Not Just a Nanny
Alice sat hunched over a desk in the university library, surrounded by a fortress of textbooks and notepads. Her fingers flicked pages with tense urgency, eyes darting across lines of lecture notes, cramming in as much as she possibly could before next mornings assessment. The lecturer was renowned for being strict: anyone failing the test was doomed to a resit, and Alice couldnt afford the extra pressurethis term was already pushing her to the limit.
Her concentration was interrupted by the arrival of Grace, one of her course mates. Grace perched on the edge of the desk, leaning over slightly, her voice soothing and conspiratorial:
Youre still looking for a part-time job, aren’t you?
Alice, eyes never leaving the pages, nodded, lips pressed together tightly. There was no time for distractions, not with so much material left to master.
Mmhm, she managed, hoping it would be enough to end the conversation, but Grace pressed on gently.
I know times tricky with lectures til two every day, but Ive got something that might fit you. My neighbour Simon, hes a single dadlost his wife a while back, though Im not sure of the details. Grace wrinkled her nose, swatting away the gossip. Hes absolutely swamped at work and desperate for someone to watch his girls in the evenings, four til eight most days.
Now Alice finally looked up, curiosity piqued. Sensing shed got her attention, Grace continued brightly:
Youre brilliant with kids, you study teaching, and just look at all your experience with your brothers! Four of them, wasnt it?
Alice twirled her pencil pensively. Shed always felt a warm attachment to childrenthe years spent helping her mother were demanding but deeply rewarding. Still, the idea of minding other peoples children, especially ones carrying such a heavy loss, gave her pause.
How old are they? she asked, her tone gentle and genuinely concerned.
Twin girls, about six, Grace replied immediately. Theres an older one too, but hes thirteen and always off at football practice, so hes hardly in. Simon just cant manage on his own anymore.
And Simon will really take me? Im only in my fourth yearno degree just yet. Alice chewed her lip and drummed nervously on the desk. Shed looked after her siblings, and spent time on placement at a nursery, but this was different. These werent her brothersthese were somebody else’s most precious people.
Oh, definitely, Grace waved away her worries. He asked me just yesterday if I knew anyone. Shall I give him your number?
The certainty in Graces voice made Alice pause. She checked her notes, glanced at the timehalf an hour til her next lecture flashed on the clockand realised this could be perfect. The job was close by, flexible, and, if nothing else, the girls sounded delightful.
Excitement fluttered in her chesta blend of nerves and possibility. She squared her shoulders and gave a firm nod.
Go on, then.
****
Alice was a bundle of nerves. Today was her first real day on the job. Looking after her brothers had never felt like work, but this was officiala responsibility to someone else and to children shed never met. She checked her bag again: phone, keys, notebook, emergency snacks. Everything was ready.
Meeting Simon and the girls the day before had been surprisingly easy. He was calm and friendly, clearly grateful for help, and hed patiently explained the household routine. The twinsEmily and Sophiewere shy at first, clutching their father and peering from behind his legs, but within minutes, they were chattering away and showing Alice their scribbly pictures. She liked them immediately, charmed by their unfiltered sweetness and odd little habits.
But what took Alice most by surprise was Simon himself. Grace hadnt quite described how handsome he waswith kind eyes and a worrying, gentle smile, he was easy to talk to. Alice mentally scolded her friend for omitting this minor detail. Now shed have to keep her blushes in check every time he spoke to her.
Just dont lose your head, she warned herself silently. This is a job, nothing more.
She approached the primary schoolsmall, cheerful, playground painted with hopscotch and winding slides. Simon had called ahead so staff would know to release the twins to her; hed even given her a signed note for reassurance. Taking a steadying breath, Alice fixed her hair and entered the gate.
The playground was a blur of running children and shouted laughter. Alice soon spotted Emily and Sophie by the swings, animatedly whispering. As she approached, they fell still, then offered tentative smiles.
She knelt to their level and offered her warmest grin.
Alright, girls. Shall we go home? I could make you something lovely for tea.
Emily glanced at her sister before stepping forward, suspicious yet hopeful. Like what?
Alice tapped her chin, pretending to consider. Maybe pancakes with jam? Or chocolate chip biscuits?
Sophies face lit up, Biscuits! With chocolate bits!
Its decided then, Alice said, holding out her hands. Shall we?
Hesitantly, the girls placed their little palms in hers. A soothing warmth chased away the jittersperhaps this would work out after all.
The twins exchanged a glancejust a brief moment, but their eyes said more than any words. They moved in perfect unisonthe same tilt of the head, the same uncertain shuffle forward. What struck Alice most was the seriousness in their gaze, odd on such little faces.
She had remembered the words of Thomas, their older brother. Last night, hed cornered her in the corridor, speaking more like an adult than a child, his voice almost a whisper.
They used to be different, Thomas confided, wringing his shirt hem. Happy, cuddly. Then after Mumwell, they just didnt understand. Thought it was something theyd done wrong.
He stared at the floor, then continued, firmer now, Theyd ask, Are we that bad? Is that why Mum left? Dad and I tried to explain, tried to tell them Mum loved them. But they just shut down. Barely smiled anymore. Wouldnt go near strangers. Granny helped out for a bit, but shes been ill herself. Dad had no choice but to find a nanny.
There was a weariness in Thomass eyes, but also determination. He felt the weight of responsibility for his sisters, and for his father, too.
Alice had nodded silently, her chest tightening. Now, looking at Emily and Sophie, she felt the fragility of the trust shed been given.
But the girls warmed up to me very quickly, Alice said with a half-smile. We even played a bit. I tried a silly scarf trick, and they giggled at that.
Thomas had given her a level look, assessing her honesty. Then, suddenly solemn, he added, Thats why Dad picked you. He said you made them laugh. Justdont let us down, alright?
There was a raw, hopeful edge that made Alice swallow hard. She nodded, solid and certain.
I wont. I want them to smile again.
Thomas relaxed; his smile, uncertain but genuine, brought a momentary lightness to the conversation. Then, with the bravado of a much younger boy, he added, Ill hang around, toowhen Im not at training. I can tell good stories.
Alice smiled warmly, Thats perfect. I know theyll love that.
****
Itd been two months since Alice joined the Morrison family. In that time, everything had shifted. The girls, once wary and withdrawn, now greeted her with giggles and stories. They clung to her at the end of the evening, never wanting her to leave.
This particular night, Alice was tidying uppicking up building bricks and dolls while humming the tune theyd learned that day. The twins sat watching her from the sofa, eyes wide and sad.
Stay here, Alice! cried Emily, suddenly leaping from the cushion. She wrapped her arms around Alices waist, face pressed into her skirt. What do you need to go home for?
Alice froze, then laughed gently, crouching down to their level and holding the little girl close.
I need to study, sweetheart, she said fondly. Ive got university in the morningand some revision to do. Ill be back tomorrow before you know it!
But Sophie was next to them in a heartbeat, arms thrown around them both.
But well miss you! she declared with childish resolve. Dont go!
Looking at their desperate faces, Alices heart melted. She knelt and squeezed them tight.
And where would I sleep, hmm? she played along. I cant kick you out of your beds, can I?
Emily frowned, deep in consideration, then brightened, Dads rooms got a massive bed. Youll be comfy there!
Sophie joined eagerly, Yeah! Dads never home til late anywayhe wont mind!
Alice bit back a laugh. Of course, they were just children, innocent and loving. Her mind, though, conjured its own images: quiet evenings in the Morrisons lounge, the gleam of the lamps, long talks with Simon over a cuppa Oh, how shed love to staynot in the master bedroom, but side by side with Simon, talking about the long day.
Thank you, girls, she said softly, stroking their cheeks. But I really must go home this time. Tomorrow, Ill come over even earlier and well have time for games, stories, and baking biscuits together!
The twins exchanged glances, then, together, nodded solemnly.
Promise youll come?
I promise, Alice replied, squeezing them once more. I never fib to my favourite girls.
She helped them put away the toys, led them to the bathroom for their pre-bed wash, and just as she was finishing, she felt her own cheeks burning. The girls offer had embarrassed her far more than it should have. In their eyes, keeping her close was simply lovenothing more or less. But Alices thoughts strayed easily, picturing laughter and quiet evenings with Simon, wishing, just for a moment, she could stay as more than just the help.
With hasty motions, she stuffed her things in her bag, pressed another promise on the girls, and slipped out into the evening air.
On the pavement, she drew a deep breath, willing her blush to fade. She fussed with her hair, the strap of her satchel, unable to steady herself.
All the while, Thomas was watching from the window, lips twitching into a knowing grin. Hed noticed how the mood in their home transformed when Alice was aroundhow his dads voice softened, how Alice relaxed into giggles. He thought, with satisfaction, Perhaps my daft old dad finally has a chance. Hed long hoped for a woman in the housenot just a nanny, but someone to make Simon happy. Alice was perfect: kind, patient, funny, with a true affection for the twins.
Why couldnt either of them make a move? Thomas wondered with exasperation. Grown-upsso impossibly awkward sometimes.
When Simon came in from work, Thomas pounced, following him into the lounge before he could even take off his jacket.
Dad, what are you waiting for? Thomas demanded, arms folded.
Simon blinked, surprise flitting across his face as he shuffled his papers.
What do you mean?
Oh, please, Thomas scoffed, edging forward, You *like* Alice, dont you? So ask her out! Invite her for dinner or something!
Simon hesitated, his ears turning red. Son, shes the twins nanny, shes brilliant with them and thats what matters
Oh, for heavens sake! Thomas rolled his eyes. Anyone can see you both tiptoe around each other. Is it really that hard to say Alice, fancy a coffee?
Simon leaned back, running a hand over his face, clearly at a loss.
Its not so simple, he muttered, glancing at the door as if worried Aliceor the twinsmight overhear. I cant risk upsetting the balance here. The girls adore her. If I mess things up and she leaves
Images swept through his mindEmily grinning as she showed Alice her drawings; Sophie, trustingly slipping her hand into Alices. Himself, lingering over Alices smile. The fear of ruining that was real.
Thomas, though, was undeterred. He leaned forward, elbows on knees, meeting his fathers eyes with grown-up certainty.
Shes head over heels for you, Dad. She blushes when you say her name. Dont be daftshe wont make the first move because she works for us. Be brave, yeah?
Simon couldnt help but smile. Thomas sounded as though hed scripted this exchange from a queue of soap operas.
Its easy for you to say, Simon replied. But if Ive got it wrong
You wont, Thomas insisted. Just start small, a trip to the park where we can all go, or somewhere for tea. It’s nothing heavy.
Simon considered it. Maybe it didnt need to be a grand gesture. Maybe just time together, as a familysee how it felt.
Do you really think so?
Absolutely. Just give it a go. If it works, you can take her out one-on-one next time, but this way, no pressure.
Simon nodded slowly, gazing out at the night. Plans swam in his mindpicnics, afternoons at the play park, visiting the café for the girls favourite ice cream. Maybe Thomas was right. Maybe it was time to try.
All right. Ill try your way. But if it all goes pear-shaped
Ill keep schtum, Thomas said with an angelic grin. Promise.
Father and son shared a laugh just as a high-pitched giggle echoed from the other roomthe twins, shrieking as Alice played hide-and-seek. Simons heart twisted with hope. Maybe just maybe.
****
The idea percolated for days. Over and over, Simon considered Thomass words: Shes head over heels for you! He began noticing how Alice would go shy if he praised her, how her smile, when it found its footing, filled the kitchen with light.
Had he really been blind, or just terrified to want more?
That evening, he reached home to the sound of bubbling laughterthe kind of joy their house had lacked for so long. Dropping his briefcase quietly, he listened from the hallway.
Alice, tell us Dads the very best! Emily demanded, clearly egged on by her siblings.
The best by a mile, Alice replied solemnly, busy braiding Emilys hair. Hes generous and kind, isnt he?
And handsome? Sophie chimed in, mischief flickering in her eyes.
Very handsome, Alice said absentmindedly, then froze, realising what shed said. Fierce colour flashed across her cheeks.
She stammered, Your dads the most wonderful dad in the world. And he loves you very much.
We love him, too. Dont you love him, Alice? Sophie asked, bold as brass.
Alice stilled. Suddenly, a hush fella tension thick with anticipation. She cast a desperate glance about, looking for escape.
Ium, heavens! Look at the time! she squeaked, springing up. Id better get tea startedcome on now, whos helping me?
She dashed to the kitchen, the twins bounding after her, questions forgotten.
Simon finally stepped into the lounge, catching the delighted flash in Alices blue eyes just before she busied herself with dinner preparations.
How about tonight we all go out for dinner? he suggested, warmth in his tone. A change of pace might do us all good.
The twins leapt with delight.
Were going out? Hooray!
Will there be ice cream? Can we do rides?
Alice, moved by the cheerful chaos, smiled at Simon.
I think thats a lovely idea, she said quietly, still pink from earlier. The girls will be thrilled.
Simon gave her a grateful look. Perhaps Thomas really was onto something. No pressure, no declarations. Just sharing time, side by side, as a new patchwork family.
****
Months drifted by, gentle yet momentous. Those family outingsso careful at first, just parks and birthdays and dinnersbecame a new normal. Alice and Simon often lingered at the kitchen table after the girls went to bed, sharing lukewarm tea and soft conversation.
No one stated what was happening; it simply did. The lines between employee and employer blurred, then disappeared altogether.
Thomas watched it all with pride. He knew his nudge was all the excuse theyd needed. Simon seemed lighter, Alice more at ease. She no longer blushed at Simons smile; instead, her own matched his in confidence and hope.
One April evening, after the girls were asleep and Thomas was next door revising, Simon and Alice sat on the sofa in the warm half-light. Their tea had long gone cold.
You know, Simon began, gazing at the string of paper lanterns the twins had hung up that morning, Ive been meaning to say something for a while.
Alice looked over, a question in her eyes. Simon took her hand, gentle but sure.
I cant picture my life without you anymore, he said softly, without your laughter, your patience, the way youve brought this house back to life. I love you, Alice. I want you with us. Not as the girls nanny, but as my wife.
Alices eyes brimmed. She breathed in, her answer clear and unwavering.
I love you, Simon. I want to be with you, too.
****
Planning the wedding was swiftneither wanted a grand affair, just joy and promise. On a bright, blustery spring Saturday, family and close friends gathered at a village hall dressed in bunting and daffodils, the smell of scones and tea filling every corner.
The twins wore matching blush-pink dresses, scattering rose petals and holding the ring cushion with the gravity of tiny bridesmaids.
Daddy, you look so smart! Emily whispered, tugging Simons hand as he stooped to kiss her crown.
Alice is just like a fairy, Sophie chimed, staring at Alices simple, elegant dress.
Thomas stood beside his dad, pride straightening his shoulders.
Told you, Dad, he muttered as the registrar declared them man and wife, I knew you could do it.
Simon squeezed his shoulder and turned to Alice, breath caught by the sincerity in her gaze.
Were a family now, she said, fingers entwined with his.
There followed cakes, speeches, children running in the garden. Emily and Sophie vied for the first slice of wedding cake, cheeks streaked with jam. When guests drifted away, Alice and Simon stayed behind on the terrace, the air heavy with the scent of magnolia and the distant laughter of their children.
That was the best day of my life, Alice whispered, resting her head on Simons chest.
And mine, he replied, arms tight around her. But the best bit? We have all our days ahead of us, together.
Alice smiled at him, knowing that everything beforedoubt, nerves, lonelinesswas finally laid to rest. She had found her home, her family, and a future as strong and soft as springtime in England.
