The Nanny Next Door by Jenna Mindel

Author:Jenna Mindel
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-01-27T19:12:08+00:00

Chapter Nine

Maddie hummed while she fixed dinner. A song she’d heard on the radio during her drive to Dora’s preschool was still stuck in her head. Lots of dah-dah-dahs and a hearts-get-broken chorus tangled through her mind. Along with too many thoughts of Jackson.

Some of those lyrics were a dead ringer for her growing fear of getting her heart broken. She loved the girls, and falling for their father didn’t seem too far a stretch—if she wasn’t so afraid of making another mistake.

She focused on finishing up a salad and pushed aside the nagging attraction she had for her neighbor and secret Romeo. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, she made a meal and joined them for dinner. It was easier for her to do, since Jackson didn’t get home until almost six on band rehearsal days.

The high school band still performed for the school Christmas concert held in mid-December. It had always been a big deal, and considering the twice-a-week after-school rehearsals, they should be in good shape by then. She looked forward to going and maybe even taking the girls with her, if it was okay with Jackson.

“Zoe, do you want to help me set the table?” Maddie asked.

“Sure.” Zoe tidied up her books and set them on the back counter. Then she scooped up the quarters, dimes and nickels, and handed them to Maddie. “Thanks for letting me use these.”

“Of course.” Maddie pocketed the change, then wiped off the table with a fresh dishcloth.

Zoe had homework and she’d been sitting at the kitchen table completing coin identification and time-telling worksheets. Maddie had offered help by giving her real examples of the coins she had to identify. The smart little girl had gotten them all right.

They both set out plates and silverware while Dora helped with folding napkins. They were a bit crooked and messy, but the little one loved to help. Anything Zoe did, Dora wanted to join in.

“Good job, Dora.” Maddie smiled. “Shall we count them out together as you place them under the knives?”

“Yup.” Dora grinned at her, stealing her heart all over again.

Maddie started. “One.”

Dora continued. “Two, fwee, four.”

“Very good.”

“I can count to ten,” the four-year-old bragged.

Maddie laughed. “I know. Your preschool teacher said you were doing great with your numbers.”

“Yup.” Dora didn’t talk a whole lot, and unfortunately, she still sucked on her two fingers.

Was that something she’d outgrow, or should Maddie press Jackson about doing more to deter the habit? It wasn’t her place to push, but still. She turned the oven down to warm and glanced at the clock. Jackson would be home soon.

Dinner was a simple one of meat loaf and baked potatoes, green beans and salad. For dessert, Maddie had made a pumpkin pie. She looked forward to sharing meals with the Taylors because it made her feel like part of their family. Part of a complete family.

Growing up, Maddie had had her mom, her grandfather and Pearl. It was better than some, but the absence of her father had stung.

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