Mail Order Nanny (Book 3 of the Amory's)

by Hestand, Rita

  "Can we practice now?" Katie asked, glancing at her sisters for backup.

  "I guess for a while, and then you'll have to get your lessons." Annie smiled. "First, we'll need some music."

  "We've got a big selection over there by the stereo. Mom loved music," Katie said. "But she liked South American music the most. And they won't be playing that."

  Tara ran to the stereo wanting to join in the fun. "I'll pick something out."

  "No, you won't." Jewel sent her a condescending glance. "You don't know dance music from country. I'll find something."

  While the girls fought over what to play, Annie put their backpacks away and cleared the room for dancing. She loved music and dancing and yet she rarely got the chance to indulge.

  "First of all, before we pick the music we need to know what kind of music they might be playing at the dance."

  "It's a fifties-sixties thing. Rock N Roll I think they called it," Katie said. "You know, Elvis the Pelvis, Bobby Darrin, the Big Bopper, things like that."

  "Well now, those are some great artists. I'll bet your father has some of their music." Annie laughed. "And how did you know about them? That was way before your time."

  Katie stared at her blankly. "Because they made a big deal out of their music and insisted they had to have those artist records. We discussed them in class even. Out teacher is crazy about Elvis, even though he's been dead for ages."

  "Lots of people are crazy about Elvis, he was quite a performer," Annie informed her.

  "Yes, I've heard. But she's so crazy about him she's got an Elvis impersonator for the dance. Of course he's a local, but they say he's very good." Katie laughed.

  "Really, that's so cool…I wish I could see that myself." Annie checked the music that Jewel and Tara pulled out. "That's good for a start. Oh look, Chubby Checker…the twist."

  "What's the twist?" Tara asked.

  "One of the biggest dances of the sixties," Annie replied putting the music in and smiling when Chubby Checker took off with the beat.

  "Now, this is the twist, so just imitate me…" Annie directed. "It's easy and a lot of fun."

  She moved her hips and the kids all giggled. Then they began to imitate her actions.

  "That's good, that's very good." Annie laughed. "You guys are catching on fast."

  She went through a lot of moves for them and they laughed and joined in. They tried everything. Before long it sounded very much like a jukebox was playing as they danced about the room. Jewel and Tara danced too.

  Katie stopped suddenly and grabbed her hands. "You could go to the dance, and be a chaperone."

  "Oh well…I don't think they would need me…" Annie grasp at excuses.

  "They do; most of the parents either work or it's their first night off and they don't want to volunteer. Besides, since Mom died, we haven't had anyone go to the dances with us," Katie cried.

  Annie thought about it, realizing that parent participation was important. Even though she wasn't family, having someone come from her home to the dance would show her teachers that there was involvement in activities. She knew how important that could be. "Well, I guess maybe I could help, if they really need me…"

  "They do…" Katie laughed. "Maybe we could ask Dad too…"

  When everyone began to wear down, Annie looked at Katie. "Alright, now we have to slow dance. All dances have a slow dance. Sometimes only one, as the last, but there will be one and you need to know how to do it. Because Noah will take you in his arms, for this one. But seriously, I wouldn't tell your dad about Noah just yet. I'll need some time to soften the blow."

  Katie smiled and nodded.

  "What's a slow dance?" they choired.

  "A slow dance gives you time to look your partner in the eye and to let him know how much fun you are having. It's a time to sigh and a time to hold each other. A time to talk, get to know one another. Not much of that these days though. But you should know how to slow dance. It's old fashioned but it hasn't gone out of style. Like if they play 'Love Me Tender'."

  Annie put Katie's hand on her shoulder, and placed hers on Katie's hip, then as Moon River flowed through the room, she waltzed Katie around the room, but when she reached the side close to the door, Tanka walked in.

  He hung up his coat and cap and came closer. Annie didn't want to admit she was glad he was home early for a change. Still, she knew the girls were glad to see him too.

  He watched what they were doing for several long moments, and then he grabbed Annie into his arms and floated across the room with her. Annie couldn't protest, or the girls would think something was up. But being this close to him, smelling his male sweat, feeling the heat of his body next to hers, and the tingle his touch evoked, she had to clear her head and avoid sighing into his arms. The girls giggled and watched them. Annie was astounded to find herself wrapped in his arms in a dance in front of the children. She marveled at how smooth he moved against her. She would never have guessed he knew a thing about dancing.

  "Isn't this how it goes?" he asked as he looked into her perplexed face.

  "Y-yes…I just didn't expect you home…so early," she murmured.

  The girls giggled as he twirled her about.

  "Daddy, would you help chaperone the dance, next week?" Katie asked.

  "Well, maybe I will…" He smiled. "I guess it's past time I put in an appearance at a school function. Sure."

  Annie was about to tell him but Jewel butted in. "Annie's going to help too."

  "Great…" He didn't look directly at Annie.

  When her fingers curled around him she felt warmth steal up her face. She noticed the enticing light cologne he wore. How could a man work all day at a timber camp and still manage to smell so heavenly male? She felt his breath on her shoulder. She wished she could feel his heartbeat. Was it beating as hard as hers right now?

  "I always loved this song. Andy Williams still sounds good…after all these years," he exclaimed as if to himself.

  "Who would have thought you like easy listening music?"

  "A man works hard all day; he likes to come home to things that are soft and easy around him."

  "You have a point." Annie smiled. "I was just demonstrating some dances for Katie." Annie smiled shyly at him. "I wanted to help her."

  "You are," he whispered next to her ear. "You really are…"

  Was that surprise in his voice?

  "I was kind of a klutz when I was her age, very awkward."

  When he dipped her at the end, she bent and slowly rose up to look him in the eye. His stare was mesmerizing, and for a moment she froze. Then it happened, her eyes flew to his lips and he saw. He knew what she was thinking. "Nothing awkward about you now."

  But he cleared his throat and righted her.

  "So….that's how it's done." She righted her thinking quickly.

  "Wow, I didn't know you could dance, Dad!" Jewel came to stand beside him. "Can I be next?"

  "Of course, leave Andy on, he's a crooner and he can turn out the slow dances. I believe Moon River is on there."

  Tanka danced his daughter about the room and everyone stood watching, as though mesmerized that he would do such a thing. Obviously Annie had never seen him interact so eloquently with the girls. It was a moment in time for them. Their faces mirrored the love they held for this man. When he stopped he smiled at his daughter. "Thank you for the dance, pretty lady."

  "My pleasure…" Jewel giggled.

  Tanka laughed a relaxed laugh that Annie had never heard.

  "You'd be surprised at the things I can do…"

  "I'm beginning to see that." Annie laughed.

  He grabbed Katie and began a fast dance with her, shocking the others into hysteria when Tara put another fast song on. Annie wondered if he had stifled a lot of his personality when his wife died.

  Annie had never seen him like this. It was shockingly nice. But for the sake of the children, she was so proud of this moment. This was the first time since she came that she saw a real connecti
on between the man and his children. For some reason he had let all the barriers down and allowed himself pleasure. No matter the reasons behind it, it was a moment in time and one his girls wouldn't soon forget.

  The dancing continued for almost an hour, as Tanka took his youngest into his arms and whirled her about until she was dizzy. They all laughed.

  But then Annie remembered how she needed to get supper on, especially since the girls began asking him about their mother and if she danced with him. It changed the tone and she saw how instantly Tanka changed too. As though talking about Gina changed everything, as though he could no longer function in the same mode.

  She made a mental note to talk to the girls about that. If they were to help Tanka heal they had to do it slowly, inch by inch.

  "Your mother was an expert dancer, a little intimidating actually. She could really dance. She preferred the native dances, the Samba, Mumbo-Jumbo." He laughed.

  "Was she good?" Katie asked with excitement.

  "Very good. Your mother was good at everything she did. She out did me on everything."

  Annie felt a stab of jealousy hit her. Of course their mother could do everything better, and Annie had to ground herself and remember she was still just the hired help and there was no way she would ever replace their mother.

  But she also realized the value of teaching them about their mother, since they lost her at such an early age. She was silently glad that Tanka could share some of these things now with them. It was all part of the healing process.

  Her own jealousy was a problem she could deal with. It was something she had often had a problem with, not getting too involved with her clients. Her superiors had often warned her of the danger of getting too close. So Annie had slowly learned that she had to let the parent lead them, teach them, while she helped keep the balance. But the problem with Annie was that she didn't consider them clients. They were a family. They were, she wasn't, and she reminded herself sternly. That difference would keep her grounded.

  As she silently excused herself from the room, she went to the kitchen. It wasn't like her to be jealous of anyone, but Tanka had spent so much time telling the children how wonderful their mother was, it was harder to do things for them. She felt inadequate when he talked of their mother all the time and how great she was at everything. Didn't he know that flaws were sometimes appealing too in their own way?

  God, how that man loved his wife.

  She heard him calming the children. "Okay, that's enough. Better get to your lessons, huh?"

  The girls all nodded and giggled all the way up the loft.

  As he settled into his favorite chair and started relaxing she smiled winsomely. "That was fun."

  "You know Annie; you really are good for the girls," he said nonchalantly. "I mean, even though I had an old and ugly woman picked out for this job, I can't see her doing the Watusi, or the twist. They really do need you."

  Annie stopped what she was doing, and laughed. "Thank you. I appreciate you saying that. It means a lot to me. To be accepted."

  He stared at her a moment across the room. "I know you think I'm unappreciative of your work, but I've noticed the things you do. You go out of your way to help them with anything. I know that. You are a good nanny, excellent. I couldn't find a better one if I tried."

  "So you're not shipping me off the first chance you get?" she asked with a nervous chuckle.

  "No…I'm not," he answered and went back to reading his paper. "But don't tell the girls that just yet, it might make them too happy." The way he said that, as though he was angry at himself for not finding a good enough reason to be rid of her, and yet he had complimented her too. Such contrast in moods, Annie felt it hard to keep up. She wished he'd just relax and let her do her job. It would make things so much easier.

  And she wished she wasn't pulled to that moody personality of his.

  "Katie wanted me to be a chaperone at the dance," she informed him.

  "You can ride with me, I've already been invited." He smiled.

  Annie couldn't believe he was smiling at her, and what a smile he had!

  But something in the back of her mind warned her that he could still be trying to run her off. She didn't want to believe that, but she wasn't totally convinced that he was glad she was here.

  Chapter Nine

  When they went to Chayton's for a cookout, Annie tried her best to relax, but she felt awkward being there. Especially since Kasie's cousin was visiting and it put Annie as the nanny, not just a guest but a third wheel. The way her cousin flirted so openly with Tanka made Annie almost back into a corner.

  "Annie, this is my cousin from Florida, Chantel. She's staying with us for a while."

  "Hello, nice to meet you. I was admiring your beautiful tan, and thought maybe you were from the south." Annie tried to loosen up, but just wasn't making it.

  "I'd have been up here a lot sooner if Kasie had told me what handsome men the Amory's were." She glanced at Tanka.

  Tanka smiled back easily.

  "And isn't it nice that he brings his nanny with him? You'd think he'd give her the night off, wouldn't you?"

  Katie heard her and darted into the living room. "Annie is not just a nanny. She's our friend."

  "Of course she is, and that's as it should be," Chantel added, giving Katie a snide smile.

  "Kasie and I have become great friends since I came here. She's been such a help to me," Annie explained.

  "Oh, I can imagine. Kasie is quite the little homesteader. Isn't she?" Chantel laughed as though she knew her well. "But don't let her fool you; she wasn't born to live on a mountaintop. I never saw her as the wifely type until now. I guess love can change a lot of things."

  "Are you married, engaged, or anything?" Annie asked.

  "Not on your life. I'm not the housewife type and don't plan to be. Any man that marries me is in for a ride they won't forget." Chantel shot Tanka another flirty look.

  Annie ate very little that night and she was fast to move away from Tanka and Chantel. She went to the kitchen to help with the dishes, leaving them alone in the living room.

  "I had no idea she was coming," Kasie explained when she saw Annie backing herself into a shell. "I hope you understand. I don't want her staying here. I intend to do everything in my power to get her to leave."

  "She's a beautiful lady. I'm sure it's nice to have some family around every now and then." Annie smiled.

  "She's the biggest flirt in the world," Kasie whispered. "I didn't have time to warn Tanka about her. And she's not much family to me. I've learned since I married Chayton that family is who you make it. Why…I just discovered I have a half-brother not long ago. Now he's family. Sam and I hit it off from the first. I can't wait for you to meet him."

  "You just discovered?" Annie questioned.

  "Yeah, it's a long story. He was a secret to himself and me, but when I met him, I fell hopelessly in love with him. I've always wanted a brother, and Sam is so sweet."

  "I'd like to meet him sometime," Annie remarked.

  "Oh…you know, I hadn't thought of that. But he's already married now and has one on the way."

  "Oh, he sounds nice. Where does he live?"

  "Northern California. We get together during the holidays though. You'll meet him soon enough."

  Annie nodded and dried a dish, then tried to figure out which cabinet to put it in. Kasie opened the one closest to the sink. "Goes right there, hon. Thanks for helping me with the dishes. I've been cooking all day and I was a little beat."

  "No problem. I wanted to give Tanka and Chantel some space."

  "I'm sure she appreciates it, whether he does or not."

  "What were you going to warn Tanka of?" Annie frowned.

  "Chantel is a regular vamp, always has been. She has always tried to best me with the men. You saw how she flirted with Tanka, well, she flirts with Chayton too. Sometimes when she's around I want to pull her hair out. But I'm grinning and bearing it." Kasie chuckled.

&nb
sp; "She seems to enjoy being singled."

  "Oh yes, has been since her last divorce. She's just not marriage material. She's a cousin on my mother's side, and I have to say I wish she'd go visit my mother, instead of me. They have so much more in common. Bear with me, while she's here. I don't intend her to stay long." Kasie sighed.

  "Maybe it will be good for Tanka. I mean, it might get his mind off Gina." Annie smiled.

  "Tanka always was a sucker for a pretty face. But getting his mind off Gina would be a miracle in itself. Although, I have to say, he seems more relaxed and not so brooding these days. I think you are very good for that entire household, Annie." Kasie glanced at her with a grin.

  Annie decided to change the subject. She didn't want to talk about Tanka falling in love with some woman. That might mean the end of her job. And Tanka might use that as a reason to marry someone, getting rid of her, even though he said he wasn't going to do that.

  "So what's new with you, Annie? How are things?" Kasie asked as she drained the sink and began wiping the counters.

  "Everything is going well, I have to admit. And I'm invited to be a chaperone at Katie's first dance. I'm excited about that. She wanted me to teach her to dance so we had a few lessons already. It's fun to see her go out on her first dates and grow up," Annie said wistfully.

  "Don't you want a family of your own, Annie?" Kasie asked coming up beside her again.

  "Y-yes, eventually. I mean, I really haven't had the time to meet anyone here yet and I'm very happy with the girls. Marriage just seems like a dream to me, Kasie. First it was my mother, and then I came up here. It's like I’m meant to do this kind of work. And unfortunately, this kind of work doesn't offer much chance of a life of my own."

  "I think you'd be a wonderful mother." Kasie stared at her.

  "The truth is…I get attached to the people I work for. My work isn't like most jobs where you go home after you're done. It's sort of nonstop. And the chance of meeting a man is kind of hard. If I ever did, I'd probably have to get another job, because you just can't be a nanny and have a relationship that works. I've done this kind of work for a long time now," Annie explained, feeling a strain inside her not to cry. "I'm not sure there is a man for me."