Not Just a Nanny
Alice sat hunched over a desk in the university library, surrounded by towers of textbooks and scribbled notebooks. Her fingers flicked through her notes, eyes scanning each line with desperate focus cramming in as much information as she could before her exam. The lecturer was tough as nails: if you failed the test, a resit was all but inevitable. And that was simply not an option for Alice the term had been stressful enough as it was.
Just then, Mary, her coursemate, slid onto the edge of the table, leaning in with a conspiratorial smile.
You still looking for a part-time job, Alice?
Alice barely lifted her gaze, nodded ever so slightly, lips pressed together, and dove straight back into her revision. Time was racing, and there was still hours worth of material left.
Mmhmm, she murmured at last, trying not to break her train of thought, But, you knowits all about the timing. We have lectures until two every day, and theres no way I can skip.
Mary grinned, understanding all too well how seriously Alice took her studies. She paused, then her voice gained a note of excitement:
Ive got something perfect for you. My neighbourhes a single dad, poor thing. His wife passed away, I thinkthough dont quote me on that she wrinkled her nose, brushing away the details. Gossip was never her thing. Anyway, hes up to his ears in work, and hes desperate for an after-school nanny. Just from four till eight.
This time, Alice finally looked up from her notes, curiosity piqued.
You love kids, youre studying education, and youve got tons of experiencefour younger brothers! Mary pressed on, clearly hopeful.
Alice twirled her pencil between her fingers, considering. Looking after kidsher own brothers, especiallyalways filled her with warmth. Yes, it was exhausting at times. But it made her happy.
How old are the children? she asked, genuine concern in her voice.
Twin girls, about six. And hes got an older boy too, but Toms a teenagerhes hardly home, always at football practice. Cant help his dad much.
A flicker of uncertainty crossed Alices face. Looking after children isnt always easy, especially when theyre going through something as hard as losing a mum.
And are you sure theyd want me? she said quietly, tapping her pencil anxiously. I mean, Im in fourth year, not a fully qualified teacher yet
Sure, shed practically raised her brothers, even spent time on placement at a nursery, and she adored childrenbut this was different. These werent her siblings, and shed be responsible to their father.
Mary shooed the doubts away with a wave of her hand.
Definitely! Ben only asked me yesterday if I could recommend someone. Shall I give him your number?
Marys confidence was contagious. Alice hesitated, glanced at her piles of revision, the ticking clockit was almost time for her next lecture But the opportunity just felt right. The hours would fit around uni, it was close byand who knew, maybe the kids would be lovely.
Her heart thudded with anxious hope. She took a steadying breath and nodded.
Go on, then.
********************
Alices nerves were rawtoday was, in a sense, her first shift. Shed cared for her brothers hundreds of times, but this was different: a real job, a real responsibility, children she didnt know. She checked her bag for the fourth timephone, keys, notebook, a snack for the girls. Everything was ready.
Meeting Ben and his kids the day before had been unexpectedly easy. He was calm, friendly, and explained everything. The girlsEmily and Sophiewere a little shy at first, hiding behind their dad, but soon enough they were showing Alice their drawings and chattering away. She clearly made a good impression. And she found herself melting at their openness, their enthusiasm.
But she couldnt stop thinking about Ben. Mary had warned her he was a single dad, but hadnt said a word about howI dont knowhandsome he was. Tall, gentle eyes, that easy smileAlice was annoyed at Mary for keeping that secret. Now she had to fight not to blush every time she saw him.
Just dont lose your head, she told herself. Its a job. Just a job.
She spotted the primary schoola bright, cheerful building with a colourful playground. Ben had let the teachers know Alice would be picking the girls up, even handed her a note just in case. Alice took a deep breath, smoothed down her hair, and pushed open the gate.
The playground was a riot of noisekids shrieking, building sandcastles, chasing each other. She clocked Emily and Sophie by the swings, deep in whispered conversation. They spotted Alice, stiffened for a moment, then offered shy smiles.
Alice knelt, getting down to their level, and smiled back.
Ready to go home, girls? I thought we could make something yummy for tea.
Emily peered at her, suspicious but intrigued. What are you going to make? she asked, eyes narrowed in mock seriousness.
Well Alice pretended to ponder. Maybe pancakes with jam? Or biscuits with chocolate chips?
Sophie perked up immediately. Biscuits! I love the ones with chocolate!
Biscuits it is, Alice grinned, holding out her hands. Shall we?
The girls hovered a second, then slid their little hands into hers. In that simple gesture, Alice felt a tiny wave of reliefmaybe she could do this after all.
A glance passed between themjust a moment, but in that look was something way beyond their years. They moved in perfect tandemfolding hands, tilting heads, even walking in step. But it was the seriousness in their wide eyes that caught Alice off-guard; far more grown-up than six should be.
She remembered Toms words from yesterday evening, when he pulled her aside after her first visitvoice so low and grown, it hardly seemed to fit a gangly thirteen-year-old.
They used to be different, he muttered, picking at his sleeve. Always laughing, hugging everyone. Sincesince mum diedhe stumbled, built himself back upthey dont really understand. Think maybe theyve done something wrong.
He stared quietly across the room before adding, with uncharacteristic resolve:
They cried all the time, asked if mum left because of them. Dad and me, we try to explain it wasnt their fault, that she loved them so muchbut since then, theyve justshut away. Dont let anyone in. Smiles are rare. And they dont really trust adults anymore. He shrugged. Grandma used to help, but now shes poorly tooso dad had to find a nanny.
A heavy silence followed, but Alice nodded, the weight of it settling in her chest. Looking at Emily and Sophie now, she felt with piercing clarity just how fragile their trust was.
But they seemed to take to me, at least, shed told Tom with a small, hopeful smile. We played tricks with a scarf; in the end, they were laughing out loud.
Tom gave her a searching look, eyes full of a fierce hope. As if to say: please dont let them down.
Thats why Dad picked you, he said solemnly. He knows youll be good for them. Justdont let us down, yeah?
The lump rose in Alices throat. She made herself say, confidently:
I wont. I promise, Ill do my best to help them smile again.
Tom managed a smile, his age showing as his usual energy returned. Ill help sometimes, when football doesnt get in the way. I can tell fairy stories, you know.
Id like that, Alice replied warmly. I think they would too.
****************
Two months later, Alice was well and truly part of the Morrison household. The girls suspicion and reserve had slowly, gently, given way to genuine affection. Now when she arrived, they greeted her with excited squeals, desperate to share every scrap of news, dreading the moment she had to leave.
That evening, as always, Alice was tidying up toys while softly humming a song theyd learned that day. Emily and Sophie watched from the sofa, eyes sad as goodbyes crept closer.
Stay with us! Emily suddenly cried, jumping up and throwing her arms round Alices waist, burying her face in Alices skirt. Whats the point going home?
Alice froze, then gave a soft laugh, crouching to hug the child back.
I have to study for my class tomorrow, she soothed. Theres lots to revise. But Ill be here tomorrow again, so you wont even have time to miss me!
Sophie barreled in, squeezing the pair in a fierce hug. We already miss you! Stay!
Those pleading faces, shining with sincere hope, warmed Alices heart. She knelt so she was level with them.
Where would I sleep if I stayed? she grinned. I cant quite squeeze into your beds, can I?
Emily paused, thinking hard, then her face brightened.
Dads got a big bed! Its comfywe could make room for you!
Sophie nodded eagerly. Yes, yes! Dad works late anyway, he wont mind!
Alice suppressed a smile. She understoodthey just wanted her nearby, nothing more. She gently stroked their cheeks.
Thank you, my dears, she replied softly. But I really must go. Tomorrow, Ill be here even earlierthen we can play, read stories, maybe bake more biscuits, hmm?
The girls exchanged a slightly grumpy look, but nodded at last.
All right But youll really come?
I promise, Alice assured them, hugging them both. I never lie to my favourite girls.
She held them close for another moment, then gently let go.
Come on now, lets tidy away and wash up for bed. Daddy will be pleased when everythings ready for him.
The girls, less forlorn than before, toddled over to the toy box, helping. Alice watched with a smile, feeling her attachment growfor these two spirited little souls, so much tougher than their years.
Privately, Alice had blushed at their suggestion she stay in Bens bedeven as she knew what the girls meant was innocent as could be. But it set her imagination spinning: a quiet evening in the Morrison home, the lamp casting a gentle glow, talking about the day over a cuppa with Ben How lovely it would benot as their nanny, of course, but simply as herself, by his side.
No, she chided herself firmly. Its just a jobyoure the nanny, not a guest. Before her daydreams could spiral further, Alice gathered her things, promised the girls again shed see them tomorrow, and nearly bolted out the door.
Outside, she gulped in the crisp evening air, cheeks still hot. Her movements were nervousfixing her hair, fiddling with her bags strap. She didnt see Tom lingering in the hallway, smiling slyly; hed long since clocked the change in the house when Alice was around, how his dads voice softened, and how Alice blushed at his glance.
Looks like my hopeless dad has a shot, Tom mused, pleased. Hed wanted another woman in the house for agesnot just a nanny for his sisters, but someone to make dad happy. Alice was perfect: kind, patient, fun, and clearly adored his sisters.
Why cant grown-ups just talk to each other? he wondered. Theyre worse than us kids
Later, when Ben returned from work, Tom decided to act. As Ben shed his coat and stepped into the lounge, Tom planted himself in front of him.
So, Dad, why are you dragging your feet? he demanded, arms folded.
Ben looked up from his papers, utterly bemused.
What do you mean, Tom?
I meancome on! You fancy Alice, dont you? Everyone can see it. Ask her out already!
Ben blinked, then blushed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
Son, Alice is our nanny. Shes brilliant with the girlsthats what matters
Oh stop it! Tom cut in, exasperated. I see how you look at her. And how she looks at you. Youre both walking round in circles like youre twelve. Honestly: Alice, fancy going for a coffee? thats all it takes!
Ben leaned back, hand over his face, looking more lost than Tom had ever seen.
Its not that simple, Tom, he said softly. I cant upset what weve finally built herethe girls love her. If she leaves because of me I couldnt stand it.
He trailed off, staring into space. He pictured Emily showing Alice her latest scribble, Sophie slipping her hand into Alices, himself watching Alices gentle, infectious smile. What if his feelings ruined everything?
Meanwhile, Tom was undeterred. He leaned in, voice grown-up and steady.
Alice is daft about youthe way she blushes, the way she looks away. Shes scared to make the first move because she works for us. Dad, just give it a go!
Ben smiled, despite himself. His son sounded like hed read a librarys worth of romance novels.
You make it sound easy, Ben murmured. But what if Ive got it wrong? What if she thinks Im taking advantage? This isnt a film, Tom.
Tom snorted. So dont go all lets be together foreverask her for coffee, but take us with. A family day out. No pressure for anyone.
Ben mulled it over. Maybe Tom was onto something. Instead of diving in, why not just make family time, together, where everyone could relax?
You really think itll work?
Definitely. Its the start. After that, youll know. Juststart.
Ben stared out the window, already picturing ita day at the park, or an ice cream café round the corner. He breathed out slow, then nodded.
All right. Lets try your plan. But if it all goes wrong?
Ill never mention it again, Tom held up his hands, grinning. Scouts honour.
Father and son exchanged glances, both breaking into warm laughter. In the hall, the sound of the girls giggling filtered throughthey were playing hide and seek with Alice. Ben listened, warmth welling up in his chest. Perhaps Tom was right. Perhaps it was time to take a risk.
***********************
Ben replayed Toms words over and over in his mind for daysAlice is daft about you! Blushes if you so much as look at her He started to notice it, too; the way Alices smile brightened if he complimented her, the way she glanced away, then glanced back.
How did I miss it? he wondered, unlocking the door one evening. Or maybejust too scared to hope?
From inside, the delicious noise of laughter floated through the housesomething missing for far too long. Ben set down his bag, slipped off his shoes, and listened quietly.
Alice, say our daddys the best in the world! demanded Emily, goaded on by Sophie and Tom.
Of course he is, Alice replied with a grin, as she plaited Emilys hair. Hes kind, hes caring
And handsome, right? Sophie piped up, grinning at Alice.
Very handsome, Alice replied automaticallythen caught herself, and blushed every shade of crimson.
She stammered, trying to recover. Your dads the very best daddy there is. And he loves you very much.
We love him too. And you? Sophie asked simply, her gaze intent.
Me? What about me? Alice dithered, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Do you love daddy? Sophie pressed, straightforward as only a child could be.
Alice froze. The room fell silenteven Tom held his breath. She looked desperately around for an escape route.
Ioh goodness, look at the time! We need to make tea. Whos going to help me? she burst out, dodging into the kitchen.
The girls exchanged a look and scrambled after her, giggling.
From the doorway, Ben watched it all with a smile.
How about we all go out for supper? he suggested once the kitchen chaos died down. Its been a long week. Lets treat ourselves.
A triumphant din broke out.
To a restaurant? Hooray!
Can we have ice cream?
And the arcade?
Alice was standing aside now, caught up in their excitement. Ben leaned in, lowering his voice.
Would you mind? I think we could all use a change of scene.
Alice, cheeks still pink from earlier, nodded. I think its a wonderful idea.
For Benit felt like Toms plan, unfolding in real time. Just a simple evening together. No big declarations, just the warmth of being side by side.
************************
The months rolled on. Life at the Morrisons changedimperceptibly at first, then with greater confidence. What started as cautious family outingsparks, cafés, school fairsbecame habit. More often than not, Alice and Ben found themselves lingering together on the sofa once the children were asleep, talking over tea, laughing over the days dramas.
At first, they both pretended it was all strictly professional. But as time wore on, pretending became impossible.
Tom, quietly satisfied, gloated in the background. His plan had worked. Dad smiled more, and Alices smiles now brimmed with warmth instead of nervousness.
One soft summer evening, with the children tucked up and the house quiet, Ben and Alice sat together in the dim glow of the sitting room, untouched tea cooling on the table.
Ive been meaning to tell you something, Ben said, gazing at the fairy lights the girls had looped across the window.
Alices heart stuttered. She turned to him, hope and fear warring in her eyes.
I cant imagine my life without you now, Ben confessed, gently enfolding her hand in his. Without your smile, your laughter, the way you justmake us all better. I love you, Alice. Not just as our nanny, but as my wife.
Eyes glistening, Alice closed them, steadying her nerves. At last she whispered:
I love you too. I want to be with you. All of you.
*************************
Their wedding was a modest, joyful affairnothing showy, just a handful of friends and family in a charming village hall hung with wildflowers and paper lanterns. The real guests of honour, though, were Emily, Sophie, and Tom.
The girls, in matching pale pink dresses, donned their roles as flower girls with gleeshowering petals for the guests and carrying the rings with utmost solemnity.
Daddy, you look like a prince! Emily whispered as Ben leaned down to kiss her hair.
Alice is like a fairy from a storybook! Sophie marvelled, gazing at the brides simple, elegant gown.
Tom, standing tall and proud by his fathers side, could barely contain his grin.
Told you it would work out, Dad, he said, as the registrar pronounced them husband and wife.
Ben squeezed his sons shoulder, then turned to Alice. The look they shared silenced the room.
Were a real family now, Alice said quietly, entwining her fingers with his.
Laughter, dancing, storiesafter the ceremony, everyone joined in the celebration, children darting in and out, the newlyweds barely getting a moment to themselves. When the cake arrived, the girls insisted they take the first bite.
Later, as the last guests drifted home, Ben and Alice stood outside on the terrace, stars overhead and the scent of jasmine in the air.
I think today might be the happiest of my life, Alice murmured as Ben wrapped her in his arms.
Mine too, he replied softly. Though I reckon weve a whole lifetime of happy days ahead.
Looking up at him, Alice knew it was true: the doubts, the old worriesall of it belonged to the past. Now she had a family, a man she loved, and a future they would build together.
