Page 20 of Mr. Wolfe's Nanny

This is a huge mistake. Maybe I should’ve let her go last night, explaining that it would be too improper considering our history rather than accusing her of scheming.

But, when she was vulnerable, when she spoke of my children in a manner which made it clear she actually cares about them, I couldn’t do it.

The fact Ryder’s not trying to run her off and Lady Ducks is on vacation are victories all on their own. And, her bedtime routine with Jill? Fuck, it was too goddamn precious for words and made my heart twist painfully. My little girl will never know her mommy but, in the space of a few minutes, I’ve witnessed Quinn showing her more warmth and affection than all the other nannies combined.

So, can we do this? It’s not like I spent a great deal of time around the other nannies. They would care for the children when I was working and retreat to their quarters when I was home. We can just avoid each other, I decide.

Jill and Ryder come bounding down the stairs, excited for our outing. “Daddy, can Ms. Quinn come with us to the zoo?” Jill asks. Ryder quickly seconds the request. I’ve been gone a month and they’d rather be with the nanny.Not just the nanny, both of you, you big baby.

“You’re very kind, children, but I have plans with Isa and I’m sure your dad is eager to spend time with you after being away. They’ve got a new nocturnal creatures exhibit. If you see any of Lord Sebastian’s cousins there, say ‘hi’ for me, alright?”

Mollified, the children agree and we start to go our separate ways. “We’ll be going to my parents’ tonight for a family dinner,” I mention as we’re leaving. I’m not sure why I’m mentioning it. She’s off-duty on the weekends and our plans aren’t her concern, no more than hers are mine.

“That’s nice. Your mother mentioned that your birthday is soon.”

“Yes, on Thursday. Do you have big plans with your sister tonight?” Why am I asking what isn’t any of my business?

“Maybe drinks. Not sure yet.”

If my jaw clenches any tighter, my teeth may crack.Get a fucking grip.“We’ll see you tomorrow night,” I tell her before ushering the kids towards the BMW.

Drinks are just drinks, right?

She was out for drinks the night you met.

Not helping!

I willnotworry over what Ms. Quinn does with her free time this weekend. I’ll enjoy my time with the kids. The nanny and I will be cordial, stick to safe topics, keep our distance and things will be fine. Sure, they will.

∞∞∞

“Let me get this straight, you hired a woman who suffers from panic attacks to be in charge of my children, she literally has your grandchildren’s safety in her hands throughout the day, mind you, and you didn’t think this was worth mentioning to me?”

“Getthisstraight, Theodore Michael Wolfe, I don’t like your tone one little bit at the moment. And what did you do to that sweet girl?”

Great, the full name. I roll my eyes. At least, I’m not looking in her direction.

“Don’t roll your eyes at me.” Sometimes, my mother is kind of spooky with that sixth sense shit.

“I didn’t do anything to Ms. Quinn, Mom. We had a discussion last night and she got emotional and then started hyperventilating.”

My mom is silent for several beats and I know she suspects more than I want her to. However, as a father, I deserve to know what’s going on with my children’s caregiver, don’t I?

At last, Mom speaks again. “Quinn suffers from PTSD and it triggers panic attacks occasionally. We discussed it during her interview and some more since then. I’ve spent extra time around your house while you were away since hiring her to ensure the children were in good hands. They are. They adore her and she adores them.”

“But if the kids witness her having a…”

“Everyone has struggles, Theo, some more visible than others. It won’t hurt them to learn that adults face difficulties, too.”

“What’s the PTSD from?” I ask. Even if the kids come first, I’m concerned about Quinn’s well-being. And I’m feeling more and more like shit for getting loud and accusatory last night and probably making a tense situation worse for her.

“I didn’t ask, she didn’t offer. It wasn’t my business to pry about past trauma but I think if you give her a chance...”

“I don’t know, Mom. I’m not sure this will work.”

A piercing look has me glancing away. “Is there something between you and Quinn that I’m not aware of, Theo?” This woman’s Mom Senses are too damn keen.

“No, there’s nothing.” I force myself to meet her gaze but I’ve never been very adept at lying to my mother.

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