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As I crawl beneath the covers, my mind races with thoughts of Roland. The kindness he's showing me now makes me understand why his staff is so loyal to him. I'm guessing that the other nannies got fired because he's overprotective of Carmen and harsher toward them than anyone else.
Before I can think about anything else, I'm fast asleep.
Chapter ten
Roland
Roland
I sip my morning coffee, feeling much more relaxed today than I have in the past couple of days. Knowing my lawyer is tackling whatever Sofia throws our way (if anything), I can focus more on what’s happening around me. Plus, by staying up late, I finally finished the last of the pressing tasks on my desk. And I’ve already shot off a few emails and made some calls before coming down for breakfast. I might have to tackle a few more things tonight after Carmen goes to bed, but that will be fine.
“So, Gina, how’s it going with Maddie, do you think? I mean, from what I’ve seen so far, Carmen likes her, and you like her, which are both good signs.”
“I’ve told you she’s been great. And before you ask, she’s stuck to the schedule and helped Carmen with work in the mornings. And when I’ve heard them play in the afternoons, she’s encouraged Carmen’s curiosity and learning. She also told me that when they’re in the park, Carmen plays with other kids. So that’s great. I think we must focus on getting her enrolled in some activities where she meets other kids regularly, however. You know, a playgroup that she goes to once a week, dancing, soccer, art, or even some kid’s yoga. Take your pick. Maddie teaches yoga, so she should know someone,”
I nod thoughtfully. “She does need to make some more friends that she sees regularly,” I agree. “By the way, can you make something for Maddie for lunch that helps with her cold? I was thinking chicken soup.”
Gina laughs. “I don’t know how scientific it is to try to cure a sore throat with chicken soup.”
“My gran swore by it, and her word is law. Besides, I Googled it. There’s some scientific evidence to back it up.”
“Of course you did,” Gina replies, and I can feel her rolling her eyes even as she has her back to me. She knows I’m obsessed with facts and details when it comes to certain things.
I sip my coffee in peace for a few more minutes, responding to some work emails, before I hear the soft patter of little feet approaching, and my heart swells with pride and anticipation. Carmen stumbles into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes,
"Good morning, pumpkin," I greet her warmly, scooping her up into my arms.
"Morning, Daddy," she replies, yawning and resting her head on my shoulder. “Where’s Maddie?” she asks after a little while, looking around.
“Maddie has a sore throat, so I put her to bed.”
“Poor Maddie. Did you read her a bedtime story?”
I stifle a laugh, “Nope, but I sent Gina with some tea and medicine to make her feel better!”
“Which she didn’t drink as she was already fast asleep,” Gina interjects, shaking her head. “She shouldn’t have come to work today, but I guess she feels it’s too early in her employment to take a day off.”
"She will know for next time,” I say, then turn to face Carmen, who is still on my lap. “Guess what? I have a surprise for you. We're going on a daddy/daughter date today!" I announce.
"Really?" Her eyes widen, and she grins from ear to ear, making me smile in turn. "Where are we going?"
"Anywhere you want, sweetheart. The whole day is for us to enjoy together, but I was thinking maybe the zoo, so you get to see the animals?"
“Yessss, that’s perfect, Daddy. We can eat ice cream too.”
I laugh. "Of course! And if you want, we can visit the children's museum too,” I suggest, knowing how much she loves exploring new things. We’ve been to quite a few exhibitions that have had special shows and tours for children in the last few months as she’s finally old enough to enjoy them, even if she doesn’t understand everything.
"Yay! I love you, Daddy!" She wraps her little arms around my neck, squeezing me tight.
"I love you too, pumpkin." My heart swells with affection as I hold her in my arms. I should take more time off to enjoy this kind of thing.
"Let's get dressed and head out," I say, carrying Carmen back to her room to choose an outfit for our big day.
A little while later, Leo is driving us to the zoo, and within moments of getting there, Carmen is completely enthralled by the animals.
"Look at the penguins, Daddy!" she exclaims. Her eyes sparkle with wonder as she watches them waddle about in their outdoor enclosure.
"Wow, look at them diving!" I join her enthusiasm, watching the penguins dive into the water.
