offering a brief reprieve from the conversation.

Ken gives us a polite nod. "Are you ready to order?"

Daisy offers a polite smile as she hands him her menu. "I’ll have the seafood risotto."

I hand my menu over as well. "Filet mignon, medium rare. And a bottle of Château Margaux to go with it."

Ken acknowledges the selection with an approving nod. "Excellent choices. I’ll have that out shortly."

As he leaves, Daisy rests her arms on the table, fingers lacing together. "Do you ever skate anymore? For fun, I mean?"

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