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“Your mom would have been so proud of you,” I thought, feeling a bittersweet pang of sadness for the loss these children had experienced.
“Miss Mia,” Logan said, his voice taking on a more playful tone. I glanced over to see him tapping an index finger on the toy sheriff badge pinned to his shirt, trying to mimic his father’s serious demeanor. But he couldn’t keep up the act for long, breaking into contagious giggles.
“Are you the new deputy in town?” I asked, playing along and laughing as well. His eyes sparkled with mischief, showing me he would let loose and have fun despite his serious nature.
“Yep, I’m here to help my dad!” Logan replied, puffing out his chest with pride.
“Good to know I’ll be safe with both of you around,” I said to Max, who was smiling warmly at our interaction. For a moment, I glimpsed relief and gratitude in his eyes. It seemed like he knew he’d made the right decision to invite me to join their family.
“Alright, everyone, let’s get going,” Max announced, starting the SUV’s engine.
The children buzzed excitedly, peppering me with questions about myself and sharing their stories. They eagerly and excitedly pointed out their favorite spots in Pebble Point, filling me in on all the local secrets and must-visit locations.
As we pulled up to the beautiful Thornton home, I felt a sense of belonging wash over me. Painted in a pristine white, it had a gray-shingled roof and a long, winding pathway leading to the front door. Carefully tended flowerbeds and an immaculate lawn framed the picture-perfect scene. This was where I was meant to be—right here, in this charming town, with this loving family. And so, my adventure in Pebble Point truly began.
Chapter 3
Themorningsunpeekedthrough the curtains, and I sprang out of bed, buzzing with excitement. Today was my first day as a nanny for Max’s kids, and I couldn’t wait to make it special. I tiptoed into the kitchen, trying not to wake anyone up just yet.
“Let’s see,” I muttered, rummaging through the cupboards for breakfast supplies. “Pancake mix, eggs... Where did Max keep his frying pans?” In my enthusiasm, I pulled open the wrong cupboard door, and an avalanche of pots and pans clattered onto the surrounding floor.
“Whoa!” I yelped, jumping back as the metal tsunami engulfed my feet.
“First-day jitters?” Max’s deep voice came from behind me. I turned to see him leaning against the doorway. He was dressed in a casual navy blue Henley shirt that accentuated his broad shoulders, paired with faded jeans and brown leather boots. There were subtle streaks of gray in his hair, a reminder of the two-decade age gap between us. But today, without the formality of his Sheriff’s uniform, he seemed more laid-back, more human. The sight caught me off-guard; despite the years that separated us, he looked unexpectedly handsome. One eyebrow was raised, and a grin played on his lips.
“Uh, maybe just a little,” I admitted, blushing. He walked over and extended a hand to help me.
“Hey, don’t worry about it,” he replied, his brown eyes twinkling. “Happens to the best of us. Do you need help with breakfast?”
“Thanks, but I think I’ve got it.” I flashed him a determined smile. “You go get ready and leave the pancakes to me!”
“Alright, if you say so,” Max chuckled before heading back down the hallway. As I began whipping up the pancake batter, I couldn’t help but feel my heart flutter. This was going to be one heck of a journey, and I was ready for whatever chaos lay ahead.
With the pancakes sizzling on the griddle, I began setting out plates and glasses for everyone. The sound of Lucy and Logan’s excited footsteps echoed down the hallway, and they burst into the kitchen with wide grins.
“Morning, Miss Mia!” Lucy chirped, her playful brown curls bouncing as she hopped onto a stool on the countertop.
“Morning, kiddos,” I replied, flipping a golden pancake onto a plate. “Ready to tackle the day?”
“Absolutely!” Logan added his calm, measured tone in contrast to his sister’s exuberance.
Max joined us at the counter, taking in the scene with a mixture of amusement and apprehension. I could practically see the gears turning in his mind as he wondered how this whirlwind of energy would be managed.
“Alright, breakfast is served,” I announced, placing a stack of fluffy pancakes in the center of the table.
“Okay, team,” Max began with a playful tone, trying to ease any tension, “summer vacation is officially upon us. Mia,” he nodded towards me with a warm smile, “will help us out. Not just as a nanny, but as someone who’s going to make sure you two have the best summer ever.”
Lucy and Logan exchanged curious glances, a mixture of excitement and apprehension clear in their eyes.
“Mia will be in charge of breakfast, activities, academics, and household order.”
Once the last bite of pancake had vanished, I unfolded a meticulously prepared schedule for the kids. It overflowed with crafts, games, and educational activities crafted to engage and entertain them. Max raised an eyebrow, undeniably impressed by the level of thought I’d put into it.
“Looks like military training,” he quipped, leaning in to examine the schedule more closely. “You sure they’re not enlisting?”
“Ha! No, just trying to keep things organized and fun,” I replied, giving him a playful wink. “Besides, a little structure hurt no one, right?”
“True,” Max conceded, smiling. “Alright then, once these dishes are cleared away, let Operation Fun begin!”
