I decided to focus on my work so I wouldn't make any rash decisions about our relationship. Cooper had mentioned something about me working with another realtor, and I hadn't thought much of it at the time. But now I was considering it. It would allow me to manage or oversee the operations without having to do the legwork myself. It was an interesting idea.
What if I expanded my business in such a way that I could work and take care of the baby? My role would be more office related. And when I was on my feet again, I could resume my regular duties, or I could hire someone to help.
It was an interesting idea, and I'd drafted an advertisement looking for the perfect person, but I'd yet to hit Send on the email to the local paper.
What if I looked outside the island for someone new to the area? That would increase my potential pull of people. That idea motivated me to advertise in Ft. Myers and other communities in Southwest Florida.
Hopeful that this could be the answer to my concerns about juggling work with a baby, I moved onto searching for a nanny. I'd begun advertising on various caregiver apps and sites that claimed to find the perfect fit.
I needed someone who could be flexible, maybe a student who worked days and needed afternoon and evening hours. I shifted through the applicants I'd received on the apps so far and found one who was studying to be a child psychologist. She seemed almost too good to be true.
She'd already served as a nanny and needed afternoon, evening, and weekend hours. I asked if we could meet at a local coffee shop. I sent Cooper a text in case he wanted to join, but he'd said he was too busy.
That was understandable, but I'd come to expect him to drop everything if it pertained to my pregnancy or the baby. Didn't he care who I left our child with? Or did he think it was my responsibility?
The old Ivy would have been fine with it, but the new Ivy wanted to express her concerns with him and see what he thought. I'd come to rely on his opinion. Probably too much. It was a good reminder that at the end of the day, I could only rely on myself.
I left my office, wishing I had time for a nap instead of meeting with the potential nanny. But she was going to get scooped up sooner than later. I needed to come prepared to offer her top dollar. I'd already decided that a traditional daycare situation would not be helpful since the hours were nine to six, and I needed more flexibility.
The only problem was that there weren't a ton of nannies running around the island. I opened the door to Sanibel Bean, ordering a decaf iced chai before scanning the dining room for the woman I was supposed to meet, Blakely.
A woman with long, wavy, dirty-blond hair waved from her spot by the window.
I moved toward her, and she stood to shake my hand. "It's so nice to meet you."
"You as well."
I sat across from her, feeling a bit like a whale compared to her. She was gorgeous, thin, and tan. "I'd love to have this settled before the baby arrives."
She smiled. "I'm sure it will be a weight off your mind."
"Please tell me a little about yourself. Why do you enjoy nannying?"
"I love working with kids, and I want to be a child psychologist. I've done several nannying jobs before, and you're welcome to contact any of them."
"I actually reached out before I scheduled the meeting. They had nothing but glowing things to say." They'd mentioned how she was good with the children, positive, and upbeat. "Are you sure you're okay with somewhat random hours? I'm not sure what it will be like to work with a baby so I don't have everything figured out yet. But I can offer you a certain number of hours a week, and I'm happy to work around your school schedule as well."
"The hours blend nicely with my school schedule."
"For now, you'd be watching the baby at the house I share with the father, Cooper Kingston. At some point, I'd want you to be able to drive the baby to the playground or to mommy-and-me classes around the island. Do you have a car?"
"I do."
"Great." I felt comfortable with her. "I'd love to offer you the job.” I had no doubt that Cooper would love her too. She had the requisite background, training, and recommendations.
She outlined her salary requirements, which were on the higher end, but she was a graduate student. She easily commanded it. "I'm fine with that."
She grinned. "I can't wait to meet your little one and get started."
"I was thinking you could stop by and meet the father, Cooper, at some point and spend some time with the baby before I officially go back to work."
"Sounds good to me. Just let me know when. My current nannying job will be winding down soon."
The children would be going to school and wouldn't need her anymore. And the timing worked perfectly with my due date. We talked a bit more about expectations and details, and then we said goodbye. Pleased, I sent a message to Cooper that I'd found our nanny.
I wondered if he'd be upset that I'd made the decision without him. When he didn't respond right away, I worried some more.
I needed to get my mind off the situation, so when Elena texted and asked everyone if they were up for dinner out, I immediately accepted. I appreciated that they didn't do drinks when I was invited.