Chapter Fourteen
TALLY
A fter finishing the tree decorating, I went to the guest house and left Jake and the girls alone for some family time. I felt bad for Nora because she hadn’t asked for much. I understood where he was coming from. I’d been taught the same thing, that inviting yourself wasn’t polite. Growing up, we weren’t allowed to go to a friend’s house unless invited, either. And while it wasn’t my place to question his parenting or comment on the “because I said so,” I felt compelled to try to help in this situation. I remembered what it was like to be a young girl and want something, only to be disappointed when my parents said no. I was in a position to help Nora get what she wanted because her dad couldn’t, and I hoped he’d let me.
The rest of the weekend was quiet and uneventful. Jake and the girls left for church Sunday morning and didn’t return until dinnertime. I spent the day doing laundry and cleaning and organizing my little guest house. Then I went to my parents’ house to borrow some ornaments and lights, set up the small fake tree Jake had given me, and spent the evening decorating. The living room looked so pretty with only the light of the tree, and I enjoyed a cup of cocoa as I sat staring at its beauty for a while.
On Monday, I headed into the house early to make pancakes for the girls and pack their lunches.
Jake showed up in the kitchen before his daughters.
“Good morning.” I poured a cup of coffee and handed it to him.
“Morning.” He took a sip. “How was the rest of your weekend?”
“Good. Yours?”
He nodded. “Pretty good.”
“No more blowups?”
“None.” His hair fell across his forehead as he shook his head, and thankfully, he pushed it back into place before I gave in to the urge to reach up and do it myself.
I went back to stirring the pancake batter.
“Were you serious about taking her to the recital tonight?”
“Of course.”
“Can you take the younger girls too?”
“Sure.”
“Thank you. I’ll send you the information later this morning.”
“Your conversation with Nora must’ve gone well.”
“There were apologies and tears.”
“Her apology and your tears?”
He chuckled, and I couldn’t help but feel happy that I’d made him laugh .
“Did you give any more thought to what we talked about?” he asked after another sip of coffee.
I nodded.
I had thought about it. A lot. And I tried not to hear Ellie’s voice in my head, making me picture myself with Jake and his three daughters because that was an unhealthy, inappropriate daydream. Instead, I attempted to focus my thoughts on what I wanted my future to be—a partner to share my life with, kids of our own, my happily ever after like Ellie and Penny had both found. And even though it seemed a little crazy and unconventional, I kind of agreed with them that I should at least try to let Jake help me. I believed he had a lot of experience at his job with coaching employees. How much different could it be to use those skills to help me learn to speak to strangers and reach my goal of finding a husband?
“And?” He peered over the top of his coffee mug at me.
“I’m willing to try.”
The right side of his mouth lifted in a lopsided smile. “Okay.”
“Okay.”
I went over and poured the batter onto the griddle.
“We’ll start Friday right after work.”
“Friday?”
“Yeah.”
I stared down at the pancake as the bubbles on the surface began to pop.
“Do you have other plans?”
I shook my head.
“Okay. Meet me here at quarter to seven.”
“I’ll already be here with the girls. ”
“Marjie can watch them that night.”
“All right.”
“And wear running shoes.”
With that, he walked out of the kitchen to get the girls up for school.
My brows squeezed together. “Running shoes?”
On the way to school, the girls chattered about dance, and I learned that Nora’s best friend, Maleah, was in the show. Her other best friend was named Ashlynn. She and Nora both wanted to do dance, but Ashlynn couldn’t because it cost too much, and Nora couldn’t because Jake wouldn’t let her.
“Do we get to go to the dance show too?” Ava asked.
“Sure,” I replied. “I can’t leave you home alone.”
“I’m grown up enough to take care of myself.”
“You are very grown up,” I said, “but not old enough to stay by yourself.”
“Does Piper have to come along?” Nora grumbled. “She can never sit still.”
“I wanna dance,” Piper said.
“No, Piper. We’re not dancing. We’re watching Maleah dance.”
“I love Meah.”
“Muh-lee-uh,” Nora corrected her.
“Me-uh,” Piper said slowly, and Nora groaned and shook her head.
Piper’s little voice was so adorable. It always made me smile.
“I’m sure your sisters would like to see the show, too,” I told Nora.
She didn’t reply, but I saw her purse her lips and droop her shoulders.
“Today’s Kenzie’s birthday, and we get to have a class party,” Ava suddenly announced.
“That sounds like fun, Ava,” I said as we pulled into the line in front of her school.
“When’s your birthday, Tally?” she asked.
“My birthday is December twenty-fifth,” I answered.
“Your birthday is on Christmas?” Nora asked.
“Yep.”
“Did you have a birthday party on Christmas day?”
I shook my head. “No. We celebrated my birthday and Christmas together. I’ve never had a birthday party before.”
“You haven’t?” Nora’s eyes were wide. “Were you mad?”
I shrugged. “No. It’s just how it always worked out.”
“That’s not fair,” Ava said.
“Life isn’t always fair, but you have to try to see the good in things.”
“I would’ve been mad.” Nora shook her head.
Ava suddenly burped loudly, and all three girls started laughing, which led to them pretending to burp and exploding in fits of laughter.
“Okay,” I said as we pulled up to Ava’s school. “We’re here. Enough with the burps.”
Ava fake-burped as I pressed the button to open the side door of the van, and her teacher was waiting outside.
“Oh, my,” the teacher said.
I chuckled. “Sorry about that. ”
She laughed. “Happens all the time. I’m Miss Knight, Ava’s teacher.” She was a lovely woman, probably in her mid-thirties, with pretty blue eyes, perfect makeup, and light blonde hair twisted up in a neat bun.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Tally, Ava’s nanny.”
“Nice to meet you too. Hi, Nora. How are you?”
“Fine,” she replied.
“Have a great day,” Miss Knight said as Ava climbed out, and she led her away toward the school.
As we drove away, Nora said, “Miss Knight used to be my kindergarten teacher.”
“That’s fun that she’s Ava’s teacher now.”
“I think Dad asked for her to be Ava’s teacher because he has a crush on her.”
“He does?” I asked in surprise. “Did he tell you that?”
“I saw them hold hands once. After my mom left.”
“Maybe they’re just friends.”
Nora shrugged her shoulders. I wanted to ask her more questions, like how she would feel if her dad started dating, but she was just beginning to open up a little with me, so I decided to take it slow.
But now I was curious about Jake and Miss Knight. She was a beautiful woman. The opposite of me in every way. Friendly, outgoing, curvy, perfect hair and face. I was none of those things. My hair was sort of a light to medium brown, more mousy than marvelous. My complexion was meh. My nose was a little crooked. My lips were thin. And I wasn’t curvaceous. I was average height with a small chest and butt. I wasn’t the kind of girl the guys noticed. I was plain. Ordinary.
I could picture Jake and Miss Knight together, though, and they’d make a nice-looking couple. I could see it clearly.
Jake and I, on the other hand? Not so much.
Once I’d dropped the girls off, my phone buzzed, and I noticed Jake’s name on the screen, which made my stomach flip. His message was simply the information for the dance recital that night.
Me: Thanks. Nora seems to really want to take dance.
Jake: It never worked with my schedule.
Me: But you have me now.
After I sent it, I cringed. Maybe I shouldn’t have worded it that way. I always second-guessed myself, worried about how someone would take what I said or if I said something wrong. I wished I could say what was on my mind without feeling that way.
Jake: True. Are you ready to start your man hunt this week?
Me: Oh my gosh. Don’t call it that.
Jake: (laughing emoji)
Me: I might be having second thoughts.
Jake: I already made plans for us.
Me: I think I must decline.
Jake: Must you?
Me: Are you mocking me?
Jake: Never.
Me: It seems like mocking to me.
Jake: Why must you decline?
Me: It’s weird. You helping me find a guy.
The bubbles bounced up and down as he typed. Then they disappeared for a bit before a message finally popped up.
Jake: I’m just helping you learn to communicate better. Not saying you’ll meet “the one” on Friday or anything. Won’t you at least try?
Me: Seriously, why do you want to do this?
Jake: I want to help.
Me: But why?
Jake: Because you deserve to be happy and get what you want in this life, and your shyness shouldn’t keep you from it.
That made me pause because of how very sweet it was, and I placed my hand over my heart. What do you say to something like that?
Me: Where are we going?
Jake: It’s a secret.
Me: Nope! If you don’t tell me, I definitely won’t go. I need to be able to process and mentally prepare ahead of time.
Jake: OK. I get that. It’s the singles Christmas party at my church. Very low-key. Food, music, a Christmas message.
Me: That doesn’t sound too awful.
Jake: It’s either that or The Sawmill.
The Sawmill was the local country music bar, complete with line dancing and plenty of drinking. I’d been there with the girls a few times, and they had good food, but it wasn’t my scene.
Me: I’ll pass.
Jake: On The Sawmill or the Christmas party.
Me: Both?
Jake: Was that a question?
Me: (shrugging emoji)
Jake: Are you still in?
I didn’t reply right away. The thought of being in a room with a bunch of other singles I would have to talk to gave me anxiety.
Jake: You think about it. See you tonight.
Me: Why do I need running shoes for a Christmas party?
Jake: (laughing emoji)
Me: That’s not an answer.
Jake: It’s the answer you’re getting.
I thought of nothing but the Christmas party all afternoon until I’d worked myself up with worry. This was what I did. I would overthink, get stuck in my head, envision awkward scenarios until I was nauseated.
By the time I picked up the girls, my stomach was in rough shape. I popped some Rolaids and was able to calm down enough to get the girls ready for the night. Nora was counting on me, and I knew this would help our relationship going forward.
The recital was lovely. The youngest dancers went first and were so adorable to watch, spinning around in their little pink tutus. Nora was on the edge of her seat as each new group took the stage, and Ava and Piper were just as into it. Although, I did have to take them to the bathroom once and let Piper jump around in the lobby to get out her wiggles. I snuck a peek at Nora when it came time for Maleah’s group to do their jazz and hip-hop routines. She was in absolute awe. Her eyes were wide, taking it all in, and she couldn’t stop smiling and clapping when they were done. The show ended with a huge finale by the entire ensemble.
“That was awesome,” Nora gushed as we headed into the lobby. “I wish I could do that.”
My heart went out to her, and I hoped maybe I could help make that dream of hers come true.
“I want to be a dancer.” Ava spun around flamboyantly, her arms whipping around her, accidentally knocking Piper down.
Piper burst into tears, and I helped her stand and crouched beside her.
Without having to tell her to, Ava came over and wrapped her arms around her little sister.
“I’m sorry, Piper.”
Piper sniffled as she hugged her back, and my heart twinged at the sweet sight .
Nora usually would’ve commented on her sisters’ behaviors, but she was oblivious. It was clear her mind was on that stage.
The dancers started filtering out from the side door, and Nora took off.
“Nora!” I cried. “Wait for us.”
I found her hugging Maleah, who was all smiles too.
“You look so pretty,” Nora told her. “I love your makeup and your costume. You were so awesome, Maleah.”
“It was so fun!”
“Hello.” The woman standing next to Maleah extended a hand to me. “I’m Melodie, Maleah’s mom.”
I shook her hand. “I’m Tally, Nora’s nanny.” As soon as I said the words, my eyes darted to Nora to see her reaction.
She didn’t notice or care.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Melodie said. “We’re taking some of the girls out for ice cream now. You’re all welcome to join us.”
Nora’s eyes shot to mine. “Tally, please, please, please can we go?”
“I’m not sure your dad wants the little girls out that late. Piper’s already pretty tired.”
“We could take Nora with us and drop her off in an hour or so,” Melodie offered.
Nora grabbed hold of my hands and pleaded with her eyes. “Daddy won’t mind.”
I wasn’t so sure about that, but I didn’t see the harm in it.
“Are you sure you don’t mind bringing her home?”
Melodie waved me off. “Not at all. We love Nora. She’s welcome any time. ”
“Okay. Thank you.”
“So, I can go?” Nora asked.
“Yes, you can go.”
Nora rushed me and wrapped her arms tightly around my waist. “Thank you, Tally. You’re the best nanny ever.”
It only lasted seconds, but I was overcome with emotion. She called me her nanny. Without shame or worry about who would hear her. Granted it was because she got something she wanted, but I counted it as a win, for sure.
Ava whined a little as we headed to the van. She wanted ice cream too. I explained that Nora needed some time alone with her friends sometimes, and I told her she could have a cookie before bed, and that seemed to be that. Piper was too tired to fuss much about it. She was all for a cookie before bed, though.
Jake was home when we arrived, and I had a little nervous flip of my stomach about letting Nora go without asking him.
“Hey, how was the show?” He got up from the living room couch and came to take a sleeping Piper out of my arms. I couldn’t control the way my heart picked up its pace at the warmth of his body in my personal space or the way tingles moved across my skin as his arms brushed against mine when I handed Piper over to him.
“It was fun, Daddy.” Ava spun around. “I want to be a ballerina.”
“You do, huh?”
She nodded and spun some more.
“Well, my little ballerina. It’s time to dance your way into your pajamas. ”
“Tally said we could have a cookie.”
He eyed me, and I shrugged just as he craned his neck to look behind me. “Where’s Nora?”
“I let her get ice cream with Maleah’s family. I hope that’s okay.”
He looked at his watch. “It’s getting a little late.”
“I know, but it’s a special circumstance. They’re bringing her home in less than an hour.”
Jake didn’t reply as Piper stirred in his arms.
It was the first time I’d made a decision about the girls on my own, and I hoped he wasn’t upset about it. I wanted him to trust me when it came to taking care of his girls.
I went into the kitchen and got the girls a cookie and some milk. Jake brought them in and set them at the kitchen counter.
“Do you want a cookie?” I asked.
“I’d never say no to that.” He winked, and my stomach flipped. Why did it have to keep doing that around him?
Ava talked Jake’s head off about the dancers. Piper could barely keep her eyes open as she nibbled on her cookie. At one point, her eyelids were closed, her hand was hovering in the air, and a chunk of cookie hung from her lower lip.
“Okay, I think this one is done.” Jake gathered her up. “Come on, Ava. Time for bed.”
She hopped down from the stool, came over, and hugged my leg. “Thanks for taking us to see the dance, Tally.”
I rubbed the top of her head. “You’re welcome, Ava.”
Jake’s eyes were on me when I looked his way, and he gave me a sweet smile .
“Do you want me to stay in case Nora gets home before you come back down?” I asked.
“Yeah, that would be great, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind.”
He finally looked away when he and the girls headed for the stairs, and I was able to breathe again.
How was I going to let him help me find a date when I couldn’t stop thinking about his eyes? Why did my palms sweat and my heart race when he looked at me like he just did? Why couldn’t my thoughts of him remain as an employer and nothing more?
I moved to the turret room and sat on the bench by the window to watch for Nora. I thought about the evening and how happy it had made me that Nora wasn’t embarrassed by me. It felt good to be the one who helped put that big smile on her face. But I couldn’t help but wonder if her attitude toward me would be changed from now on or if it was a temporary thing.
My thoughts returned to Jake again, even though I tried to think of anything but him. I couldn’t help it any more than I could help the way I reacted to him on a daily basis. But as of Friday, he would officially be my dating coach. I shook my head at the thought. Why on earth had I agreed to this?