From Nanny To Wife Read Free

large purse. She held it out to Ryan. "It's my resume."
     
    Ryan took the folder and opened it. Scanning the paper, he said, "I see you have training in first aid, CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. That's good because I expect the best care for my daughter."
     
    "Do you have a picture of Zoe?" Hope asked.
     
    Ryan leaned toward his desk and grabbed the silver framed photograph. He handed it to Hope. "It was taken last year."
     
    Hope took one look at the picture and her heart melted. "She's a beautiful little girl," she said, smiling. "You're a lucky man."
     
    "I know I am," Ryan said.
     
    Hope handed the photograph back to Ryan. "May I ask you a question?"
     
    "Of course," Ryan said.
     
    "What happened to the last nanny?"
     
    Ryan sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Zoe has had three nannies in the last two years. The first one had a difficult time following my rules, the second one liked to sneak her boyfriend into the house at night and the last one had a nasty habit of smoking. I don't allow smoking near my daughter."
     
    "I see." Hope shifted in the chair. "I assure you, Mr. Kendall, I don't smoke. I don't have a boyfriend, but if I did, I wouldn't be sneaking him into your home. It would be disrespectful not to mention unprofessional. Finally, I don't have a problem with following rules." She grinned. "As long as you don't have a rule that says I can't have junk food. The last couple I worked for was health nuts. I ate a lot of tofu and bean sprouts. It was a night mare."
     
    "You can eat all the junk food you want," Ryan said. "Just don't share it with Zoe." He cleared his throat. "I'd like for you to come to my home for a paid trial day. At the end of the day, if I'm satisfied with the way you took care of Zoe then you will sign a contract."
     
    "All right," Hope said. "When would you like me to come to your home?"
     
    "Tomorrow," Ryan answered. "Is that possible?"
     
    Hope nodded. "Tomorrow is fine."
     
    "Good," Ryan told her. "Now let's discuss what will happen tomorrow." He checked his watch before continuing. "I'd like for you to come at eight-thirty. When you arrive, I'll give you a tour of the house and go over the rules with you. Once we're done, I'll introduce you to Zoe and the staff. My housekeeper, Maggie, will familiarize you with Zoe's routine and help you any way she can. Tomorrow evening I'll let you know if you're hired. If you are, we'll discuss your duties, wages, hours and the terms of your employment. Do you have any questions?"
     
    "No," Hope muttered. "Not at the moment."
     
    "If you think of any you can ask me in the morning," Ryan said as he stood. He walked around the desk, picked up a pen and scribbled something on a piece of paper. "Here is my address and number."
     
    Hope got to her feet and took the scrap of paper from Ryan. Sticking it in her purse, she led the way to the door. "If you need to reach me my number is on the resume I gave you."
     
    Ryan opened the door and stepped aside. "I will see you in the morning."
     
    Hope smiled at him. "Eight-thirty sharp."
     
    Ryan did something he didn't normally do. He went home at a decent hour that evening. It was a quarter after five when he strolled into the kitchen. Zoe was sitting in her booster seat at the table nibbling on a chicken leg. Ryan kissed her head and then sat down beside her. "Can Daddy have a bite of your chicken?"
     
    Zoe held out the half-eaten chicken leg.
     
    Ryan took a tiny bite. "Thank you."
     
    "Thank you," Zoe repeated.
     
    "No. Say you're welcome."
     
    "You're welcome," Zoe chirped.
     
    "Good girl," Ryan said.
     
    "Are you hungry, Mr. Kendall?" the cook asked. "Can I fix you a plate?"
     
    "Yes, please." Ryan removed his suit coat and laid it over the arm of the chair beside him. He unbuttoned his sleeves and rolled them up to his elbows.
     
    The cook set a plate in front of Ryan. "Let me know if there is anything else I can get for you."
     
    Ryan picked up a fork. "Thank you,