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Mindy sighed. “I have to hire someone new at the store. I can’t keep doing all of this. The problem is, I don’t want to give up my store, and I don’t want to quit helping Frank run the camp. But I don’t know how I can do both and take care of two newborns.”
“I can help you look for someone at your store. We could put an ad in the online paper. Maybe someone in town knows someone who would be a good fit.”
“That’s a good idea, actually. I’ll send Laney a text and have her work on it for me. She said she’d help any way that she could, but I haven’t bothered her since she just had Isaac. She’s also running her store and helping Jacob with the tree farm.”
“What else can I help with?” I asked.
“Do you know anyone who would nanny part time?” She chuckled. Even though she meant it as a joke, I knew she really needed the help.
I bit my lip and debated whether I should open my mouth. I could help; I’d worked as a nanny for an adorable little boy and girl back in New York. But even though I could, I wasn’t sure I had time with work. I’d been picking up more hours at the spa and helping Sarah with advertising.
“I guess it’s wishful thinking,” Mindy said. “We could all use a nanny, but somehow Kate and Laney are managing fine. I think I have to get home and find my groove.”
The guilt of not speaking up was killing me because I had experience and could help her.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Mindy said, knocking her shoulder into mine. “What time do you need to leave again? The girls need to eat soon if you want to hold them before you go.”
I smiled. “I’d love to.”
Mindy reached in and grabbed one baby wrapped tight in a blanket patterned with pink and gray stars. She had reddish hair and grimaced in her sleep while her mom moved her around.
“This is Ava,” Mindy said, placing the baby in my arms. She squirmed and fussed, but I quickly bounced her, and she settled down.
“This little one is Adaline,” Mindy said as she picked up the other bundle. “She’s a bit more vocal than Ava. Makes sense, since she looks more like her dad.”
I laughed, but the look Mindy shot me meant she was serious.
Mindy peeled her gown down and held Adaline to her chest. The baby latched on and started eating like a champ. Ava fussed a little and woke up. I slid off the bed and stood beside it, rocking back and forth while bouncing her in my arms.
“You’re a natural,” Mindy said.
I pinched my lips together. It was now or never. If I told her the truth, I’d have to offer to help, but if I kept it to myself, the guilt of knowing they were struggling and I could ease some of the stress would eat away at me.
“I used to nanny.”
Mindy’s head snapped up. “You did?”
“Well, don’t look so shocked. I’m more than a pretty face.”
“I didn’t mean…what I meant was…”
“I’m kidding. It’s fine.”
Mindy chewed on her lip, then sighed. “I’ll be honest, you don’t come off as someone who likes kids.”
Anger flared in my gut, and I quickly pushed it away. It wasn’t Mindy’s fault; it was the vibe I gave off, and I wore that persona like a cloak. At home, it had been easier to fake being a dumb blond socialite than to be my true self. Unfortunately, at some point, it had stopped being fake, but since being here, I’d shed some of that skin, and it felt good. Really good. I hoped other people would notice it too.
“I know, but when I moved to New York, things sort of didn’t go according to plan. I had to find work, and one of my jobs was working for this amazing family that had a little boy and a girl. They were toddlers when I started and in school when I left.”
“Huh. I never would have guessed.”
“I can help. You said you needed someone part time, right?”
Mindy looked up at me with wide eyes and nodded.
“With the extra hours I picked up at Knead to Relax, I don’t have much time, but I’m willing to give you whatever extra I have.”
“I can’t ask you to do that. I’m asking for help because I’m busy. I wouldn’t want to run you ragged too,” Mindy said.
