Love & Order: Labor Day (Holidays In Hallbrook Book 1)

by Elsie Davis

  The kids April oversaw had gotten into trouble hundreds of times, and she’d done everything she could to keep that from happening. It had just never seemed to be enough. She understood how it felt to be blamed for something out of her control. It was important for Bryan not to blame himself.

  “But Mr. Garrett was so mad, and it ruined our night. I just can’t help but feel responsible.” Bryan let out a sigh.

  “Honey, Mr. Garrett was upset because he’s not used to children and the chaos that comes with them. He’s still getting used to the change. For him, it’s like going swimming for the first time and jumping in the deep end of the pool.”

  “That makes sense.” Bryan shrugged.

  “Besides, it’s in the past. We had a nice dinner last night, and all is back to normal. Families have ups and downs. It goes with the territory.”

  “It was fun last night,” Melanie piped up to put in her two cents.

  April hesitated to head for the shower. It was one thing to act like she wasn’t worried for Bryan’s sake, quite another not to be worried. This would be one of those in and out, five-minute showers. No more luxury for her, no matter how hard it was to turn off the water with the massage jets blasting hot streams across her shoulders.

  She barely had time to get dressed and fix her hair before the doorbell rang. April opened the door to meet the woman who had been highly recommended by the new agency.

  “Hi, come on in. I’m April St. James.”

  “Hi, thank you. I am Corinne Carruthers.” The woman entered, glancing around the place. “This is an amazing apartment. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen here in the city. What does Mr. Bradley do?”

  “He’s a partner at Bradley & West, a law firm here in the city.”

  “Must be a successful attorney to have a place as nice as this. Where are the children? I’d love to meet them. I want to hear all about them. I’ll tell you about myself, and then we can compare notes and see where we stand.”

  A take-charge woman—exactly the type of person Garrett would prefer. April couldn’t help but admire Corinne’s open and direct attitude.

  “Follow me.” She led her to the kitchen. “This is Melanie, and she’s seven.” She placed a hand on her shoulder. “And that’s Bryan, who’s nine.” She pointed in his direction. “They start school next Wednesday. Mr. Bradley is enrolling them here. They are both excellent students.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, kids. My name is Corinne. I also loved school and did well. I promise I’ll help you in any way I can if I end up working as your nanny.”

  Bryan grimaced. “I’m a straight-A student, so there’s not much I don’t figure out on my own. But thanks.”

  Melanie shot him a look of disbelief. “Yeah, right. You’re just trying to get on the babysitter’s good side.”

  “Am not. You don’t know anything about me and my schoolwork. Mind your own business.” Bryan’s chin rose an inch.

  “I know you got a C on one of your papers last year because Mom had to sign a note.

  Bryan raised the corner of his lip and mocked Melanie.

  “That’s not a nice gesture, young man. I would hate it for anyone to do that to you. It’s disrespectful.” Corinne took charge, and April didn’t mind at all. It was refreshing to see the woman in action, her approach to correction the same as April’s. Talk to the kids and explain things. Most of the time, that’s all that was needed.

  “I guess.” He shrugged. “Sorry, sis,” he added as an afterthought.

  This woman’s skills at diverting issues between the children were remarkable. Not only had she stopped a back-and-forth battle instantly, but she’d managed to add in a lesson and produce an apology. April was practically sold by the time they left the kitchen.

  There had to be something wrong with this woman, or could it be that she was just lucky enough to have finally found the perfect candidate. Other than the fact she was young and attractive, which shouldn’t matter. The rest of the interview continued exactly as expected, and they sat down to discuss the specific terms to work out hours and the schedules.

  “I’ve spoken with Garrett, and he’s agreed to give you off Wednesdays and Sundays, but otherwise, you would be expected to be here full-time. He’s planning on buying a bigger place, one where the children will each have their own room, and of course, there will be one for you. Until then, there’s not enough room here. He’s hoping you can arrive by six and stay until after the children are in bed and he’s home.” April tried not to let her excitement run away with her.

  “That’s not a schedule I can work with. I’m available Monday through Friday from seven to six. I consider this a regular job, and I take it seriously, but it’s not my entire life. I can be everything he’s looking for, but on my terms when it comes to scheduling. I think what I’m offering is more than reasonable. The choice is up to the both of you.” And there was the catch. April should have known something wouldn’t line up.

  “I see. I’m afraid this won’t work then. He was quite specific about wanting a live-in person, at least after he finds a new place. You see, he just gained guardianship of the children, and he’s not all that accustomed to raising kids and the demands that may occur. I think he prefers to have somebody else on hand to handle things.” Garrett was capable, he just didn’t trust his own judgment. In time, it would happen.

  “I’m sorry. I’m sure it must be difficult for him. He needs to trust his instincts.” Corinne spoke with the same wisdom April tried to impart to Garrett.

  “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell him, but he doesn’t consider himself a natural. If you change your mind, please be sure to call me. I think you’d be perfect for the job if we could work this out.” She hated to let the woman leave, but there was no choice.

  “The problem is, at six, I head over to the nursing center and spend time with my mother. And as much as I think this job also sounds perfect, my mother and her failing health are more important to me. I really am sorry.”

  Another almost-perfect candidate. What a letdown.

  Corinne left, and April couldn’t help the disappointment washing over her. She didn’t want to leave Garrett in a lurch, and she wanted what was best for the children, but she’d already paid for the semester at college. She simply couldn’t stay. But no nanny meant no bonus, and she’d have to find a part-time job.

  April went to check on the kids in the kitchen.

  “Did she leave?” Melanie asked.

  “Yes. She can’t work the hours Garrett’s asking for. I’m sorry it won’t work out.”

  “That stinks. I like her the most out of everyone we’ve met.” Melanie shrugged.

  “Me, too,” Bryan added.

  Maybe April should talk to Garrett about the hours, get him to agree to a different game plan. Corinne seemed too good to let walk away without trying harder.

  Sandy wandered into the kitchen and tugged at her shirt.

  “You hungry now, sweetie?” April picked her up.

  Sandy nodded her head.

  “How about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?” She nodded again, but then April already knew it was one of her favorites. She handed Sandy the sandwich and poured her some milk in her sippy cup.

  The doorbell buzzed, surprising April. She wasn’t expecting anyone else.

  She glanced through the peephole, shocked to see Brooke standing there. The woman wasn’t high on April’s list of people to deal with today.

  “Come in, Brooke. What can I do for you?”

  Brooke sailed in as if she owned the place. “Garrett asked me to stop in and pick up a file he left here. I grabbed the mail from downstairs while I was at it.”

  “Here, I can take those and see that he gets them.” She held out her hand, but Brooke ignored the gesture.

  “That’s okay, I’ll leave them on his desk. That is what he prefers.” Her message was clear. She’d done this before, and it was a routine. Being face-to-face with Brooke knowing she and Garrett had spent th
e night together recently made her presence all that much worse. April’s stomach clenched as she tried not to picture them together. The woman’s cool haughtiness was a look April could never achieve.

  “Must be nice to have you to run errands for him. I can’t imagine why he didn’t come to get the file himself.” Jealousy prompted the snotty retort, but she didn’t regret it.

  Brooke’s eyes narrowed. “He’s busy at the office still trying to clean up the mess from the other day that happened because of you and the kids. He’s stressed out, and I’m trying to help him any way I can to get through this.” Her razor-sharp voice delivered the dig.

  I just bet you are. “Yes. He said there were some things going on at the office. I’d hoped he’d work it out.” April tried to be nice, not wanting to get into an argument with Garrett’s assistant.

  “Work it out? Losing a client millions of dollars doesn’t get worked out easily. But you wouldn’t understand. It’s a good thing you’re leaving this weekend and the kids will be starting boarding school next week. I’m not sure the firm’s bottom line can take Garrett being distracted much longer.”

  April blanched. Millions of dollars. Ouch. She understood his stress now more than ever.

  But boarding school? Next week. It wasn’t possible. Garrett mentioned he was thinking about his options but told her he hadn’t made any decisions. There was no way he would lie to her.

  “There must be some mistake. Garrett said nothing about boarding school.”

  “There’s no mistake. We even found a daycare for Sandy. As soon as we have everything worked out, the only thing he’ll need is a part-time nanny and cleaning lady. I spent all night helping him work through this, trust me. I know what’s best for Garrett.”

  April just bet she was helping him. Helping him take his clothes off maybe. “I don’t believe you.”

  Brooke eyed the pack of mail in her hands, a sudden evil grin on her face.

  “The school called me last night, but here’s your proof. See for yourself.” Brooke handed her a large manila envelope addressed to Garrett. The return address was stamped Livingston Boarding School in Connecticut.

  He hadn’t even bothered to try to keep the kids close by. How could he? April could feel the tension rising as she tried to assimilate this new piece of information.

  Brooke dropped the rest of the mail on his desk, picked up a file, and with one last grin, sashayed out of the office and out of the suite without so much as a word.

  April glanced down at the envelope she held, still unable to believe it was true. Maybe Garrett had just inquired about boarding school. She’d known he was getting information. Yes. That’s all this was. Information about the school. Brooke was wrong. She trusted Garrett, and he wouldn’t do this. He wouldn’t have lied.

  She dropped the envelope on his desk and started down the hall. Open it. After a few seconds hesitation, she turned and headed back into his office. April picked up the letter opener and slit the end before she could change her mind.

  It was just information on the school. Who cared if she read it? It wasn’t private. If it was the acceptance letter like Brooke indicated, then that was entirely different, but it didn’t change the fact she wanted the truth.

  Dear Mr. Garrett Bradley,

  We are pleased to inform you that Melanie and Bryan Williams have been accepted into the Livingston boarding school beginning the Wednesday after Labor Day. We look forward to getting to know you and the children as they grow and learn. Enclosed is a list of what you need to provide for them to help make their adjustment to the dorms successful.

  April scanned the document, still unable to believe what she was reading. Brooke had told the truth.

  Garrett is a liar.

  So much for trusting in him. So much for thinking he was on the right track and that she was making a difference. Clearly, his mind had been made up. Was he ever going to tell her the truth? Or was he just going to let her leave and believe he would rise to the challenge of parenthood?

  Anger ripped through her like salt on a wound. She reached for her phone and dialed Maddison’s number. She needed a voice of reason to help her calm down, not wanting the kids to see her like this. It was heartbreaking, and the thought of facing them knowing what she realized was in store, would tear her to pieces. April knew all too well what it felt like not to be wanted. How could she not fall to pieces in front of the kids?

  Some kids attended boarding school as a choice and as a life experience, but this wasn’t the case. If given a choice, these kids would never agree. This was about Garrett, and about what Garrett wanted for his life.

  “Maddison, thank goodness you answered.”

  “What’s wrong? You sound terrible.” Just hearing her friend’s voice helped rein in the emotional wall threatening to break.

  “I am. You won’t believe this, but I just found out Garrett’s sending the kids to boarding school. He lied to me. He flat out told me yesterday he was still just considering it. This is beyond considering… I saw the acceptance letter.”

  “Calm down. I’m sorry. I know how much you care about those kids. But, April, it’s just a job, honey. You needed to find somebody to take care of them. Do your job and come home. You’ve got to try to keep your personal feelings out of this. Think of it as one of your cases. I know you care about every one of the kids who cross your path, but you’ve always been able to distance yourself. Maybe taking this job was too much for you, with your background and all.”

  “It doesn’t matter. What’s done is done, and I can’t change how I feel.” April drew in a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart.

  “Then pick one of the candidates you’ve interviewed and hire them. Come home. It’s time.” Maddison was the voice of reason she needed to hear.

  “Maybe you’re right.” She let out a heavy sigh. “I don’t want to be here when he tells the children. I won’t be able to stand by and watch him break their hearts.” April fought back against the tears threatening to fall.

  “Were any of the candidates acceptable?” Maddison was trying to keep her on track.

  “The one today was phenomenal. Other than the fact she’s gorgeous and has to be done by six every night.”

  “What does gorgeous have to do with it?” Leave it to Maddison to zero in on the slip.

  “I don’t know. I shouldn’t have said that.” April didn’t want to care about Garrett, but she did. Enough to make her jealous of Brooke, Corinne, and every other woman who gazed at him with appreciation in their eyes.

  “Do you have feelings for Garrett?”

  “No. Not like that. It’s just, I like him. Liked him. Past tense,” she lied. “Don’t get me wrong. But I thought I was helping him, and maybe I’ve let it get in the way of a business deal. Things have become more personal. I thought we were friends. Until now, that is.” It didn’t matter what she was feeling, it wouldn’t work. They were totally different people, not to mention he had Brooke.

  “By the sounds of it, it’s a good thing you’re getting out of there. Call the woman back, make it work, get your bonus, and come home.” Her friend had always been the voice of reason, and this time was no exception. The only thing April didn’t tell Maddy was that she’d hidden the envelope, hoping the spots would get filled and the children couldn’t attend. It was petty, but if it slowed down the inevitable, or better still, stopped it, then it was worth tampering with his mail.

  “Yes, you’re right. And I know exactly what to do. Thanks, Maddy.”

  “See you this weekend, kiddo.”

  “Sure thing.” Or sooner. She closed her eyes, trying to work out the details of what she needed to do. Corinne was the right person for the job, and Garrett would just need to adjust his hours. And if the kids were at boarding school, that would just leave Sandy to take care of, unless she was at daycare. It was all so confusing, but it would be between Garrett and Corinne. Her part in this would be over.

  She dialed the woman’s number. “Co
rinne, this is April St. James. We spoke this morning.”

  “Yes, April, of course, I remember you,” Corinne reassured her.

  “Do you still want the job?” April decided to get right to the point.

  “But I thought you said—”

  “I changed my mind. Mr. Bradley needs your services, and I think you’re perfect for the job. The kids liked you and were disappointed when I told them you wouldn’t be coming back. If you want the job, it’s yours. Monday through Friday from seven to six, just as you wanted.” April rushed headlong into the offer. She was desperate for Corinne to agree.

  “But I thought my schedule wouldn’t work with his hours?”

  “I’ll take care of that part. I think under the circumstances Mr. Bradley will be more than glad to accept your terms. I, on the other hand, have one condition for this arrangement.”

  “Which is?” Corinne asked, her voice hesitant.

  “You return to the apartment now and start immediately. Mr. Bradley will be home at six, so it’s only a couple of hours today. I can go over some of the details you’ll need to know and introduce you to Mr. Bradley.” She held her breathe, waiting to hear Corinne’s answer, praying she’d say yes.

  “Wow, I don’t know what to say. I enjoyed the kids and would love to take care of them. I accept. Thank you for considering me so highly.” Corinne seemed genuinely pleased, and it made April feel a whole lot better. She’d accomplished everything she’d been hired to do. The kids had a nanny they liked, and April trusted her. Garrett was the one not getting what he wanted, but tough. He could figure out the rest on his own.

  “You’re welcome. See you shortly. I’ll let the kids know you’re coming.” And let them know she was leaving. That would be the hard part.