Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and found Gavin staring at her.

He crooked a finger at her and then pointed toward the hallway. She followed him outside the door of Sam’s bedroom.

“That’s a first,” Gavin said. “In six months. Sam has been coming into my bedroom and staring at me, making sure I’m not going to leave him forever. The way, in his eyes, his mother did.”

Her heart twisted at his words. “He’s had a hard time. You’ve all had a hard time.”

Gavin gave a slow nod, and she was all too aware of his height, his power, his masculinity. “Yeah, we have. Who would have known a sound machine would make such a difference?”

She shrugged, knowing that a sound machine was the secret to a night of sleep for her. “Yeah. Who would have known?”

“Thank you,” he said, and lowered his head toward hers.

She caught her breath.

He squeezed her arm. “Get some sleep.”

Sara nearly collapsed in a combination of relief and strange disappointment. She stared after him and felt a flip in her stomach. Yes, she definitely needed more sleep.

* * *

Royal Babies:

A new generation of

little princes—and princesses!

A Princess Under the Mistletoe
Leanne Banks

www.millsandboon.co.uk

LEANNE BANKS is a New York Times bestselling author with over sixty books to her credit. A book lover and romance fan from even before she learned to read, Leanne has always treasured the way that books allow us to go to new places and experience the lives of wonderful characters. Always ready for a trip to the beach, Leanne lives in Virginia with her family and her Pomeranian muse.

This book is dedicated to all the single parents and all the people who step in to help when things get crazy. You are everyday heroes!

Contents

Cover

Introduction

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Extract

Copyright

Prologue

“Your Highness, Princess Fredericka Devereaux, please allow me to introduce you to Princesses Sasha and Tabitha Tarisse,” Paul Hamburg said as the beautiful princess who had arranged for Sasha and her sister’s safety swept into the room.

Sasha stood and dragged her younger sister to her feet. The past few months had been nonstop terror for her and the rest of her family, the royal Tarisses of Sergenia. Her country had suffered a terrible economic downturn during the past three years, and the citizens had grown angry and impatient. Just lately they’d turned their anger and frustration against the royal family. There’d been threats. Sasha had barely escaped a beating and her sister Tabitha had nearly been kidnapped.

As much as Sasha had despised the idea of leaving her country, her brother, Alexander, had convinced her that all of them must leave, at least temporarily. One of the royal advisors had negotiated with Princess Fredericka for the Tarisse siblings to come to Chantaine, a peaceful Mediterranean island country.

“Please call me Ericka,” she said, moving toward the two women. “You must be tired. Would you like some tea?” she asked.

“Yes, please,” Sasha said, hoping she’d made the right choice about coming to Chantaine. She and her sister had left everything familiar to them back in Sergenia. What if this move was a disaster? Despite Princess Ericka’s cool, blond beauty, the woman’s eyes held a world of compassion.

Ericka nodded toward the assistant. “Please get some tea and pastries.”

Sasha patted the loose chignon at the back of her neck. “We’re grateful you’ve welcomed us to your country,” Sasha said. “You’ll forgive us if we’re not at our most congenial.”

“Because we’ve been tricked,” Tabitha added with a scowl. “We made an agreement with our brother, Alex. He told us he would meet us in Chantaine, but he has disappeared.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. Do you have any idea where he could be?” Ericka asked.

Tabitha crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes nearly spitting sparks. “Who knows? He may be roaming the mountains on the border of our country. Or he may be partying in Italy.”

“Tabitha,” Sasha said in an admonishing voice. “I apologize,” she said to Ericka.

“I can understand some of your frustrations. I’ve dealt with my share of sibling skirmishes.”

The assistant returned with tea and snacks and the three women sat down. Although Sasha was hungry, she couldn’t imagine being able to swallow a bite. She did well to sip the tea.

“It’s my pleasure to welcome you to Chantaine,” Princess Ericka said. “But as you know, we have several conditions for your visit here. These are for both your safety and the safety of our citizens. I’m sure you’ve been told you’ll need to assume different identities. You’re not to reveal your true identity to anyone. Sasha, I know you’re a talented concert pianist, but while you are here, we ask that you not play in public.”

Sasha nodded, fighting a stab of sadness. Music had always provided her with peace. Even though she’d known that giving up her concert career would be part of the bargain, she couldn’t help the emptiness she felt.

“You can, however, play in private. We’ll try to make sure you have access to a piano during your stay.”

“Thank you,” Sasha said. “It would be difficult for me if I couldn’t play at all.”

“Tabitha, we’re working on finding a position for you within the next few days. In the meantime, the two of you can stay here. However, and this is hard for me to say, you must not appear in public together.”

Tabitha’s face fell. “Never?”

“This is not forever,” Ericka reminded her. “This is just during your stay while your country resolves its current turmoil. It’s for your safety. Think about it. If the two of you are seen together, it’s more likely that someone will figure out your true identities.”

Her heart wrenching at the realization of what would be required of both her sister and herself, Sasha slipped her hand through her sister’s. “We will do what we must, but what do we do about our brother, Alex?”

Ericka looked at Paul Hamburg expectantly.

“We’ll make inquiries, but we must tread carefully with the princesses staying in Chantaine. We don’t want to arouse suspicion,” he said.

“But we have contacts who have contacts,” Ericka said.

Paul sighed. “Yes, we do.”

“Then, although I know that you don’t take orders from me, I hope you will give this your best discreet effort.”

“I will,” he said.

“Thank you,” she said before turning back to the sisters. “Now let me tell you about Chantaine.”

Despite the grim situation, Princess Ericka regaled Sasha and Tabitha with tales of Chantaine’s beauty, temperate climate, numerous beaches and kind citizens. Sasha began to relax a tiny bit, or perhaps she’d been tense for so long that her body couldn’t maintain the adrenaline rush any longer.

“This is a delicate subject, but as I said, you will need to use other identities. Have you thought about what names you’d like to use during your stay here?”

Tabitha tossed her long, dark hair. “I was thinking Gypsy Rose,” she said.

Sasha rolled her eyes. “We’ve already discussed this. We need names that won’t draw attention.”

Tabitha lifted a dark eyebrow and shot her a look of challenge. “All right, Miss Sensible. What have you chosen?”

“Sara,” Sasha said. “Sara Smith. I chose a first name with the same letter as my real name, and one that sounds similar, so I’ll have a better chance of answering to it. Can you top that for ordinary?”

Tabitha sets her lips in a pout that had been known to make a hundred men race to do her bidding. Sasha could tell that she’d hit on Tabitha’s competitive streak by the glint in her sister’s eye.

“I don’t suppose I could get away with Jane Doe,” Tabitha said. “Isn’t that what an American would choose?”

Princess Ericka chuckled. “I think not. Let’s go with Martin for your last name. It’s a common name in Chantaine and Europe.”

Tabitha sighed. “Then I suppose I’ll have to go with Jane Martin if I’m going to beat Sasha at her game.” She cleared her throat. “Oh, I’m sorry. I meant to say Sara.”

Chapter One

One year later...

From the porch, Sara heard the sound of screaming. If she hadn’t known better, she might have assumed the sound wasn’t human. The sound of scrambling footsteps followed and the door opened.

A tall, rumpled-looking man stared at her as he held a screaming red-faced baby, and a young boy seemed to be attached to his leg.

“Are you Sara?” he asked, out of breath. “Sara Smith. The palace sent you?”

“Yes,” she said.

He looked her up and down. “Thank you for coming,” he said over the cries of the baby in his arms. “No offense, but you look terribly young. Are you old enough to be a nanny?”

Sara had scrubbed her face clean of cosmetics with the exception of lip gloss. All part of her temporary new role. She certainly didn’t need to wear the heavy stage makeup required of a concert pianist. “I’ll take that as a compliment,” she said. “I’m twenty-seven.”

“Oh,” he said, surprise crossing his features. “I never would have guessed.” The baby let out another howl. “We’re having a rough day, so if you want to give them juice and cookies to calm them down, that’s fine.”

He dragged his foot, with the attached child down the hallway. “This is Sam,” he said, nodding toward the boy.

“Hello, Sam,” Sara said tentatively. Although she’d known the family she was going to be working with was still reeling from a loss, this wasn’t exactly what she’d envisioned.

“And I’m holding Adelaide,” the man said. “As you can see, she’s a handful.”

“Yes,” Sara said. “Mr. Sinclair?”

“Oh,” he said, shaking his head. “Call me Gavin. You may be calling me some other names as the day wears on,” he said with a crooked smile on his face.

She met his gaze for a long moment and saw a combination of weariness and determined humor in his chocolate-brown eyes. He wasn’t conventionally handsome. Sara had met much more smoothly handsome men in her life. His rough strong features might have put her off, but his dark eyebrows and hard jaw were offset by that crooked smile and eyes that crinkled with humor even as his daughter shrieked directly into his ear.

He looked at Adelaide and stroked her cheek. “Sweetheart, you’re going to be fine.” He glanced at Sara. “She’s been cranky lately. I don’t know what’s bothering her. Drooling up a storm, nose running, but no fever. Maybe a midmorning nap will help. Let me show you where everything is,” he said. He held out his hand to Sam. “Help me out, bud. Let’s show the pretty lady around.”

Sam reluctantly detached himself from Gavin’s leg and held Gavin’s hand with both of his while Gavin explained the layout of the house, which, in addition to the master bedroom, contained a small nursery in the back, a laundry room and two additional small bedrooms, one filled with the little boy’s books and toys. The other was positioned between the nursery and what she assumed was Sam’s room.“This is your bedroom. I hope you don’t mind sharing a bathroom with Sam,” Gavin said.

“Not at all,” she said, appreciating the way the morning sun shone through the window. The room was small and decorated with neutral quality linens, and it felt cozy. The whole house felt safe. A trickle of relief slid through her. This could work, she thought.

Gavin continued down the hall and waved his hand toward another bedroom containing a desk and computer along with exercise equipment. “Here’s the master. As you can tell, I’ve been trying to work some at home, but I haven’t been all that successful.” Adelaide had quieted and was letting out little moans.

Gavin turned again toward her. “You’ve seen the small formal parlor. We’re using the den as a playroom. Lots of toys and books, movies and favorite television shows. Feel free to use whatever you need.”

An old upright piano against the far wall immediately grabbed Sara’s attention. She gasped in delight. It was all she could do not to race over and feel the keys beneath her fingers. “You have a piano.”

Gavin nodded. “You play?”

In concert halls all over the world, she thought, rubbing her hands together. But not very much lately. She shrugged. “A little.”

“I can’t promise it’s been tuned recently,” he warned. “The piano hasn’t been a priority.”

“Of course,” she said, putting her hands behind her to hide her eagerness. Bless Princess Ericka. She had promised to try to provide a piano for her.

“Feel free to play whenever you want,” he said. “I hate to dump all this on you and leave so quickly, but I’ve got to get the palace construction schedule back on target. There’s a cell phone for your use on the kitchen counter and a pad of paper with all the contact numbers, including emergency numbers, you may need. Hopefully you won’t need the emergency numbers, but with young children, you never know.” He paused and glanced first at Adelaide as she rubbed her eyes, and then he glanced down at Sam.

Gavin sighed, and the sweet sadness in all three faces clutched at Sara’s heart.

“Are you sure you’re ready for this? I don’t know what you’ve been told, but we’ve been having a rough time lately.”

“I’ve been briefed,” she assured him. Determination coursed through her. She’d been put here for a reason. She would help this family find happiness and security again. It was her destiny. “I’m quite ready to care for your children. Now, move along to the palace. I’m sure they’re waiting for you.” She opened her arms to take Adelaide.

The baby stared at her suspiciously, but allowed Sara to hold her. “Come along, Sam. We’re going to have juice and cookies. Give your father a big hug so he can have a good day at work. We all have our jobs to do. I’ll need your help with Adelaide.”

Gavin hugged Sam then grabbed a computer bag and headed for the door. “Call if you need anything.”

“We’ll be fine. Have a good day,” she called, feeling a bit like the magical nannies she’d watched in old movies while she was growing up. She could do this, she told herself. Children were so sweet.

Suddenly Sara felt Adelaide clamp her teeth onto her collarbone with the force of a mini shark. Pain tore through her, and she couldn’t swallow a surprised shriek. Adelaide pulled back at the sound and began to howl.

Sam kicked her in the shin.

Pain vibrated through her. Sara lost her breath. “Why did you do that?”

“You hurt my sister,” he told her, crossing his arms over his chest.

“I didn’t hurt her,” Sara said over Adelaide’s cries. “She bit me!”

Sam met her gaze for a long moment. “Oh. I think her mouth hurts. Can I have my juice and cookie?”

“First you must apologize for kicking me,” she said as Adelaide’s wails softened to moans.

“I’m sorry,” he said reluctantly. “Can I—”

“Then you must make your request properly. May I please have juice and a cookie?”

He nodded. “Yes. You can.”

Sara sighed. “Repeat after me. May I please have juice and a cookie?”

Sam relented and repeated her word for word.

“Well done,” she said. “I’ll get it for you right now.”

Juggling Adelaide from one arm to the other, Sara served Sam’s snack at the table. Remembering she’d once had a toothache and that ice had seemed to help, she then returned to the refrigerator, pulled out an ice cube, wrapped it in a clean washcloth and offered it to Adelaide.

Silence followed. Five blessed seconds of silence. Sara took a deep breath as she watched Sam cram the cookie into his mouth and Adelaide gnaw on the cold washcloth. Maybe there was hope. But heaven help her, she couldn’t serve juice and cookies all day.

It took far longer than it should have, but Sara crammed Adelaide in a stroller and retied Sam’s shoes so they could go for a walk. She remembered as a child how much she’d craved being outside. Unlike the nannies she’d watched in movies, her nannies had kept her and her siblings inside the gloomy palace, which had always seemed to need repairs.

“Isn’t it a beautiful day?” she said to Sam. “It’s December, but it feels like May.”

Sam just shrugged.

“Don’t you enjoy being outside?” she asked.

He shrugged again. “I guess.”

“I hear you lived in North Dakota. Isn’t it very cold there?”

Sam nodded. “It snowed a lot. There’s no snow here.”

“Do you miss the snow?”

He shrugged. “I guess.”

“What else do you miss?” she asked as she pushed the stroller.

A long silence followed. “Mommy,” he finally whispered in a voice so low the wind almost carried it away.

Her heart contracted in sympathy and she squeezed Sam’s shoulder. He immediately stiffened and drew back. Too early for hugs, she thought, making a mental note of it.

Several moments passed. “My dad keeps saying we can go to the beach, but we’ve only been once.” Sam finally said.

Sara couldn’t imagine taking both children to the beach, but perhaps she could enlist the help of someone. “Maybe we can do that soon. Just for a walk. The water may be too cool for a real swim.”

Sam squinted his eyes up at her. “Yeah,” he said skeptically.

Sara felt a ripple of challenge from that skeptical gaze. She frowned. “We’ll go to the beach soon. You’ll see.”

Sam glanced down at the stroller. “Adelaide’s asleep.”

“Oh, heavens. We need to get her back to her crib,” she said as she turned around.

“She’ll wake up as soon as we get home.”

“No. She won’t,” Sara insisted. “I just need to ease her into her crib.”

“She’s gonna wake up,” Sam said, knowingly.

Turned out, Sam was right.

The rest of the day was a blur. Adelaide napped, but not for very long. Sam dozed. Sara served the children an early dinner and they were all half watching television as Gavin walked in the door. Sam immediately snapped to attention.

“How did your first day go with Sara?” Gavin asked.

Adelaide kicked her feet and howled. Sara gave her a washcloth to chew on.

“She took us for a walk,” Sam said. “A long walk.”

“Good,” Gavin said and looked at Sara. “Everything okay?”

She moved her head in a circle because “okay” was relative. “Yes,” she managed. “I figured out that Adelaide is teething.”

Realization crossed his face. “Yeah. You’re so right. I should have figured that out sooner.”

“No problem,” Sara said. “She’ll just be chewing a cold washcloth for the first year of her life. Right, baby?” she said to Adelaide.

The baby frowned and chowed down on the washcloth.

“Good job,” he said, then looked at Sam. “Time for us to go see Mr. Brahn.”

Sam crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t wanna see Mr. Brahn.”

Gavin glanced at Sara. “Mr. Brahn is a therapist. To help with the grief,” he added in a low voice and walked toward Sam. “Hey, bud, we both need to go.”

Sam stuck out his lower lip. “Mr. Brahn is boring. Don’t wanna—”

“Ice cream or video game?” Sara whispered to Gavin.

Gavin glanced at her. “What?” he asked.

“Just a thought,” she said. “Maybe after your appointment, you could do something fun.”

He stood for a moment then nodded. “Good idea,” he said then turned to Sam. “Ice cream or video game afterward?”

Sam’s eyes lit up. “Can I have both?”

Gavin chuckled. “Only one,” he said and scooped his son into his arms.

“Ice cream,” Sam said.

Gavin sent a sideways glance at Sara. “This could make bedtime more difficult.”

Sara smiled. “I’m sure Adelaide will be asleep by the time you return, so it will be easier dealing with just one,” she said, hoping that would be true. “If you need to know where to go, there’s a wonderful gelato place downtown on Geneva Street.”

“Geneva Gelato?” he asked.

“Yes,” she said. “Have you been there?”

“No. Just sounded right,” he said. “What flavor is the best?”

“The hazelnut chocolate is to die for. Best in the world, with the exception of Italy, of course,” she said.

“You’ve traveled the whole world?” he asked, studying her.

His scrutiny made her nervous. She resisted biting her lip and shrugged her shoulders. “It’s an expression. Try it and let me know what you think.”

Sara watched the duo head out the door and turned to Adelaide. “How about a bath and a bottle?” she asked the baby, carrying her toward the kitchen sink. Princess Bridget of the royal Devereaux family had taken Sara under her wing so that Sara could learn some of the finer points of how to care for babies and active boys. Since Bridget had given birth to a baby girl less than a year ago and was the mother of two adopted boys, she was quite informed.

After cleaning the sink, Sara placed a towel in the bottom of it and filled it partway with warm water. She undressed Adelaide and put her into the bath. She tried to take the washcloth away from the baby, but Adelaide screamed in protest. “All right, all right. You can keep it. Let’s just try not to get soap on it.”

Sara talked the entire time about nothing in particular. Princess Bridget had told her that talking soothed and reassured infants while bathing. After the bath, she dried off Adelaide and dressed her in clean clothing and negotiated an exchange for a fresh washcloth.

Rechecking the schedule Gavin had given her, she saw that it was still too early for Adelaide’s bottle and bedtime, so she attempted to read a book. Adelaide fussed and kicked in protest. “Not in the mood for reading,” she muttered and walked around the house.

The sight of the piano jumped out at her. “Well, why not?” she asked. “The most you can do is howl at my playing.”

Placing Adelaide in her infant rocker next to the piano, Sara sat down on the bench and looked down at the keyboard. A combination of excitement and relief snapped through her. Playing had been a solace for her for as long as she could remember.

She played a couple of scales to familiarize herself with the springiness of the keys and the tuning. Gavin had been correct. A few keys were off, but she was so happy to play she didn’t care. “I know Mozart is supposed to be good for kids, but I’m going to play it safe with Bach. I’m sure you’ll let me know your thoughts on Bach’s Goldberg Variations.”

Sara played and since no screaming commenced, she continued for fifteen minutes. When she stopped and turned to glance at Adelaide, the baby was sitting calmly and seemed to have forgotten the need for her washcloth. Sara smiled and picked up the baby from the carrier. “Good girl. Bach has been soothing the savage beast in all of us for many years. Time for your bottle.”

Adelaide drank her formula, Sara rocked her for a few minutes, then placed the baby in her crib. She made sure the baby monitor was turned on and walked quietly from the room. Exhaustion hit her and she let out a heavy sigh. She realized this was only the first day of being a nanny, but she hadn’t expected the job to completely sap her energy. What a wimp. It was just eight o’clock and more than anything, she wanted to go to bed.

Instead, she poured herself a cup of tea and sat on the couch, blinking her eyes so she would stay awake.

* * *

Gavin ushered Sam in the door of the cottage. They’d returned much later than he’d intended, but the palace had ordered road construction on a twenty-four-hour basis. Despite the limited population of the Mediterranean island, there’d been a ton of traffic tonight.

Sam proudly carried the small white bag holding a cup of mostly melted gelato for Sara. He darted toward the den and skidded to a halt. He glanced up at Gavin. “She’s fast asleep,” Sam said in a loud whisper, using the language from some of the books Gavin and his mother had read to him.

Gavin gazed at the new nanny to his children and felt a shot of sympathy. He could understand her exhaustion. Between Sam’s fear of new people and Adelaide’s general crankiness, he’d wondered if he should ask for two nannies instead of one. He stepped closer to Sara, taking in the sight of her. Faint blue circles shadowed her eyes, but her skin was like ivory porcelain. Her dark eyelashes spread like fans under her closed eyelids and a heavy strand of her dark hair covered one eye. Her pink lips parted slightly, almost as if in invitation.

Her body was slim, but hinted at the warm curves of a woman. A thud of awareness settled in his gut, startling him. He shook it off. Heaven knew he had no room for those kinds of thoughts. His kids needed him and he needed to get himself centered. Gavin and his late wife had grown apart during the past couple of years. They’d tried to put things back together—that was how Adelaide had happened. But he’d been concerned when Lauren had gotten pregnant again because she’d suffered from postpartum depression after she’d given birth to Sam. Even though he knew Lauren’s death had been an accident, he still couldn’t shake his feeling of guilt. He wasn’t sure he ever would.

Sam nervously clutched the paper bag between his hands. Sara’s eyes fluttered at the sound and she glanced up at both of them. She winced and straightened. “Oh, no. I fell asleep. What time is it?”

Gavin glanced at his watch. “Ten after eight,” he said.

“Oh,” she said, laughing. “Eight-minute nap. Ten at the most. Welcome back. Shall I pour you some tea?” she asked Gavin. “Would you like something to drink, Sam?”

“I’m not a big tea drinker,” Gavin said. “We’ll both take water. Sam has something for you.”

Sara looked at Sam and saw the paper bag he held. She smiled and clapped her hands together. “Oh, don’t tell me what it is. Let me guess,” she said. “Is it pizza?”

Sam shook his head.

“Is it cheese and crackers?”

Sam shook his head.

“Is it a bunny?”

Sam shook his head and his little mouth lifted in a grin. “Here,” he said, offering the bag to her.

She opened the bag and pulled out the small cup of gelato and took off the top. She dipped her head and took a swipe with her tongue. “Hazelnut. My favorite. Thank you so much. What kind did you have?”

“Chocolate and marshmallow,” Sam said.

“I took your advice and got the hazelnut. You were right. It’s pretty good. You’d probably better eat that quickly. We got caught in road construction, so it’s melted.”

“Just nice and soft. Let me get your water,” she said as she headed for the kitchen.

As soon as she left, Sam turned to him. “She’s pretty, but she’s a terrible guesser.”

Gavin couldn’t shut off his awareness of her presence. It wasn’t all bad. She smiled easily and something about her made everything feel a little less dark and gloomy. She talked with Sam even though he rarely gave her a verbal response.

“Go to bed,” Gavin told her although it was early. “Tomorrow’s another day.”

She nodded. “So it is. Shall I put Sam to bed?”

Gavin shook his head. “No. That’s my treat. I’ll take the first middle-of-the-night wake-up, but I’d appreciate it if you would take the second.”

Her eyes widened. “Two wake-ups?”

He shrugged. “We’re still adjusting.”

“Then I’ll try to be ready. Good night, Sam. Thank you for the delicious gelato.”

Sam nodded and Gavin nudged his son. “Say you’re welcome.”

“You’re welcome,” Sam echoed in a small voice.

“Sweet sleep to both of you,” she said, and then she left the room.

* * *

Sometime when it was dark, Sam awakened. He felt panic overtake him. His heart raced. He glanced toward the cartoon night-light and took a deep breath.

He took more deep breaths and thought about his mother. She had left, then never come home again. He missed her so much. He didn’t want to lose anyone else.

Sliding out of his bed, he silently scampered to his father’s room. The door wasn’t closed all the way. Sam pushed it open and went inside. His father was on his back, softly snoring.

Sam felt a sliver of relief. He watched his father for several more moments. Then he wandered down the hall to the new nanny’s bedroom. Her door was also open. He wandered inside and saw her sleeping on her side. He heard an odd sound. It took a moment for him to figure out what it was.

The ocean. Waves. He loved that sound.

He loved the sound so much he wanted to hear it more. He decided to lie down on the carpet. Sam wished he had a blanket, but he liked the sound more than he missed his blanket.

As the swooshing sound continued, he calmed down and felt droopy and sleepy. He didn’t remember when he fell asleep.

* * *

Sara awakened to an unfamiliar sound. She heard a series of humming and grunting sounds and frowned as she shifted in her bed. Staring into the darkness, she saw a small figure on her floor. It took a moment for her to figure out who it was. Sam.

Sliding from her bed, she picked him up and held him against her. He startled.

“It’s okay. I’m your nanny. Sara,” she said, walking toward his room.

“But—”

Gavin appeared in the hallway. “What happened? I usually find him sleeping on the floor of my bedroom.”

“He was in my bedroom.”

Gavin gathered his son into his arms. “What’s up, bud?”

“I liked the waves,” he said.

Gavin looked at her curiously.

“My sound machine,” Sara said. “I keep it on an ocean setting.” She looked toward Sam and stroked his forehead. “Would you like to hear the waves at night?”

He nodded.

“Done,” she said. Then she went and moved her sound machine to Sam’s bedroom.

With his hands on his hips, Gavin stood looking at his son. Protecting his son, she thought. His stance tugged at her heart. She couldn’t remember a time she’d awakened to the sight of her father watching over her. Stop, she told herself, closing her eyes. Her life was all about now and the future. No whining about the past.

Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and found Gavin staring at her. He crooked a finger at her and pointed toward the hallway. She followed him outside the door of Sam’s bedroom.

“That’s a first,” Gavin said. “For six months Sam has been coming into my bedroom and staring at me, making sure I’m not going to leave him forever. The way, in his eyes, his mother did.”

Her heart twisted at his words. “He’s had a hard time. You’ve all had a hard time.”

Gavin gave a slow nod, and she was all too aware of his height, his power, his masculinity. “Yeah, we have. Who would have known a sound machine would make such a difference?”

She shrugged, knowing that the sound machine was her secret to a good night’s sleep. “Yeah. Who would have known?”

“Thank you,” he said, lowering his head toward hers.

She caught her breath.

He squeezed her arm. “Get some sleep.”

Sara nearly collapsed in a combination of relief and strange disappointment. She stared after him and felt a flip in her stomach. Yes, she definitely needed more sleep.

Hours later, she heard the sound of Gavin’s voice. She immediately sat up in her bed. His voice was coming from the nursery. She glanced at the clock in her room. Seven thirty.

Sara leaped from her bed and ran into the nursery. “Problems?” she asked. “I can’t believe I slept this late.”

Gavin, still wearing pajamas, was changing Adelaide’s diaper. “She hasn’t slept this long in forever. She wet through her diaper to her sheets.”

“Oops,” she said.

Gavin shrugged. “It’s a good problem. Did you do something different with her bedtime routine?”

“I played a little Bach on the piano,” she said.

Gavin glanced at her. “Must have worked.”

She shrugged. “We can hope.”

“Yeah,” he said.

“Can I take a quick shower?”

“Sure,” he said. “You’re due that after the past twenty-four hours.”

Sara grabbed a quick shower, rubbed herself dry and wrapped her hair in a towel for two minutes. Pulling on her clothes, she ditched the towel and pulled her hair into a wet knot at the back of the neck, all the while resolving to take her bath at night. She’d just been too tired last night.

Racing into the kitchen, she smiled her best smile. “I’m here for duty,” she said.

Three pairs of brown eyes stared back at her full of hope, fear and expectation.

“All right. Let’s get going.”

“You’re a brave woman,” Gavin said. He was dressed to head out the door. “Or crazy,” he muttered as he handed Adelaide over to her. “Just tell me you’ll last the week.”

Sara blinked. “Week? I thought this was at least a two-or three-month assignment.”

“Yes. Of course. Three months,” Gavin said. “Call me if you need me,” he added as he headed out the door.

“But you don’t really want me to call you, do you?” she said.

He paused just before he closed the door behind him. “Truth...” he said, turning around to face her. “I’m grateful for all you’ve already done. Call me for anything.”

Her heart took a strange twist and turn. He was a great father. Maybe even a great human being.

Chapter Two

Sara fed the kids, then secured them into child safety seats in her car. Sam attended preschool three days each week and this was one of his designated days. She’d also prepared a snack for him to eat.

Driving toward the small building, she got into the short car line.

“I don’t like preschool,” Sam said.

Sara glanced at him from the rearview mirror. “What’s not to like? You get to play and meet other children. You get to make things and eat a snack.”

“I don’t like my teacher,” he said. “She’s mean.”

“Mean,” Sara echoed. “What do you mean she’s mean? Does she hit you?”

“No,” he said reluctantly. “She won’t leave me alone. Sometimes I don’t want to play with everyone else.”

“You can play by yourself when you get home. Preschool is good for you. It’s only for a few hours. Maybe you can help someone else who is having a bad day,” she said in the most firm, positive nanny voice she could muster. “I’ll be back to pick you up before you know it.”

She wanted to give him a hug and kiss but knew he wasn’t interested in her affection. Just her sound machine, so far, she thought wryly.

Sara returned home with Adelaide and attempted to get more settled in to her bedroom. She called her sister to check on her, but the call went straight to voice mail. Who knew what her sister was up to? Tabitha was working as a hostess at an exclusive restaurant until the Devereaux family could help find a more suitable position for her.

Tabitha had seemed more than a bit restless lately, and that worried Sara. Their brother, Alex, had persuaded them to leave their home country for safety concerns. He’d assured them he would meet them in Chantaine, but he was nowhere to be found. Tabitha hadn’t tolerated any sort of restraints on her activities very well in the past and she’d been known to act impulsively. Sara hoped Tabitha would be able to keep herself under control a little longer.

Closing her eyes for a moment, Sara took a deep breath and tried to shake off her worries. There was little she could do about Tabitha since they weren’t supposed to be seen together, and there was nothing she could do about her brother. She needed to focus on the present. Who knew what the future would bring?

She picked up Sam from preschool and he presented her with a note from the teacher. Sara decided to pass it along to Gavin later and tried to converse with Sam to no avail. After asking ten questions and trying several times to start a conversation, she decided to shut up. Maybe Sam was decompressing.

Just as she pulled into the driveway, she heard Sam’s heavy sigh. “Everyone is talking about Christmas,” he said in a grumbly voice.

“Well, it’s that time of year. We’ll need to get a tree and decorate soon.”

“Bet Daddy won’t want one,” he said.

Sara looked at Sam in surprise. “Why not?”

“He doesn’t want to do anything fun,” Sam muttered. “Can I go inside?”

“Of course,” she said, and she unbuckled his seat belt.

In contrast to the previous day, the afternoon passed quietly. The part-time housekeeper and cook arrived to clean and prepare meals. Janece Dillon, a lovely middle-aged woman, prepared several meals to freeze for later. “So, you’re the new nanny,” Janece said. “You look so young.”

“Thank you. That’s what Mr. Sinclair said to me. I’m actually twenty-seven,” she said.

“Well, I hope you’ll be able to stay around for the sake of the mister and his little ones,” she said.

“What do you mean?” Sara asked, carrying Adelaide on her hip.

“Well, there have been quite a few,” Janece said as she stirred a pot of pasta sauce. “Nannies, that is. Poor man and his children have been through so much.”

Sara hadn’t been told there’d been several previous nannies. That must be why Gavin had expressed hope that she would make it through the week.

That evening after Gavin arrived home, she slipped him the note from Sam’s teacher. “I didn’t read it,” she said.

He opened the note and sighed, raking his hand through his hair. “I don’t know what to do. He hates going for therapy. He doesn’t like preschool. I feel like we’re not making any progress with him.”

“It hasn’t been that long,” she said. “Just six months, right?”

“But he’s four years old and he hardly ever smiles,” he said.

“He smiled when you took him for ice cream,” she said, wanting to encourage him.

He looked at her and chuckled. “That’s not something I can do every night.”

“True,” she said. “But we can figure out other things. His favorite foods. Maybe a pet would help.”

“A pet?” he echoed. “I’m barely surviving with these two. Add in an animal and I’ll have to wave a white flag.”

She shrugged. “I wasn’t allowed pets when I was a child. Except one of my nannies allowed me to sneak in a few visits with her hamster, Willie. That was a lot of fun.”

“Why so many nannies?” he asked. “I can’t imagine you causing a lot of trouble, although most of us can’t resist getting into trouble every now and then.”

“I didn’t,” she said. Was that a hint of a sexy glint in his eye? Or was she imagining it? “I stayed out of trouble. My sister and brother, though, made up for me.”

“Is your family originally from Chantaine?” he asked.

“No. We’re from the mainland, but my parents did a lot of traveling,” she said. Uncomfortable with the curiosity she glimpsed in his gaze, she waved toward the stove. “Janece left a pot of pasta and sauce for dinner tonight. Sam has wandered in here a few times, but I thought you might like to eat together.”

“That will work, and it’s one of his favorite meals,” he said. “I’ll wash up, change clothes and help serve it.”

“I can serve it,” she said. “I just don’t possess advanced cooking skills.”

“Me neither,” he said. “That’s why a part-time cook and housekeeper was part of my package of compensation for this job. And a nanny,” he said, meeting her gaze. “The children may not show it yet, but we’re glad you’re here to help.”

“Speaking of helping, we need to think about celebrating the holidays. Sam mentioned that everyone at preschool is talking about Christmas.”

Gavin raked his hand through his hair. “I haven’t really been in the mood for Christmas.”

“Well, you can’t just ignore it,” she said. “Children love Christmas.”

“Maybe we should keep it low-key this year,” he said.

“Sam mentioned that he didn’t think you would want decorations,” she said.

“He may be right. Besides, we left our decorations in storage in the States.”

“He also said you don’t want to do fun things anymore. It’s not my place to tell you how you should act, but perhaps if he saw that you could enjoy some aspects of life, then maybe he would feel free to do so, also.”

Gavin stared at her for a long moment. “You’re right. It’s not your place to tell me how to act.”

Sara felt his assertion for her to step back. Yes, sir, she thought. Adelaide let out a squawk from her infant seat. She’d been snoozing and now clearly wanted to be entertained. “Dinner may take a few more minutes. I suspect the queen of the house will need her diaper changed and she doesn’t like to wait. Can’t say I blame her,” said Sara.

* * *

After dinner, Sara took Sam and Adelaide for a walk down the street while Gavin worked on the palace construction project for a bit. “A beautiful evening for a walk, isn’t it, Sam?”

Sam shrugged and stuck his hands in his pockets. “I wanted to play my video game.”

“You can do that tomorrow. The sun is still shining, so we should take advantage. Getting outside is good for you. I always loved getting outside when I was a child.”

Sam glanced up at her and sighed. “Did you have video games?”

“Not that I remember,” she said. “I had a piano and my house always seemed dark.” Sara glanced at Adelaide and noticed the baby’s eyes were closed. “Oh, no, Adelaide is falling asleep. Help me keep her awake so she’ll sleep through the night.” Sara thought a minute, then began to sing. “Two little blackbirds sitting on a hill. One named Jack. One named Jill.” She wiggled her finger on the handle of the stroller. “Fly away Jack. Fly away Jill. Now your turn,” she said.

Sam gave her a blank look.

“Surely you’ve played this game before. It’s been around forever.”

Sam shrugged.

“Two little blackbirds sitting in the snow. One named Fast. One named—” She broke off and waited and waited. And waited. “One named Fast. One named Ssss—”

“Snake?” he said. Sara smiled.

“One named Fast. One named Slow,” she said and continued the rhyme. “Two little blackbirds soaring in the sky. One named Low. One named?” She glanced at him expectantly. “It needs to rhyme with sky.”

“High,” he finally said, and Sara spotted a twinge of triumph in his eyes.

“High,” she said. “Say it louder so we keep Adelaide awake.”

Sam yelled the word and Adelaide gave a start, blinking her eyes. “Good job. Two little blackbirds...”

They played the game for the rest of the walk. She hadn’t heard Sam speak so much since she’d started working with the family, and although she couldn’t exactly call it conversation, it counted as interaction. She planned to put Adelaide on her tummy on a blanket to get her moving a bit. Hopefully both children would sleep well after the exercise. Princess Bridget had told her that one of the keys to parent and child happiness was to wear out the children, and Sara was taking that child-care tip to heart. Trouble was she wondered if she would last through the evening herself.

In fact, after she washed her face and brushed her teeth, she took a book with her to her room and fell asleep midpage. She awakened in the middle of the night, her book resting on her chest and the light from the lamp making her squint her eyes. Reaching for the cup of water she liked to keep on the bedside table, she realized she’d forgotten to bring a cup last night.

Not wanting to awaken Sam by going into the adjoining bathroom, she tiptoed from her room and down the dark hallway. She poured herself a cup of water and drank most of it, then turned off the light at the kitchen sink and slowly made her way down the hall.

She bumped into something that wasn’t a wall. Panic rushed through her. A squeak escaped her throat and she nearly dropped her cup.

“It’s me,” Gavin said before he swore under his breath, probably from the water she spilled on him. “What?

“I am carrying a cup of water,” she said, trying to catch her breath, caught in an unexpected swirl of emotions and sensations. He felt so strong and sure against her. He was holding her to keep her from falling. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had held her other than her family. “You startled me.”

“I heard a noise and thought it might be Sam,” he said, still holding her in his arms.

She felt so safe. His strength vibrated throughout her. Clinging to him, she felt a surprising mix of awareness and emotion thrum through her.

Still struggling for balance, she leaned against him. She inhaled his scent and nearly fell. “Sorry,” she managed. “I didn’t mean to pour water on you.”

“Could be worse,” he said, still holding her.

Sara wanted him to keep holding her. She wanted this feeling never to end. Where were these thoughts coming from?

“Yes,” she said. She still clung to him, soaking him up.

The moment stretched between them. “You okay?” he finally asked her.

“Yes,” she said reluctantly.

“You sure?”

She took another deep breath and inhaled his scent again. “Yes,” she whispered.

He gradually stepped away from her, releasing her from his embrace.

In the darkness, she was caught off guard by the strange stirring in her stomach. Was this desire? “I’ll go back to bed,” she managed.

“What about your water?” he asked.

“I’ll be fine,” she said, and forced herself to back away from him as much as she could when she really wanted to stay close to him.

“Good night, then,” he said in a husky masculine voice that raced through her bloodstream.

Why was he affecting her this way?

“Good night,” she said and stumbled to her bedroom. Her heart pounded in her chest. She felt something she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Sara didn’t know what to do with the strange sensation. She’d pushed her wants aside for too long. Sara sank onto her bed and closed her eyes. The room spun. This wasn’t at all convenient. Perhaps it was all an aberration and would disappear in the morning. She couldn’t want the father of the children she was caring for. It just wouldn’t work.

Taking several deep breaths, she wished she could also drink some water to calm herself. Instead, she took more deep breaths, telling herself that she wasn’t attracted to Gavin. She absolutely could not and did not want him.

Her heart still racing, Sara counted backward from three hundred and prayed she would fall asleep before she reached one.

* * *

During the next few days, she avoided Gavin as much as she could, which was difficult due to the small size of the cottage. Despite her best efforts, he brushed against her or she bumped against him. Each time it happened, she felt as if she had received an electrical shock. She felt increasingly aware of his body. Bloody inconvenient. When she crawled into bed at night, she should have been exhausted, and she was. When she closed her eyes, however, crazy images filled her mind. What would it be like to be held in his strong arms? What if, for once, she could let down her guard and relish the protectiveness of a man? She wondered what his mouth would feel like if he kissed her.

Sara groaned and frowned at herself. Stop it. At the same time her contrary mind nudged her. Could she even remember the last time she’d been kissed?

Nine days after she’d started her position, she put Adelaide to bed and went to the kitchen to get her cup of water. She didn’t want to make the mistake of running into Gavin again in the dark. Just as she left the kitchen, he approached her.

Sara almost spilled her cup of water even though there was plenty of light.

“You don’t have to run off to your room every night. You’re welcome to use the other rooms in the house. You can watch television,” Gavin said.

“That’s okay, thank you. I’ve been reading in the evenings. I have headphones and I also often listen to music,” she said, wishing she didn’t feel so aware of him.

“I guess you’re ready for some peace by the time the kids are in bed,” he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “I wasn’t sure you would last. It’s not exactly a plum position for a woman like you.”

“Why would you say that?”

“Don’t get me wrong. You’re good with the kids, but this just doesn’t seem like your regular line of work.”

“I needed a change,” she said. “As you saw from my résumé, I apprenticed as a nanny for Princess Bridget’s children. I may not be as experienced as some, but I like to think I make up for what I lack in compassion and determination.”

“I wasn’t criticizing you,” he said. “You’re just prettier than I expected.”

Sara blinked. His compliment caught her off guard. She’d received compliments from many people before, but they’d all known of her position, and frankly she’d never been sure if there’d been a hidden agenda or not. Struggling with a combination of self-consciousness and pleasure, she cleared her throat. “Thank you very much.”

“Besides, you and I both know the kids are at a tough age. Between Adelaide and her teething and Sam’s situation...”

“I think Sam is tolerating me now,” she said, feeling a twitch of humor when she thought about how he sighed when she engaged him with silly games. “Adelaide likes to be fed on time and soothed when she’s hurting. I honestly hadn’t even considered leaving.” Actually, she didn’t know if she had that choice. She’d agreed to work in anonymity in exchange for her and her sister’s safety.

“That’s good to hear. However, you haven’t had a day off and you’re due. I may be able to arrange backup care during the week later on, but it would help if you would pick a weekend day.”

“Okay,” she said, feeling a sliver of relief. Perhaps it would help her perspective and clear her mind to have a day away. She was also determined to visit her sister who had not responded to her calls or text messages recently. “Saturday.”

He nodded. “That will work. If you need anything, let me know.”

“I will,” she said, the intensity in his eyes tugging at something inside her. “Good night, then,” she said, and she and quickly strode to her room. Her heart was pounding too quickly. She felt flushed. Sara swore under her breath. She couldn’t wait for Saturday.

* * *

Anticipating a surprise visit with her sister, Sara drove into town and parked on the street. She bought some fresh fruit and carried it up the steps to Tabitha’s apartment. Spotting the wreath on her sister’s door, she felt a rush of approval as she knocked. At least Tabitha was giving a nod to the holidays. Sara waited. And waited.

She knocked on the door again and Tabitha finally answered the door, wearing a gown she’d clearly donned in a haphazard fashion. Her eyes were droopy from a late sleep-in. “Hi,” Tabitha said in a fake cheery voice.

“Hi,” Sara returned. “I’ve called you, but didn’t hear back. I brought you fruit. I like your wreath.”

Tabitha gave a half smile. “It’s the least I can do. I’m trying to muster a little seasonal joy. It wouldn’t be good to snarl at the guests at the restaurant just because this is another Christmas I’ll be spending trapped. Thank you for the fruit,” she said, taking the fruit. “This is a tricky time...”

A handsome man appeared behind her. “Want to introduce me?” he asked.

“Of course,” Tabitha said. “My sis—” She broke off. “My good friend, Sara. This is Christoph.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Christoph said. “I’ll take a shower while you two visit.”

The man who resembled Adonis disappeared down the hall with a towel draped around his waist. Sara gaped at Tabitha. “What on earth are you doing with him?”

“Having a little fun,” she said. “He’s amazing in bed. Why should I deprive myself? He doesn’t know my real name.”

“How do you know that?” Sara demanded.

“He thinks I’m just a highly educated hostess,” Tabitha said. “Oh, wait. That’s what I really am at the moment.”

“Do you wish you were back in Sergenia?” Sara asked. “Worrying about being kidnapped?”

“I didn’t worry all that much,” Tabitha said. She sighed. “Oh, give me a break, Sasha—Sara, you’ve got to admit this arrangement is entirely too constraining.”

“We’re fortunate the Devereaux family agreed to allow us to stay here,” she reminded Tabitha.

“You’ve always been the one to deny your needs. I can’t do that, and you really shouldn’t. It’s not good for you.”

Sara stared at her younger sister. “There’s a difference between delaying gratification and denying needs.”

Tabitha shrugged her shoulders. “Sounds the same to me. Am I supposed to sit in a dark corner here until someone says it’s safe to come out?” Tabitha shook her head. “I’m young. I want to live.”

“Well, just be careful,” Sara said. “Things can happen...during sex.”

Tabitha laughed but squeezed Sara’s arm. “How would you know?” she asked. She immediately became contrite. “I’m sorry. It must be hard being the family saint. You’ve made it easy for me to be the sinner.”

Sara drew Tabitha into her arms, tightly embracing her younger sister. “I worry about you. I don’t want you to suffer.”

Tabitha’s gaze softened. “I’m not in pain when Christoph is around. He’s Greek. He makes me feel happy. He makes me forget my troubles.”

Sara still felt uneasy about Tabitha’s lover. “If you say so,” she said. “I just want you to be safe, careful and happy.”

“In our situation, one out of three isn’t so bad,” Tabitha said.

Sara took a deep breath. “Look after yourself. I’ll call you. Try to respond,” she said.

Tabitha smiled. “I’ll do my best. Are you sure you don’t want a cup of tea?”

Sara shook her head. “I think I heard the water in the shower turn off. Time for me to go. Call me,” she said, kissing her sister on the cheek before she walked out of the apartment.

Sara wandered around downtown, glancing into shop windows even though she was distracted. She stopped by the gelato shop, ordered her favorite hazelnut gelato and headed for the beach. It was early December and although it was too chilly for swimming, she wanted to make the most of her day. Spooning the delicious dessert into her mouth, she stared at the beautiful azure ocean and felt completely lost.

She was full of worry over her brother, who had been missing for months, and her sister, who appeared determined to compensate for the constraints of the past several months. Sara sighed and her mind wandered to Gavin, Sam and Adelaide. A little trip to the beach would mean so much to all of them.

Spooning the last bit of gelato into her mouth, Sara stood and brushed the sand off her backside. So much for escaping Gavin and his brood. It appeared that her own family situation was crazier than his.

* * *

Gavin alternated between encouraging Sam to eat his lunch and spooning mushy green peas into Adelaide’s mouth. She banged the extra spoon he’d given her on the tray of the high chair. The sound of metal repeatedly striking plastic reminded him of a bad visit to the dentist.

Sam appeared to be having a glum day. “Hey, bud,” he said to his son. “Eat a few more bites of your sandwich.”

Gavin gave Adelaide another bite and she spit the green matter back at him, chortling in delight and banging the tray. “Hey. Give your poor dad a break.”

At that moment, Gavin heard the front door open and footsteps. He glanced up to find Sara in the doorway and felt a shot of relief. “You’re back early,” he said.

He felt her gaze wander over him. She bit her lip as if to contain her amusement. “I’m delighted to know I’m not the only one on whom she likes to shower her food.”

“I bet you look better in green than I do,” he said, somehow feeling much lighter. He wiped Adelaide’s face. She screeched at him in return. “Hope your morning was better than ours.”

“Not bad,” she said. “I ate gelato and sat on the beach for a little while.”

“Gelato,” Gavin echoed.

“The beach,” Sam said, jealousy oozing from his tone.

Sara glanced at both of them. “There’s nothing preventing us from taking a little trip to the beach,” she said. “We don’t even have to swim. We just need to slather on some sunscreen, throw on a hat and roll up our pants if we dare to have the chilly water on our toes.”

Sam scrambled up on his knees in his chair and stared hopefully in Gavin’s face. “Can we go, Daddy? Can we?”

Gavin had so rarely seen Sam exhibit this much enthusiasm during the past few months. There was only one answer he could give his son.

Chapter Three

Sam zoomed along the sandy beach. When the water was calm, he stepped into it up to his ankles.

“I can’t believe he’s tolerating the chilly water so well,” Sara said.

“You forget that he spent the past several years playing in the snows of North Dakota,” Gavin said.

Adelaide wiggled inside the baby carrier strapped to Gavin’s chest and kicked her chubby little legs. She was almost too big for it, but they’d left in a rush and since she was putting everything in her mouth, he suspected there was no way he’d be able to keep her from ingesting sand, shells and rocks.

“Adelaide really wants free, doesn’t she?” Sara said, smiling as her hair blew in the breeze.

“Yeah. I’m just not prepared to dig sand out of her mouth,” he said. “Trust me. It would be a real mood killer.”

Sara nodded and closed her eyes as she lifted her head. “The ocean makes everything better.”

“Unless it involves a tsunami or hurricane,” he said.

“Feeling a little cynical?” she asked.

Yeah, he thought, but didn’t say it aloud. Instead he took a deep breath of the salt-scented air and then another. He felt his insides stretch open a bit. Gavin had felt tight and stiff for a long time. He’d had to stay tight in order to hold everything together. Everything had been so sad. His kids had lost their mother. His wife had lost her life. He had no right to breathe easy. He had no right to even a moment of happiness. Taking another breath, he almost felt a little sore at the expansion of his lungs.

“Maybe we should step into the water like Sam,” she encouraged. “Maybe it will make us feel better.”

“You make it sound like a baptism,” he said.

“Maybe it is,” she said. She took off her shoes and barely stepped into the water. She let out a little squeal and glanced over her shoulder. “Give me a minute to get used to it.”

Gavin watched her take a few more steps into the water. She was an odd combination of characteristics. Pretty in a quiet way, she looked young for her years. At the same time, he saw glimpses of an old soul in her eyes. Gavin smirked at himself. Old soul. Was he getting poetic about the nanny?

Shaking off his dour attitude, he ditched his shoes and walked toward Sam and Sara. He stepped into the water and felt the initial shock of the chill. He waited for the magic. No dramatic wave rushed through him. He just felt a little lighter.

“It’s strange, but it feels good, doesn’t it?” Sara said more than asked.

“I guess,” he said. “Sam, you’re not getting drenched, are you?”

“No,” Sam said, but he kept wandering farther into the water.

“Don’t go any farther,” Gavin called. “You might step into a hole. I don’t want you going in over your head.”

“Okay,” Sam said, walking in circles and staring at his feet.

“He loves it,” Sara said. “I’d like to bring him down here more often, but I’m not sure I could watch both of them at the same time.”

Gavin nodded. “I’ll try to make more time for it. It definitely takes two adults with these kids. So when did you fall in love with the ocean?”

“I grew up in a landlocked region, but we often took vacations on the shore. It was one of the few times we could count on being with our parents. Although there was always a nanny or two along.”

“Sounds like you didn’t spend much time with your parents when you were growing up,” he said, curious about her background.

“I didn’t,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest. “My father’s business required a lot of social engagements, so my parents traveled more than they stayed home.”

“Hmm,” he said. “What about sports games and programs at school? Did they show up for those events?”

She shrugged. “Occasionally. We were always cared for, but we were also raised to be independent. But enough about—” She broke off. “Sam!”

Panic rushed through him. Gavin glanced in the direction of his son. He’d barely taken his eyes off him, but Sam was now up to his shoulders in the water. Gavin ran toward his son with Sara rushing beside him. He grabbed one of Sam’s arms and pulled him closer to shore.

“I told you not to go any farther into the ocean,” Gavin scolded, his heart hammering.

“I wanted to be in the waves,” Sam said. “I didn’t get my face wet.”

“One more step and you could have,” Gavin said.

Sam hung his head. “I’m sorry.”

Sara squeezed Sam’s shoulder. “Of course you are. And I’m sure you’ll be more careful next time. You don’t want to frighten your father and me. The ocean can be tricky even for experienced swimmers. Have you had swimming lessons?”

Sam shook his head.

Sara met Gavin’s gaze. “Perhaps we can add that to the schedule.”

Gavin nodded. “Good idea. I should have thought of it before now.”

“You’ve had a lot on your mind. But even after your swimming lessons, you always need to have a buddy,” she said firmly. She then gave both Gavin and Sam a once-over.

He couldn’t resist returning the favor. Her rolled-up jeans were plastered to her body and the shirt under her jacket had gotten a big splash, making it transparent. He would have to be blind not to notice the little lacy bra she wore and the way her nipples pressed against the light covering. The sight grabbed at his gut and lower. He felt an odd rumble of awareness and want. It had been a long time since he’d allowed himself to get aroused, and he wasn’t going to start today, he told himself. He tore his gaze from her body, but an unwelcome restlessness still rippled through him and his mouth watered with the forbidden idea of tasting her, starting with her lips and working all the way down the rest of her body.

“We weren’t prepared for a full-out swim today, but it looks like we got one anyway,” she said with a wry laugh.

“Can’t disagree. Next time we’ll be better prepared,” he said, but he couldn’t help wondering how he was going to rein in his imagination if Sara was wearing a bathing suit instead of being fully clothed.

* * *

Sara gave Adelaide a bath and put the baby in her crib with a few toys while Gavin helped Sam with his shower. Afterward, she managed a quick shower, too. Piling her damp hair on her head, Sara picked up Adelaide and headed for the kitchen.

Gavin was heating soup and grilling sandwiches. “I’m not that good in the kitchen, but I make a mean grilled cheese.”

“Ah, American comfort food,” she said, nodding.

“How did you know?” he asked.

“I once had an American nanny,” she said. “I also learned about peanut butter and jelly from her, although European peanut butter doesn’t compare to the American version.”

“Tell me about it,” Gavin said. “I should have stocked up before we came to Chantaine.”

“So true. Shall I help? I can stir the soup,” she said, thinking how attractive he looked standing next to the stove with his ruffled hair and broad shoulders. He wasn’t nearly as refined as the men with whom she usually spent time, although heaven knew she hadn’t had much time to spend with anyone. She’d been dedicated to piano perfection from such an early age. Her parents and royal advisors had told her the country would always be proud of her abilities and performances.

So much for that. She and her siblings had been tossed aside like rubbish. Sara wondered if she should have tried for a career in engineering. Much more practical, she supposed.

Thoughts about her country made her feel troubled and itchy inside. She wiggled her fingers. Music had always provided her with solace. “I haven’t noticed music around the house. I have music stored on my cell phone, but no speakers.”

“Speakers,” he echoed as if it were a foreign concept.

“You have children,” she said, unable to edit herself. “Children need music.”

He blinked. “I hadn’t thought about it. I’ll get some speakers,” he said as he reached for his phone. “I’ll write a message to myself.”

Sara’s heart softened. Maybe she shouldn’t have been so adamant. “Perhaps, I could play something on the piano in the meantime. I may be a little rusty, though,” she warned him.

Gavin glanced at her and nodded. “Yeah. That would be great.”

Sara went to the den and ran her fingers over the keys, then she began to play an upbeat elementary piece by Bach—Minuet in G. She played until the end and found Sam standing beside the piano staring at her. Up to this point, she’d been so busy when both children had been in the house that she hadn’t played for Sam. “A little Beethoven? How about “Ode to Joy”? Much better with a full orchestra, but I’ll do my best,” she said as she started playing the piece.

Aware of several blunders, she soldiered through and took a deep breath.

She turned and found Sam and Gavin, who was holding Adelaide, staring at her in amazement. “I thought you said you’d taken a few lessons.”

“I did,” she said. “Was it that bad?”

Gavin shook his head and chuckled. “Bad was not a word that came to mind. Are you sure you’re not a professional?”

Sara shrugged. “In the arts, the word professional is relative. I’m far from the best.” She smiled. “You enjoyed it?”

“I did,” Gavin said. Adelaide kicked in approval. “Adelaide did. What about you, Sam?”

Sam stared at Sara as if she’d suddenly gained magical powers. Or a third head. He glanced at the piano, then at her. Then he nodded.

“Time for dinner?” Sara asked, wanting to divert attention away from herself.

Gavin nodded and grinned, oozing a masculine charm that made her feel a strange tingle inside. “I didn’t burn the sandwiches.”

Sara fed Adelaide carrots while she, Gavin and Sam munched on their sandwiches, soup and chips. It was a meal mostly devoid of nutrition, but satisfying. Adelaide spit out a spoonful of carrots, but it only hit the tray.

“Yes, Your Highness, we are done,” Sara said and put the carrots aside. “We must all learn from our mistakes, and strained peas are the worst,” she said to Gavin.

He shot her a look of commiseration.

Sara squeezed Adelaide’s sweet cheeks and the baby smiled. “She’s clearly not underfed,” Sara said, then met Gavin’s gaze. “You’re a good father.”

Gavin took a swift breath. “That’s debatable.”

“Not by me,” she said. She wiped off Adelaide’s face. “Would you like to give your princess a bottle and put her to bed tonight? Sam and I can read.”

“Good idea,” Gavin said. “Thank you for coming home early.”

Sara took Sam to the den and read the same book three times. Sam kept eyeing the piano, but Sara thought she should keep the house quiet since it was bedtime. She read the same book again and Gavin came to collect his son.

“Ready for bed, big guy?” he asked.

Sam jumped up from the sofa and leaped into Gavin’s arms. Sara sighed as Gavin carried his son to bed.

Sara usually went to bed when the children did, but this time she put in her earbuds and listened to music while she rested on the sofa. Moments later, Gavin appeared, sitting beside her.

She inhaled his clean, masculine scent and decided it was a bit intoxicating. “Hi,” she said, pulling out her earbuds. “Did Sam settle down?”

“He settles down much more easily since you donated your sound machine,” he said.

“I’m glad it helped him,” she said, thinking of how she missed the waves, but she wouldn’t tell Gavin that.

“We swiped it from you,” he said. “I keep intending to get you a replacement.”

“No problem,” she said, and she waved her hand. “Wearing out your children is the best insomnia relief ever.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good thing,” he said.

“A good night of sleep is always a wonderful thing,” she said, unable to count the number of sleepless nights she’d suffered during the past year.

“I guess so,” he said and looked toward her. “As I said the other day, I really wasn’t sure you would last more than a day or two. You just seemed so young.”

“I’m small, but mighty,” she joked.

“I’m starting to think that may be true. You’ve been full of surprises, though. Some secrets in your background. You put on a happy face, but I’ve seen a few moments of sadness in your eyes.”

Nerves jangled in her stomach. She didn’t know she’d given so much away. She thought she’d put on a good front. “You’re very observant,” she said. “I think most of us have experienced sadness by my age. I try not to dwell on it.”

“Was it the loss of your parents?” he asked.

“That was painful, but there has been an avalanche of other issues and events that have been life-changing for my sister and brother since that time. Our future became uncertain,” she said, her heart squeezing with the pain of worry over her sister and brother. She just wanted them to be safe, and if at all possible, happy.

Gavin squeezed her shoulder. “I wish you could see your eyes. They look stormy and a little afraid. You know you’re safe here, don’t you?”

Sara took a deep breath. He’d nailed her emotions, making her feel uncomfortably vulnerable. At the same time, his hand on her shoulder was so comforting and the expression on his face was an exquisite combination of kindness and male strength. It would be so easy to give in to that. Too easy.

The moment stretched between them, and Sara knew she should turn away. But Gavin was compelling and she’d been strong a long time. He lowered his head toward hers and pressed his mouth against hers. His lips felt warm and sensual. Sara felt a wicked forbidden heat rush through her. His hands slid up to cup her jaw and the touch exuded both comfort and seduction. She’d never experienced that combination before and she couldn’t help wanting more. Leaning toward him, she opened her mouth and he deepened the kiss. A ripple of awareness hummed through her.

“Daddy?”

Sam’s little-boy voice broke the spell and Sara pulled back, appalled by her susceptibility to Gavin. She needed to get herself straight. She needed to get herself under control. She stood because she couldn’t figure what else to do.

“Hey, big guy, what’s up?” Gavin asked as if he had just been doing lawn work instead of shaking her up from the inside out.

“Can I have some water?” he asked.

“Sure,” Gavin said and rose.

“I’ll get it,” Sara said. “I’d like some water, too. I’m ready to go to bed.”

“Sara,” Gavin began.

“No. Really,” she insisted. She darted for the kitchen and poured water for Sam and herself. She returned to the den and offered the cup to Sam. “Here you go, sweetie. Good night to both of you,” she said without meeting Gavin’s gaze. And then she rushed to her room and closed the door.

Taking several deep breaths, she stood in the room and covered her face. What was wrong with her? During the past ten years, Sara had never put her needs before her duties. Never. She couldn’t mess things up for her siblings now. Chantaine had offered them a safe place. She couldn’t jeopardize that for her sister or brother even if her brother was nowhere to be found, and her sister was doing God knew what with God knew who.

She made a quick trip to the bathroom, splashed water on her face and brushed her teeth, then returned to her bedroom where she changed into her nightgown. Climbing into bed, she forced her eyes closed and told her brain to shut down. Easier said than done. Why was she so drawn to Gavin? He was just a single dad doing the best he could. What about him affected her down to her very core?

* * *

The next several days, Sara managed to avoid meeting Gavin’s direct gaze, although it was challenging. The weather took a turn for the worse and she tried several methods to keep the children entertained. Soon enough, everyone showed signs of cabin fever. Sam whined and Adelaide cried.

Out of desperation, she took to the piano. She banged out some hard modern pieces. The kids turned silent, or maybe she just couldn’t hear them. Sara played three songs, then looked at Adelaide sitting in her infant seat and Sam standing beside the piano. Both just stared at her.

Many people seemed to forget that the piano was a percussion instrument. Hard to ignore.

Sam stepped toward her and pressed down a key.

“Try another,” she said. “It won’t bite.”

He pressed down another key, then another and another.

“Want to learn a tune?” she asked.

“What tune?” he asked.

“‘Chopsticks,’” she said, and she began to play.

Fifteen minutes later, Sam had learned his part.

Sara caught him playing the piano again during some free time. Unfortunately, the rain continued and even “Chopsticks” couldn’t save them.

Desperate, Sara took the children outside in the rain. Warning them this would only last a short time, she headed straight for the mud puddles. Sam jumped up and down, splashing her and Adelaide. The baby shrieked in delight. Sara was just glad both kids seemed happy and entertained.

She had every intention of taking them inside and bathing them.

But Gavin came home early and drove past them on his way up the driveway to the cottage. “Uh-oh,” she said.

Sam looked at her. “Are we in trouble?”

“Maybe,” she said with a wince.

“Maybe he won’t be mad,” Sam said hopefully.

With the rain streaming down on them, she stared at him and smiled. “Maybe not. It’s just rain and a little mud,” she said. “I guess we better go back,” she said. Sam nodded.

They walked back to the cottage where Gavin stood at the open front door with his hands crossed over his chest.

“Hi, Daddy,” Sam said, darting toward his father. “We’ve been splashing in the puddles.”

“I can see that,” Gavin said, pulling his son up into his arms. He sent an inquiring glance toward Sara.

“We got very, very bored,” she admitted.

Gavin gave a slow nod.

“I thought we could all get a bath after a little time outside,” she said.

“I can play ‘Chopsticks,’” Sam told Gavin.

“What?” Gavin asked Sam.

“I can play ‘Chopsticks,’” Sam repeated. “Sara says I’m ’cellent.”

Gavin smiled at his son. “I bet you are.” He met Sara’s gaze. “Let’s get those baths.”

Moments later, Sara bathed Adelaide. Afterward she strapped the little girl into her baby seat and then rinsed herself in the shower. She toweled dry and quickly dressed herself. She took the baby carrier to the den.

Two minutes later, Gavin and Sam, scrubbed clean, entered the room. “We should play ‘Chopsticks,’” Sam said to Sara.

“Sounds good to me,” she said. She sat on the left side of the piano bench. Sam joined her on the right side. “I’ll play it through one time, okay?” she said.

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