Ready-Made Family

Widower Gil Montgomery’s new nanny has a secret. There’s a reason Julie Bishop and Gil’s daughter, Abby, connect so perfectly—Julie is Abby’s birth mother. Julie gave her daughter up for adoption years ago, but she couldn’t resist the chance to be close to the child her heart never forgot. But Julie never imagined she’d fall for the handsome adoptive dad. Gil’s been burned before, and Julie worries that if her secret is exposed, he’ll never forgive her. The perfect family is so close, but so far… Unless Gil can let the past go and welcome Julie home. Right where she belongs.

Something about Gil compelled Julie to draw closer, to know him better.

That was something she couldn’t afford. Especially after learning his wife had lied to him.

“It’s late. I need to go,” she told him.

He followed her to the door. She looked up at him, resisting the impulse to reach up and touch his cheek to ease his worry. “Go up and say good-night to your daughter, Gil. And relax. All you need to do is show Abby you love her,” she advised.

Julie fought tears all the way home. She cried for Gil, who was longing for his child’s love, and for herself, for bringing another lie into the Montgomerys’ life. What a mess this was.

Thankfully, tomorrow was her last day. She’d have to pray that Gil’s mother could guide the pair to a new relationship. But in her heart she knew she was the only one who could do that. She had a bond with Abby neither of them had.

Biology. Blood was thicker than water.

LORRAINE BEATTY was raised in Columbus, Ohio, but now calls Mississippi home. She and her husband, Joe, have two sons and five grandchildren. Lorraine started writing in junior high and is a member of RWA and ACFW, and is a charter member and past president of Magnolia State Romance Writers. In her spare time she likes to work in her garden, travel and spend time with her family.

The Nanny’s Secret Child

Lorraine Beatty

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood

and speak truthfully to your neighbor,

for we are all members of one body.

—Ephesians 4:25

To my mother-in-law, Mary.

My biggest fan and my dearest friend.

What a blessing you are to us.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

“Turn right onto Sycamore Avenue. Your destination is on the right.”

Julianna Bishop followed the directions on her GPS and made the turn, searching the house numbers for 122. The old, established neighborhood in Dover, Mississippi, could have been lifted from a fifties television sitcom. Each home oozed charm, their appealing facades nestled on neatly landscaped yards that even the gray drab of January couldn’t dim. Full-grown trees stripped of their leaves arched overhead, filtering the bright sunlight streaming down from a clear blue sky. Evergreen live oaks and giant magnolia trees added a splash of green to the winter landscapes.

The peaceful and picturesque surroundings were at odds with the violent storm raging inside her. She swallowed hard against the tightness in her throat and searched the house numbers again. Heart pounding against her rib cage, Julie pressed down on the brakes, bringing the car to a full stop. She had arrived. One-twenty-two Sycamore Avenue was a two-story white colonial with black shutters, a red front door and a lamppost at the edge of the sidewalk. Her hands gripped the steering wheel, turning her knuckles white. She was doing the right thing. Her prayers had been answered.

Her gaze surveyed the white house more closely. It was exactly as she’d expected. It was a beautiful home, the kind of place where families laughed and loved and enjoyed each other. All that was missing was the white picket fence.

Closing her eyes, Julie inhaled slowly, hoping to settle her jittery nerves. The house and the neighborhood were reassuring. Everything would be fine.

Sliding the gear shift into Park, she inhaled a couple of slow breaths, hoping to calm her churning stomach and take a moment to plan her introduction. The opening strains of “Mighty God” sounded from the depths of her oversize purse. She rummaged around, found the small phone and glanced at the display. DiDi. Her moral support. And oh, how she needed her longtime best friend at this moment. “Hey.”

“Are you there yet?”

DiDi’s anxious tone mirrored her own. “Yes.” Julie rested her head against the back of the seat, mentally scolding herself for being such a coward. “I just pulled up out front.”

“I’m praying for you.”

“I’m praying for me, too.”

“Have you figured out what you’re going to say to him?”

“Uh, I was thinking of, ‘Hello. I’m the nanny.’”

“You know what I mean. What if he suspects?”

“Di, you’re not helping.” Julie pressed her hand against her stomach, trying to quell the nausea.

“Sorry. I know you have to do this. I just hope you find the peace you’re looking for when this is over.”

Her friend’s loving concern and understanding did more to ease Julie’s anxiety than all her prayers. She thanked the Lord every day for sending Deirdre Simmons into her life. “I know it will. The Lord’s given me this chance, and I can’t pass it up.”

“Be careful. Watch your emotions, girlfriend. You deserve to be happy, and I hope after this you will be.”

Julie ended the call, then peered out at the house again. Lord, this is a blessing from You, isn’t it? The answer to my prayers? There was no other explanation. Why else would Gil Montgomery’s name turn up at the Nanny Connection Agency, and why else would she be available to step in to fill the assignment?

The timing was too perfect to be anything other than a gift from God. She’d ended her job as a second-grade teacher at Christmas. In three months she’d be boarding a plane for Paris and a new life as a teacher at the International School. The five-year assignment she’d dreamed about and worked toward for years. In the meantime, she continued to work as a nanny, a second job she’d held in the summers and on school holidays. The butterflies were still battling in her stomach, but she’d regained her confidence. It might be nerve-racking at first, but when all was said and done, she’d have peace and she could step into her future finally free of the gnawing questions. Anticipation coursed through her like carbonated water, making her all bubbly with excitement.

Climbing out of the car, Julie tugged her sweater down, adjusted her scarf and slung her large purse over her shoulder. The walkway to the front door was long and winding, giving her the time she needed to disengage her emotions and find her professional nanny zone. This afternoon’s meeting with the family was a mere formality. She’d been through it dozens of times. It was a chance for everyone involved to get a feel for one another and gauge their compatibility. It was unusual to meet on a Sunday, but given the urgency of the client’s request, it was understandable.

Fingers trembling, she rang the doorbell, lifting up one more prayer. The only way this would work was to keep her heart locked away and her emotions shut down. She’d assimilate everything later when she got home. She swallowed the knot in her throat and tried to ignore the fierce pounding of her heart.

Movement from the other side of the small panes in the front door froze her breath in her lungs. This was a happy assignment. Joyous, even. She would concentrate on that. She pasted a smile on her face as the door clicked open. The man in the doorway stared back at her, looking puzzled and confused. But he wasn’t the middle-aged, slightly paunchy man she’d expected. This guy was early thirties, tops. Tall, well built and with sculpted features that were drawn downward in a fierce scowl. Did she have the right house? The numbers beside the door confirmed her location.

“Yes?”

She cleared her throat. “I’m from the Nanny Connection Agency. You requested a nanny?” His frown deepened, and he scanned her quickly with intense cobalt blue eyes. A gust of wind blew hair across her face, and she raked it way with her fingertips and widened her smile.

“Right.” The man touched his forehead and nodded, motioning her inside. “Forgive me. I didn’t realize what time it was.”

Julie stepped into the foyer, her gaze quickly scanning the small entry. Outdated wallpaper covered the walls, and a shiny brass chandelier hung from the ceiling. The stairs were covered with worn carpet and the parquet floors had seen better days.

“Thanks for coming. I’m Gil Montgomery.” He extended his hand.

She grasped it, her fingers enveloped in a strong, warm grip, along with a snap of static electricity as if she’d rubbed her feet across new carpet before touching him. Or had she imagined it? It was winter after all, and the air was dry. She looked up into his eyes and found it hard to look away. She saw intelligence and probing, and a swell of appreciation rolled along her nerves. He was a very attractive man. She blinked and smiled. “Julie Bishop.” He motioned her to follow him.

Glimpses of the other rooms as she passed by left her puzzled. The interior of the home didn’t match the picture-perfect exterior. The layout was small and cramped, and the scale of the furniture was all wrong. Oversize and ornate, it was better suited for a much larger and more modern home. The rooms were relics from the eighties. The disjointed feel about the house added another flip to her churning stomach. She’d envisioned the inside of the home as warm and welcoming, filled with antiques and lovingly worn furniture. Not these conflicted styles. What did that say about the people who lived here?

Like Gil Montgomery.

Her gaze landed on the broad back of the man. He wasn’t supposed to be this elegantly handsome man who moved with athletic grace and control. He was a head taller than her, which placed him a little over six feet in height. The dark blue knit shirt tucked in neatly at the narrow waist hung nicely over his broad shoulders. She continued her inventory as she followed behind him. A head of wavy, coffee-brown hair curled slightly over his ears and along the nape of his neck, suggesting he was in need of a trim. But it was the eyes that had grabbed her full attention. They were a rich cobalt blue, with long dark lashes and tiny crinkles at the corners. Julie dismissed the idle thoughts. What the man looked like was neither here nor there. She closed her eyes and offered up one more prayer.

“Oomph.”

Her face bumped into a wall of muscle when Mr. Montgomery stopped in the kitchen. Her hands rested against a solid back. Warmth from beneath his shirt transferred to her palms, sending a funny squiggle into her stomach. She dropped her hand and stepped back. His dark blue eyes held concern.

“Sorry. Are you all right? I didn’t realize you were so close behind me.”

She nodded and stepped back quickly, uncomfortable with the sensations coursing through her at his nearness. “My fault. I was distracted by...” you. “Your home, it’s charming.”

He raised an eyebrow. “It’s a chopped-up mess.”

He’d stopped in a large and sunny breakfast nook. This part of the house had a warmer and friendlier feel, though the furniture was still all wrong. The glass-topped table didn’t fit with the country kitchen, which though charming, was a couple of decades out of date with the light oak cabinets, laminate countertops and almond appliances. Placing her purse on the table, she glanced over her shoulder to find her new employer staring at her. His dark blue eyes narrowed and a deep frown creased his high forehead. Her pulse jumped. What did he see? She forced a smile, her hand went to her throat, her fingers wrapping around the small heart necklace she always wore, trying to calm the sense of being exposed.

“You’re younger than I expected.”

Julie expelled a soft breath. She’d heard this before. “Is that a problem?”

He rubbed his temple with two fingers. “I’ve never hired a nanny before. I was expecting someone more mature. How long have you been doing this? Being a nanny, I mean?”

Typical questions. She was used to them. She smiled reassuringly, trying to ignore the anticipation that was swirling in her stomach now that she was actually here. She only hoped he wouldn’t send her away. “I’m a teacher by profession. Second grade. But I’ve worked as a nanny during summers and holidays for the last six years.”

Mr. Montgomery nodded, the worry lines in his forehead deepening. Had she come here only to be dismissed because she wasn’t gray-haired and over fifty?

“I’m sure you’re qualified, or you wouldn’t be working for the agency.” He gestured for her to be seated at the table, then joined her, clasping his hands on the top. “I wanted to take a minute to talk about my daughter before I introduce you.”

“I’m looking forward to meeting her.” She was surprised she could even speak around the tightness in her throat. He held her gaze, sending her heart pounding again. Could he sense her turmoil? Was the truth written in her eyes? Her false smile? Or was she being paranoid?

“Abby has been through a lot these last six months. Her mother’s illness and death were hard on her. I brought her back here to be close to my family. My mother has been taking care of her since Christmas, but she had to leave the country suddenly.”

Julie tamped down the pain in her heart and schooled her features. This wasn’t going the way she’d expected. What did he mean “brought her back”? “Abby wasn’t with you?”

Montgomery set his jaw a moment before continuing. “She went to live with her mother in Mobile after the divorce. But she’s with me now and that’s all that matters.”

She nodded, unable to speak. Everything was all wrong. She wished she’d read his application more closely. She’d seen where he’d recently lost his wife, but not that he was divorced. She fought to remain composed. “It’s hard for a child to lose a parent, especially at a young age. I imagine she’s having trouble adjusting to the change?”

Montgomery glanced away briefly before meeting her gaze. “Yes. She was just getting comfortable here with my mom and now another change.” He rubbed his temple. “I don’t want her to be any more upset.”

“When will your mother be home again?”

“She’s supposed to return next week. My sister is a dancer. She was performing in London and had an accident. Mom flew over to be with her until she can travel.” He pushed away from the table and stood. “I wanted you to know what to expect. I’m not sure how she’ll react to this new development.”

“I understand. As a teacher I’ve dealt with all types of children and their challenges. I’m sure it’ll be fine, but I appreciate you telling me.” She could see Mr. Montgomery relax slightly, as if a burden was lifted from his shoulders. Unfortunately it had shifted onto hers. Had the mother’s death been so traumatic? Was her father providing the love and support his child needed? She forced her thoughts off that track. One step at a time. One minute at a time.

Montgomery met her gaze. “She means everything to me. I want only the best for her. I’m sure you understand.”

The sincerity and concern in his tone eased much of her worry. It was clear that he loved his daughter. Montgomery’s cell buzzed. He slipped it from his pocket, excused himself, moving to the other end of the kitchen. She heard him say something about breaker boxes before ending the call.

“Other than giving your full attention to Abby, you won’t have any other duties. The housekeeper, Mrs. Fontenot, comes on Friday. I’d like you to be here early enough to fix breakfast and take Abby to school in the morning and pick her up each day. I’ll be home in time to handle supper, but I’d like you to be available at all times while she’s at school just in case.”

“That’s fine. I have plenty to keep me occupied. I tutor older students online, and I’m moving to Paris in a few months so there’s lots of paperwork involved.”

“France. Sounds interesting. I meant to ask where you live. Is it a long commute to Dover?”

“Not too bad. I live in Brandon, east of Jackson. It takes about forty-five minutes.”

He nodded. “I’d prefer you were closer. But if for some reason you need to stay late or be here early, there’s a mother-in-law suite down the hall from Abby’s room. There’s also a small furnished apartment above the garage you can use.”

“I’ll remember that. But I’m an early riser, so the commute isn’t a problem.”

Montgomery rubbed his jaw, then rested his hands on his hips. “I think that covers everything. I’ll get Abby, and you two can get acquainted.”

Julie kept the smile on her face until Montgomery disappeared into the hallway, then lowered her head into her hands. What had she gotten into? Her fight-or-flight instinct was raging. Heart pounding. Veins burning. Stomach in knots. Her common sense screamed run! But her heart ached to stay and face her fear once and for all. She had to know. Once she had that reassurance to hold on to, she could face the future.

* * *

Gil Montgomery strode down the hallway, puzzling over the new nanny. She was not what he’d expected. At first glance he’d thought she was a teenager in her jeans, loose sweater and big scarf. All that had been missing was a cell phone clutched in her hand. But a closer look revealed a woman near his age, with a rosy complexion and a smile bright enough to light up a room, though he’d seen a hint of anxiety in her big brown eyes. The wind had lifted her hair, sending wavy strands across her cheek, and wrapped him in a faint scent of spring.

Spring was a long way off. Glancing down at his hand, he lightly rubbed his thumb over his palm. Had he imagined that jolt to his system when he’d taken her hand? Judging from her expression, he suspected she’d felt it, too. Odd. It had sparked like static, the way it had when he and his brother used to slide their feet across the carpet then zap each other. Except that they hadn’t crossed any carpet.

Of course, her looks were immaterial. Her credentials were what mattered, and they looked exemplary. He was being overprotective. Hiring a nanny had him on edge. He wasn’t sure he liked the idea of a younger and very attractive nanny for Abby. He’d feel better with a more matronly woman, someone who could devote all her attention to his daughter. Unfortunately he didn’t have a choice. Until his mother returned, he’d have to rely on this woman to care for his only child.

At the top of the stairs he stopped at Abby’s door. He wanted to pray, to ask the Lord to help his little girl, but he’d prayed for three years and nothing had changed. That wasn’t God’s fault. That was all on him.

He tapped lightly on the door, then peeked in. Abby was curled up on her bed looking at a book, her ever-present gray-and-pink polka-dot backpack at her side. His heart swelled, pressing against his rib cage. Every part of her was perfect, from her sweet little face with her big brown eyes to the sprinkle of freckles across her button nose.

He finally had her back, and from now on he’d be part of her life. A knot formed in the center of his chest. He’d missed so many of her milestones. It had cost him nearly every penny he possessed to gain custody of her and bring her back home to Dover. He would have spent twice that to have her with him again.

But to Abby, he was a stranger. He was the father who never came to visit, who never called or sent gifts. He had, of course, but interference from his ex-wife and her meddling sister had driven a wedge between him and his daughter. Now she was home, but she was withdrawn and sad and he had no idea how to help her.

He approached the bed, putting a big smile on his face. “Hey, pumpkin.”

She looked over at him, her expression devoid of any emotion. “I’m not a pumpkin.”

She’d started to smile under his mother’s care, but now she’d have to adjust to the nanny. So much change so quickly. “I know you’re not. Your grandpa used to call my sisters pumpkin. It was his special name for his little girls. I want to have a special name for you. Like ladybug or cricket.”

Abby closed her book. “I’m not a bug either.”

The words were spoken with little feeling, sending a shard of pain through his heart. He wanted to fill the void left by her mother’s death, but he had no idea how to do that. He came from a large family, two brothers and two sisters, so he should know what to do, but he’d missed too much of his daughter’s life. She wasn’t a baby now. She was a young girl, almost nine, with a mind of her own, and she wasn’t happy to be here with him.

Discouraged, Gil nodded. “Right, well, the nanny is here. You ready to meet her?”

Abby shrugged and got to her feet, picking up her backpack. When she drew near, he reached out and touched the top of her head, stroking the soft brown hair. She stepped out of his reach, rebuffing his touch and plunging a hot blade into his heart.

Closing his eyes, he offered up a quick prayer. Maybe this time the Lord would hear and take action because he was out of options. Please, Lord, help my little girl find joy again. I don’t know what to do for her.

His thoughts circled back to the new nanny as he followed his daughter downstairs. She was young, pretty and capable. He’d seen a spark in her eyes that intrigued him. Anticipation? As a teacher and a nanny, she obviously liked kids. Maybe having a younger woman in her life would be a good thing for Abby. He wasn’t so sure having her in his home would be good for him. He didn’t like the way he was drawn to her bright smile and sparkling eyes. Or the inappropriate questions that burst into his mind. Like was she involved with anyone?

At the bottom of the stairs he stopped and touched Abby’s shoulder. “Remember. Be polite.” She glared up at him, screwed up her mouth and walked on.

Maybe the nanny could do what he couldn’t—make Abby happy again.

* * *

Julie paced the kitchen, waiting for father and child to return, struggling to keep her professional mask in place against the questions and doubts. Her gaze drifted to the bay window in the breakfast room and the wooden deck overlooking the large backyard, where a swing hung from a branch of an old tree. She bit her bottom lip in delight. She could imagine her little charge swinging once the weather broke. But she wouldn’t be here to see that. Her assignment was only for a week. Five days in which to learn the answers to her questions.

Mr. Montgomery’s deep voice sounded from the hall. Julie braced, her entire body vibrating. Would he see? Would he know? No time for further speculation. They were here. She smiled, her heart in her throat. The moment had arrived, and she had no idea what to expect.

Montgomery rested one hand on his daughter’s shoulder as he stood behind her. “Miss Bishop, this is my daughter, Abby.”

She barely heard him. Her eyes were on her new charge. She was a beautiful child. Long dark brown hair fell below her shoulders, held back with clips on each side, revealing little pink ears and soft rosy cheeks. Big brown eyes stared back at her. “Hello, Abby.”

“Hello.”

The reply was uttered with little enthusiasm. Not surprising. Accepting a new caregiver took a period of adjustment. Unfortunately, there wouldn’t be much time for that. For the next few days she’d merely be a highly paid babysitter. But it would be worth it.

Julie moved forward and extended her hand. “I’m...” She cleared her throat. “I’m happy to meet you.” The little girl clutched the faded backpack, staring up at her with a dull gaze. Julie glanced at the father. He looked worried and a bit sad. She remembered what he’d said about the recent upheavals in her life. “Why don’t you sit down and we’ll talk a moment.”

Once they were settled, Julie rested her elbows on the table and peered over at Abby, examining each inch of her. From her heart-shaped face to the sprinkle of freckles across her upturned nose, she was an adorable little girl. Her pretty brown eyes were framed with long thick lashes, but as lovely as her eyes were, they lacked the spark of excitement and curiosity Julie liked to see in a child her age. Abby’s demeanor read sad and uninvolved. Julie’s heart lurched, forcing her to corral her emotions and focus on her assignment. “I’m looking forward to spending time together. Is there something special you like to do?”

Abby shrugged, fingering her backpack.

Julie glanced at the father. Pain and confusion drew his brows downward and caused a muscle to flex at the corner of his mouth. He had the look of a parent who had no idea how to help the child he loved. Something inside Julie softened. She directed her attention to Abby again. “I have some things I like to do with my students, so we’ll try them out and see which ones you like, all right?”

“I’m not a student.”

“That’s true. But I’m a teacher most of the time, so I think of all my children that way.”

She frowned. “You don’t look like a nanny.”

“Abby.” Montgomery gently reprimanded his daughter.

She focused her attention on Abby. “Nannies come in all shapes and sizes. Just like children do. And you look like a very nice young lady.” Julie had been angling for a smile, but all she received was a blink. But in that moment Julie saw emotions she recognized and understood. Abby was feeling disconnected and confused. “Abby is usually short for Abigail. Is that your real name?” The child shrugged again. “My name is Julianna Bishop, but everyone calls me Julie.”

Abby stared back at her, little mouth pressed into a frown. “Mine is Abigail Sarah Montgomery. My mommy said Sarah means ‘princess.’”

Encouraged, Julie continued. “Little girls are always princesses to their mommies...and daddies.” An unexpected stab of pain penetrated her barriers. Like sand washing away with a wave, her foundation began to erode. Blood drained from her face. A surge of light-headedness blurred her vision. She rubbed her forehead, willing herself to calm down. She glanced across the table at the little girl and felt her stomach heave.

Mr. Montgomery’s cell rang again, and she grabbed the opportunity to excuse herself. “Abby, could you point me to the bathroom?”

The child gestured to the hall and Julie tried to walk, not run, from the room. Her fiercely pounding heart sent her blood roaring in her ears. She stepped into the small guest bath, shut the door and leaned against it.

She couldn’t cry. Not now. She wouldn’t be able to explain it. Mr. Montgomery might change his mind and ask her to leave. Or worse, he’d demand an explanation. He’d think she was unfit to care for his daughter.

Trapped in a whirlwind of colliding emotions, she fought to find her footing. Fear. Excitement. Joy. Anger. A million reactions she hadn’t anticipated.

Please, please, Lord, help me. Moving to the sink, she ran cold water over her hands and pressed them to her cheeks to ease the scalding heat. Inhaling a few deep breaths, she forced herself to calm down. Slowly her stomach settled. She stared at her reflection in the mirror and saw a woman facing her worst nightmare. Not the image she wanted to project. She wanted to appear friendly and nurturing. Capable and caring. The way she seemed at school or when working as a nanny. Except this wasn’t a normal assignment. Not by a long shot.

Inhaling one last calming breath, Julie straightened and turned to go. As she grasped the doorknob, the anxiety churned up again, buckling her knees. What would Gil Montgomery say if she told him the truth? That the child he called Abby was the baby girl she gave up for adoption eight years ago?

Chapter Two

With great effort, Julie managed to regain control and return to the kitchen. Mr. Montgomery looked up as she entered.

“Miss Bishop, I know you weren’t supposed to start work until tomorrow, but I need to run to the office. It’s only a few miles away. I was wondering if you could stay with Abby for a half hour or so. You could get better acquainted while I’m gone. Of course, I’ll understand if you can’t.”

A million possibilities raced through her mind. What she wanted to do was run home, bury herself in bed and sort out all the emotions surging through her heart before she exploded. Yet having the chance to remain here and spend extra time with her child was a blessing she couldn’t pass up, even though the danger and the potential emotional stress would be difficult.

“I’d be happy to stay. Abby can show me around, help me find things I might need.”

Montgomery looked a bit leery, but nodded. “Good. Thank you.” He stooped down beside Abby. “Will you be okay here with the new nanny? I won’t be long.”

Abby shrugged, clutching her backpack a bit closer. Montgomery raised a hand as if to stroke her hair, then let it fall, getting to his feet. The gesture caused a twinge in Julie’s heart and raised a number of questions. Why was Abby so indifferent toward her father and why was he so reluctant to show his affection? Clearly there was a barrier between them. She smiled to cover her concern.

“All right, then. I shouldn’t be long.” He handed Julie a business card with all his numbers. “Don’t hesitate to call me for anything.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll be fine.” She gave him her most reassuring smile, but the moment the door closed behind Gil Montgomery, Julie began to question her decision. Her only hope to keep from sinking into a pit of emotional quicksand was to don her professional facade, lock it down tightly and move forward. She faced Abby with her most engaging smile. “I’m feeling like a snack, how about you?”

With some assistance from Abby, Julie found plates, glasses and a tin of oatmeal cookies. After pouring two glasses of milk, she settled at the table, watching the little girl eat a cookie and take a sip of her milk. Julie took a bite of her cookie, but it turned to sawdust in her mouth. “These are really good cookies. Did you make them?” The question drew a puzzled frown from the little girl.

“My grandma made them.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever had a better one.” Even though she couldn’t choke one down, she had to admit they were soft, chewy and very tasty. “She must be a very good cook.”

Abby shrugged again. “She had to go away.”

Hope blossomed in Julie’s heart. At least they were conversing now. For a while she’d feared the only source of communication would be shrugs and nods. But the resigned tone in Abby’s voice bothered her. “I know. You must miss her.”

One corner of the little mouth twitched upward. “Everybody goes away.”

A sharp barb pricked her nerves. “But they come back. Your dad said that as soon as his sister is well, she and your grandma will come home.”

“Mommy won’t come home.”

Julie’s insides twisted at the sadness in the child’s voice. She resisted the urge to scoop her up into a hug. “I’m so sorry about your mom. You must miss her very much. But you’re here with your daddy now, so everything will be fine. You’ll see.”

Abby shoved her plate back and glared. “He doesn’t want me here.”

Julie stared at the little girl a moment, replaying everything she’d seen and heard since arriving at the house. If first impressions counted for anything, then Mr. Montgomery was a devoted father. The relationship between him and his daughter was strained, but she’d seen no indication that he resented his child being here. “Oh, Abby, I don’t think that’s true. I’m sure he loves you very much and he’s happy to have you here with him.”

Abby clammed up. She stared down, backpack clutched tight. Conversation over. Time to change directions. “Well, let me clean up, and then you can show me around so I won’t get lost tomorrow when I come to stay with you.”

“I don’t need a nanny. That’s for babies.”

“Not always. In some countries nannies take care of children until they’re all grown up.”

“That’s silly.”

“I think you might be right. Well, why don’t you think of me as a friend who will watch out for you while your daddy is at work and until your grandma comes home?”

Abby mulled that over, a frown folding her little forehead. “What do I call you?”

“How about Miss Julie? That way it’ll sound more like we’re friends.”

“Okay.”

“Good, because I want us to become friends.” Was that possible? Could she have a relationship with her child beyond that of fill-in nanny? The truth shouted inside her head, burning through her heart. Impossible. She wasn’t even supposed to know who Abby was, let alone be here taking care of her. The truth could never come out. It would be disastrous for everyone involved. The father would be furious. He might bring charges against her or the agency. Agatha Montrose, the owner of the Nanny Connection Agency, was her friend and mentor. She’d never considered what would happen to her, not to mention Julie’s own reputation, should the truth come out. But most important of all, what emotional damage would it do to Abby? A swell of anxiety crashed over her senses. She stood, struggling to hold herself together. She had to calm down. No one knew about Abby except DiDi. Julie’s own parents didn’t know. She’d never told them she was pregnant. Not that it would have mattered one way or the other to them.

Julie gathered up the plates and glasses, taking her time at the sink, rinsing and stacking them on the counter. Doubts about this decision bombarded her from every direction. This had seemed like a gift from God at first. She’d been convinced it was the answer to her long-uplifted prayers. But now... Slowly she wiped her hands on a towel, giving herself time to regroup.

Since the day her baby was born, she’d been plagued with one question. Not, had she done the right thing in giving her up—she’d had no choice in that regard. Alone, penniless with no one to turn to, she’d known the only future she could offer her baby girl was to give her to a couple who could provide a home, brothers and sisters, love and security.

The question that had haunted her all these years was whether or not her child was happy and well cared for. Did her adopted parents love her as much as her birth mother did? That love had been the only way she’d been able to let her go. Julie fingered the small silver heart with the birthstone in the center. The only reminder of the little girl she had given up.

DiDi had somehow managed to get the name of the adoptive parents and given it to her. She’d always known the Montgomerys had taken her child, and that they lived in Mississippi, but she’d never acted upon the knowledge. She’d never looked them up, never tried to find where they lived, believing in her heart that it was best for her baby.

Until the day Gil Montgomery’s name had appeared at the agency, requesting a short-term nanny. The application stated he’d lost his wife a few months ago and he needed a temporary caregiver for his daughter. Julie carefully folded the towel, glancing over at Abby, still sitting quietly at the table. She might have resisted the need to assure herself of her child’s well-being if it hadn’t been for her move to Paris.

The only obstacle to her dream move was her gnawing fear. Stories about adopted children who’d been mistreated, neglected or even given up again never failed to fuel a torrent of doubt and fear in her heart. What if her baby was with a family that didn’t truly love her? If Julie knew her baby was happy, in a loving environment, then she could leave the country secure in the knowledge that it had all been worth it.

Julie closed her eyes, thanking the Lord for allowing her this chance. Five days. Enough time to allay her fears, to get to know her child, to gain peace and perspective before closing the door on this part of her life forever. And this was a blessing from God. It had to be.

She smiled at the little girl. “Okay, I’m ready to see your house. Where do you want to start?”

Begrudgingly, Abby scooted out of her chair, nodding toward the counter. “This is the kitchen.”

She chuckled. “Really?” Abby didn’t laugh with her, but she did move her mouth to one side. Julie followed the little girl through the downstairs rooms, pointing out each area with little fanfare. She noticed the whole house was in need of love and attention. She had a feeling the people who lived here might have that same need. She shook off the worrisome thought. She needed to think with her head, not her heart. Abby had been in Dover only a short while, and her long-term well-being wasn’t her concern. Only her day-to-day care.

Back inside, she followed Abby upstairs.

“This is my room.”

Julie took a quick survey of the large space. There was something odd about the decor. The pink paint was an unusual shade, the bedspread clashed with the pillows, and the curtains were more suited for a nursery. Then it hit her. This room was decorated by a man who had no idea what a little girl’s room should look like. It was not the room an eight-year-old girl would dream about. Julie looked for something positive to say. “This is a really nice room. Look at all the sunlight you get.”

“It’s pink. I hate pink. I like purple. My other room was purple.”

“It’s not hard to paint walls. I’ll bet if you told your daddy that you’d rather have a purple room, he’d change it for you.”

Abby tossed her backpack onto the bed, then climbed up beside it, arms crossed over her little chest. “No, he wouldn’t.”

She sat beside her. “What makes you say that?”

“He doesn’t want to be my daddy. Aunt Pam said so.”

Julie’s concern rose. Was this chip on her shoulder a result of grief and being taken from her home, or was there something more behind her attitude? If this were any other assignment, Julie would just go on about her job. But this wasn’t a normal situation.

“I’m sure your Aunt Pam didn’t mean that. Sometimes when grown-ups are angry at each other, they say things they don’t mean. Your daddy brought you to this nice house and this town so you could be close to your family. Like your grandmother. You like her, don’t you?”

Abby nodded, eyes glistening.

“She’ll be back very soon. In the meantime, your daddy has asked me to take very good care of you and play with you and...” to love you. “And I’m a professional at that kind of thing.”

“What’s that mean?”

“That means I’m very good at taking care of children. I have lots of things we can do that are fun. Like drawing.” Maybe she could get Abby to express her feelings through pictures, a technique that had worked well for Julie in the past. “Let’s go back downstairs and draw until your dad gets back.” Reluctantly, the little girl followed.

Julie clutched the stair railing as she descended the steps. She and Mr. Montgomery needed to have a talk. She wanted to know what Abby had been through. If she was going to help her child, she needed to know about her past. She needed to know what... She stopped at the bottom, releasing a heavy sigh. What was she doing? She wasn’t here to help Abby. She wasn’t her mother, not really. She was the caregiver for a few days. Nothing more.

Blood surged in her ears like waves. But how could she ignore that Abby was an unhappy little girl? She was sad and confused and clung to her backpack like a lifeline, which showed the depth of her insecurity. And she was helpless to do anything about it. Abby needed her help. She needed love and attention, and who better to provide that than her mother?

* * *

Gil pulled into his designated parking spot and shut off the engine, swallowing around the worry clogging his throat. He’d nearly turned around three times to go back and stay with Abby. He’d been adjusting to the idea of a young attractive nanny until she’d returned to the kitchen looking pale and shaky. She’d regained her equilibrium quickly, but it left him wondering if she was sick, and questioning his decision to leave his child with a stranger.

What had surprised him was the surge of protectiveness toward the woman that had overtaken him. He’d wanted to pull her close and comfort her. He’d never felt that way before. He was obviously more stressed over this situation than he’d thought. Julie Bishop was a professional caregiver. And it was only for an hour. He couldn’t be with Abby every second. His mom had warned him about being overprotective. Maybe he was, but he had a lot to make up for. Because of his ignorance, he’d sent his child to live in a world of chaos. He had to undo the damage somehow. He just didn’t know how.

Inside the large building that housed Montgomery Electrical Contractors, the business his family owned, he headed for the office on the second floor. His older brother Linc was behind the desk, and the sight unleashed a wave of grief that stopped him in his tracks. Their father should be running the company, but he died suddenly last fall, leaving the family reeling. Gil had barely begun to process the loss when his ex-wife had died, and he’d been caught up in a custody tornado that hadn’t ended until Christmas.

Linc looked up from the desk, a smile on his face. “I take it the new nanny worked out or you wouldn’t have left Abby with her.”

“She wasn’t what I was expecting.” Gil glanced down at his hand, unable to shake the memory of holding hers. Soft, warm and strong. He’d sensed a tension about her, but he’d also been aware of her energy. There was something stable and trustworthy about Miss Bishop. And at the same time she was fresh and appealing. “She’s young.” He wasn’t sure why that bothered him so much.

“How young?”

“Few years younger than me, I guess.”

Linc chuckled. “Hate to tell you, bro, but that isn’t so young. I’m marrying a woman about that age.”

Gil managed a smile. Linc had met a wonderful woman with a young son and they were planning their wedding. “I thought she’d be more grandmotherly. But she’s pretty and warm and friendly.” And she had beautiful dark hair that floated around her face in soft waves, brown eyes that held a sparkle and skin that glowed.

“How pretty?”

Too late he realized his mistake. Ever since Linc had fallen in love, he was eager to have others join the party. “She’s qualified. That’s all that matters. I only hope she and Abby can get along until Mom gets back. This is another big change in Abby’s life.” He started to tell his brother about other concerns but decided against it. Linc had enough on his mind between running Montgomery Electrical and planning his future. He didn’t need to shoulder Gil’s problems, too. They were both treading water, trying to adjust to the loss of their father and keep the family business afloat after narrowly avoiding bankruptcy last month.

“So did you like the woman? More important, did Abby like her?”

Gil rubbed his forehead. “Yeah, I did. I have no clue what Abby thought. She won’t talk to me. I think I might call the agency and have them send someone older, more like Mom.”

Linc nodded. “Or you can wait and see how things go. Maybe Abby needs someone younger, more flexible.”

“Maybe. I just want her happy again.”

“We all do. We want you to be happy again, too, bro.”

He shook his head and sat. He could never be happy until Abby was. “I’m not sure that’s possible. So what is it I need to sign that couldn’t wait until tomorrow? It’s Sunday afternoon. You should be home watching the play-offs.”

Linc shoved a folder of papers toward him. “I’d rather be, but the bids on the Westfal project are due tomorrow morning and I’m hand delivering the bid to the contractor as soon as they’re signed. We can’t afford to miss any opportunities if we’re going to stay afloat. Oh, and I saw a couple upcoming jobs on the Dodge Reports you might want to look into.”

Gil scribbled his name on the documents, then tossed the pen onto the desk. “Is that all? I need to get back to Abby.”

Linc glanced at the signature, then closed the folder. “Yeah. I know I shouldn’t, but I’m counting on this job to come through. It could turn things around for us. We’ve still got a long way to go to get the company back on solid ground.”

Exhaling a heavy breath, Gil ran a hand down the back of his neck. The recent setbacks at the company had forced his brother to make some tough decisions and a major sacrifice. “I should have been here. I let you down.”

Linc held up his hand. “Stop. No one blames you. Abby was your first priority.”

Mounting pressure in his chest drove Gil to his feet. “I let her down, too.” His gaze came to rest on the family photo on the desk. “And Mom and Dad. Everyone.”

“How do you figure?”

Gil brushed back his sport coat, setting his hands on his hips and keeping his back to his brother, his gaze fixed out the window. “I robbed Dad and Mom of their only grandchild. I promised Dad I’d bring her back home.”

“And you did.”

“Too late for him.”

“Hey, at least you tried. Leah is the one who left and took Abby away.”

“I should have fought harder. I should never have let Abby go with her mother in the first place. If I’d understood her illness better, I would never have allowed her full custody of Abby.”

“We all believed that a toddler should be with her mother. None of us realized Leah was bipolar.”

“But I should have. I was married to her. How stupid was I? I should have realized. The violent mood swings, the constant demand for more attention, the fact nothing was ever good enough. I thought she was spoiled. The worst part is she lied to me. If I hadn’t stumbled on her meds when I went to pick up Abby that time, I’d never have known. Her sister, Pam, was only too eager to fill me in on how cruel I’d been.”

“That’s not true.”

“Isn’t it? If I’d known sooner, I could have helped her, gotten her better care, treated her differently. I might have been able to fix things.”

“Gil, bipolar disorder isn’t something you can fix. You know that. You’re a smart guy.”

“If I’m so smart, why didn’t I see that my own wife was ill?”

“A better question would be, why didn’t she tell you?”

The phone rang and Linc picked it up. Gil was only vaguely aware of the conversation. His brother’s question was the same one he’d asked himself a million times. Why had Leah hidden her illness from him? Keeping him in the dark had only complicated all their lives and led to a string of bad decisions on his part. Regrets nagged at him constantly. He longed for the wise council of his father and the keen insight of his mother, neither of whom were available. He was on his own, free to make a whole new string of poor decisions with his daughter.

“That was a reminder that the bid on the Bancroft project is due this Friday.”

“I’ll have it ready.” He glanced over his shoulder at his older brother. There were only thirteen months between them. They’d grown up more like twins. They could read each other’s thoughts. Right now worry was written all over Linc’s face. “I owe you an apology for fouling things up here.” He rubbed his forehead, trying to ease the throbbing behind his eyes. “I left you to deal with everything after Dad died. I wasn’t here to help with Mom or the company. I didn’t take enough time on the bids.”

“Gil, we all understood. The mess here with the company was all on me. I wasn’t prepared to run the business. I never appreciated how good Dad was at running things here until he was gone.”

“Me either. Do you think we can keep the place going?”

“I hope so. The family is depending on us.”

Linc came from behind the desk and placed a hand on Gil’s shoulder, giving it a brotherly squeeze. “You know, if you need to talk, I’m here.”

“I know. I’d better get back. I’ll be here early tomorrow. The nanny will be taking Abby to school from now on.”

Linc nodded and patted his shoulder. “See you then. Oh, Mom said Beth came through the surgery on her tendon fine.”

“Good to hear.” Gil glanced at the photo again. Everyone in his family was suffering in some way. Without their father to serve as their anchor, they were all adrift.

* * *

The house was quiet when Gil stepped inside a short while later. The nanny was sitting at the kitchen table working on her tablet. She looked at him and smiled, bringing a glint into her brown eyes and revealing a dimple on one side of her mouth he hadn’t noticed before. She had an infectious smile, wide and bright, that lit up the room. It almost made him want to smile back. He didn’t. “Where’s Abby? Is everything okay?”

“Yes, of course. She’s in her room.”

Gil tapped the tabletop with his fingers, fighting a fresh wave of concern. “Has she been there the whole time?”

“No. We had a snack, she showed me around the house and then she took me to her room. Did you know she doesn’t like the color pink? Purple is her favorite.”

He studied the woman. How did she know that? “No. She never said. I thought all girls like pink. My sisters did.”

The nanny grinned as if placating a small child. “I think she’d like it if you could paint her room purple. Maybe she could help pick out the color.”

He turned away, gathering himself as he slipped out of his sport coat. “Sure. We can do that.” He took a seat at the table, clasping his hands. “I didn’t have much time to get that room ready, and I never thought to ask about the color.” Another misstep as a father. He should have asked Abby what she wanted, but it had never occurred to him. Once he’d been assured he would have full custody of his daughter, he’d hired one of the guys at the shop to paint the room and get it ready.

“Picking out things she likes will help her feel more at home. Change can be frightening for a child.”

Resentment clogged Gil’s throat. “Are you saying I frighten her?”

“No.” She pressed her lips together. “But she thinks you don’t want her here.”

“She told you that?” His chest tightened.

“Yes. We talked a little and—”

“She talked to you?”

“Yes. Why?”

Gil stood, fighting the anger and hurt coursing through him. Abby hadn’t said more than three words at a time to him since he’d brought her home, and those were usually clipped sentences. His mother had been able to coax some conversation from her, but not much. Yet this woman had learned more about his child in an hour than he had in weeks. He faced the nanny, her big brown eyes filled with puzzlement. “Abby doesn’t talk much.”

“She’s struggling to adjust to her new life with you. She’s lost her mother, been taken from everything familiar and put in a new situation. Spending one-on-one time with her, learning what she likes to do, will ease that transition. I’ve found that listening closely to the things they say can be very helpful.”

“You think?” Was she accusing him of being a poor father? He’d heard that too often from his wife. He didn’t need to it hear from an employee. “I think I know what’s best for my daughter.”

“Of course. I didn’t mean to imply you didn’t.” She lowered her eyes, a faint blush staining her cheeks.

Gil squared his shoulders. This woman had no idea what he was going through. “Abby needs time, that’s all.”

“I’m sure you’re right.”

Now she was placating him. “Miss Bishop, I know you mean well, but I’d appreciate it if you’d remember that you are only here to care for my daughter until my mother returns.”

“Yes, of course. I understand.”

He tried to ignore the hurt look in her pretty brown eyes. He had a sinking sensation in his gut like he’d just kicked a sweet fuzzy bunny. He made a mental note to avoid eye contact with the attractive nanny. “Abby is fragile right now. I don’t want her upset in any way. Just watch over her and let her have whatever she wants.” He thought he saw a glint of disapproval in her eyes but shrugged it off. She couldn’t possibly understand his situation. No one could.

Miss Bishop shut off her tablet and slipped it into her large bag. She stood and picked up a paper from the folder she’d been studying. She took a deep breath, as if preparing to deliver another blow. She held out the paper, and Gil braced himself.

“We drew pictures. It’s a good way to find out what a child is thinking or feeling. This is what she drew.”

Great. He could just imagine what she’d drawn. An ugly monster or maybe a man with a mean face? After he took the paper, he puzzled at the image. “A dog?”

The nanny gave him a tender smile that warmed her eyes and put a glow in her cheeks. “Apparently she had one named Cookie, but he went away. I thought maybe you could tell me what happened. She obviously cared deeply for the little dog.”

Gil rubbed his bottom lip. “No. I don’t know about any pets she might have had.” He stared at the nanny. The compassion in her chocolate-brown eyes connected with a part of him he’d thought long dead. Her concern was directed at him. She understood what he was going through. It had been a long time since a woman had offered him understanding. The nanny was not only kind and intuitive, but she truly cared for others. No wonder Abby had taken to her so easily. That knowledge should make him happy. It didn’t. “Truth is, I don’t know much about her life for the last three years.”

“Is there a reason you didn’t go to see her?”

This nanny was also too inquisitive for his liking. He met her concerned gaze head-on. “I went every other weekend.”

She lowered her gaze, then stood and gathered up the rest of her belongings. “It’s just a suggestion, but a puppy would give her something to love and hold on to and make her feel more secure here.”

It was a good idea. One he should have thought of himself. If that’s all it would take to make his child happy, he’d buy her a dozen puppies. But why didn’t she feel secure with him? What was he not doing that made Abby think she wasn’t wanted? And how had this young nanny been able to connect with her in such a short time? “I’ll think about it.”

Miss Bishop took the hint and moved toward the door.

“Would you like me to start tomorrow, Mr. Montgomery?”

He wanted to call up the agency and tell them to send someone better suited. But this woman had connected with Abby in only an hour. He couldn’t dismiss that fact. But she also had him off balance. It had been a long time since he’d noticed a woman, and he couldn’t stop from noticing her. She brought light and energy to the room. “Yes. Be here by seven. I need to get to the shop early. I’ll notify the school about the change. And please, call me Gil.”

“And I’m Julie. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Gil watched her walk to her car, her dark wavy hair bobbing with each step. Somehow, Julie Bishop had managed to tear down his daughter’s resistance and put a dent in his own barriers. Maybe the Lord was listening after all. Now it was his turn to take a crack at it.

He took the stairs two at a time. Abby was curled up on her bed when Gil entered her room, the same way she’d been since he’d brought her home. The worn polka-dot backpack was close at her side. “I’m home.” He sat on the edge of the bed. “The nanny will be back tomorrow. She liked you a lot. Did you like her?”

Abby thought about that a moment before nodding.

“Good. I like her, too. She’s going to be taking you to school each morning.”

“Are you going away?”

“No.” He reached out and squeezed her hand. “I just have lots of work to do. But I’ll be home every night. Promise.” She looked skeptical. “Miss Bishop...”

“She said to call her Miss Julie.” Abby corrected him with a deep frown.

“Right. Miss Julie said you might like to have a puppy.” A light appeared in Abby’s eyes, causing Gil to catch his breath.

Abby nodded. “Can I?”

“Absolutely.” His little girl smiled at him, and he thought his chest was going to explode with joy. “I’ll get you whatever dog you want, sweet pea. I love you very much.” Abby stared at him a long moment. Did she believe him? She would. Because he’d tell her that every hour until she had no doubts left.

“What’s a sweet pea?”

He laughed and stroked her soft brown hair. She didn’t pull away this time. “It’s a pretty little flower that your grandma likes to grow.”

“Oh. That’s okay, then.”

Progress. And he had the new nanny to thank.

Chapter Three

Julie pulled into the Montgomerys’ driveway Wednesday morning and stopped beside Gil’s Tahoe. She’d arrived early today, a result of her sleepless night. Her dreams had been filled with an assortment of odd images. Light, dark, happy, sad, all underscored with a deep sense of frustration. Her assignment wasn’t going as she’d envisioned. Seeing her baby girl again was what she’d ached for since the moment they’d taken her away. She’d been eager to spend time with her child, but Abby was more inclined to retreat to her room with her backpack. She’d tried everything over the past two days to draw her out, with little success. All she’d managed to discover was that she liked hot chocolate, sugar cookies and chicken nuggets. They’d watched her favorite movie, Cinderella, but she refused to talk about school, or her mother or much of anything. She retreated to her room until supper, then went right back. The only thing she’d ask about was when she was going to get her puppy.

Julie ached for her. If she could get her to talk, to open up a little, she might be able to find the path to help Gil and his daughter connect. It was clear they needed each other, and she had only a few days to accomplish that goal.

Gil answered the door when she knocked, a deep frown on his face. He was usually so together when she arrived. But today he clearly wasn’t ready. His hair was damp and uncombed. His face was slightly red from shaving, and the strong scent of his freshly applied aftershave wafted through her senses. The disheveled look worked for him. Abby’s father was a very attractive man, with high cheekbones and a jawline cut from granite. But he was a man with a burden.

“Good. You’re here. We’re running late. I could use your help with Abby.”

She followed him down the hall to the kitchen, keenly aware of his masculine appeal. Julie shut down that train of thought the moment she stepped into the kitchen. Abby was huddled over her cereal bowl. “Good morning, Abby.” The little girl muttered a soft reply and waved her fingers.

Gil disappeared into the family room, returning a few moments later, looking more like the man she usually saw in the morning; his cotton button-up shirt now neatly tucked into the dark twill slacks, and his hair tamed.

“I have a conference call this morning. If you could help Abby get ready for school...”

“Of course.”

He said goodbye to his daughter, placed a kiss on the top of her head then shrugged into his corduroy sport coat. Julie walked with him to the back door. “Have a good day.” She smiled, her eyes locking with his. He stared back at her in surprise, as if no one had ever said those words to him before. Odd. Didn’t everyone say that?

“You, too.”

Moving to the counter, she poured a cup of coffee, studying her charge across the rim. She was such a lovely child. This morning her brown, sleep-tangled hair fell around her soft cheeks. When she finished her cereal, Julie placed the empty bowl on the counter. “Would you like me to fix your hair today? We could pull some of it over to one side so it wouldn’t be falling in your eyes all the time.” Abby nodded.

Julie followed her upstairs to the bathroom and picked up the brush, gently pulling it through the soft strands, then gathering the top section in a clump and fastening it with a small rubber band. Resting her hands on Abby’s shoulders, she looked at their reflection in the mirror. “How do you like that?”

Abby nodded, a small smile on her lips, then she met Julie’s gaze in the mirror and Julie’s heart stopped. Her lungs seized. Abby looked exactly like her. The texture of her hair, her cheeks, her wide brown eyes and her narrow chin. Abby was a miniature version of her. It was so obvious Julie wondered why Gil Montgomery hadn’t realized immediately who she was. What would she do now? Her throat squeezed shut. How could she stay here when it would be obvious to everyone that she was Abby’s mother?

She sucked in a breath, causing Abby to turn and look at her. “We’d better get a move on. Don’t want to be late for school.”

Julie focused all her attention the rest of the day on her online students and the upcoming move to France. A long talk with DiDi had convinced her that she was overthinking the situation. Lots of people had brown hair and brown eyes. Besides, if Gil hadn’t noticed yet, then he probably wouldn’t. She would see him for only a few minutes in the morning and evening. She’d make a point to leave quickly when he came home. It was only for a few more days, and she wasn’t ready to give up this time with Abby. Selfish but there it was.

By the time she picked Abby up from school, she was feeling confident again. Enough to attempt a small outing. Maybe putting her into a new environment, where she couldn’t hide in her room, would encourage her to open up. “It’s really chilly today. I thought we might go to that coffee shop downtown and get some hot chocolate. How does that sound?” Abby shrugged. “They serve cookies, too.”

The Square Cup coffee shop on the town square was more charming than the pictures on its website. Tucked into a corner where two buildings intersected, the shop sported a red-and-white-striped awning over a sheltered outdoor eating area. Planters filled with pansies welcomed customers. Julie regretted she wouldn’t be around in the warm weather to enjoy the spot.

A rush of warm air welcomed them in from the cold, wrapping them in the aroma of coffee and pastries. After placing their order at the counter, Julie steered Abby toward a table in the corner with a measure of privacy. Abby clutched her backpack on her lap, her gaze directed out the window. Julie couldn’t blame her. Dover was a picturesque nineteenth-century town, with the courthouse as the centerpiece, surrounded by a park and ringed with charming brick stores on all sides. She longed to wander past the shops and explore the merchandise, but there wouldn’t be time enough for that.

When their order arrived, Abby immediately started scooping out the marshmallows, eating them one at a time as she studied Julie’s bag.

“Why do you have such a big purse?”

Julie smiled. Conversation at last. “My friend gave me this for my birthday, so it’s special and I have a lot of important things I keep with me.” She pointed to the backpack in Abby’s lap. “Why do you carry that with you everywhere?”

Abby rubbed the top of the canvas bag. “It has my treasures in it. Mommy got it for me before she got sick.”

She nodded. Now she understood. It was her last contact with her mother. “Treasures are important. So is schoolwork. Do you have any homework to do?” Abby dropped her chin to her chest, hugging the backpack, a sure sign she was avoiding something unpleasant. “Abby?”

Slowly she unzipped the bag and drew out a red folder with a label on which her name was printed. Abby’s bottom lip pushed out.

For a brief second Julie hesitated to open the folder. She suspected there was either a bad grade or a parent note. Gil should be the one to address the issue, but Abby had given it to her. She opened the folder and found a note from her teacher, Mrs. Taylor, attached to the first page, expressing her concern that Abby was not interacting with the other students and not participating in classroom activities. She requested a conference as soon as possible.

The observation came as no surprise to Julie. She’d dealt with similar issues with some of her students. Moving to a new town, a divorce or death in the family often sent children into withdrawal. She grinned at Abby, hoping to ease her fears. “Would you like me to give this to your father when he comes home or would you like to do it?”

“You.”

Her whispered reply was barely audible.

“Abby? Abby Montgomery? Hello, darling.”

Julie glanced up at the middle-aged woman with the friendly smile approaching the table. “I’m Nancy Scott, your neighbor. Remember, I brought you and your daddy brownies last week?” She pointed at Julie. “And you must be the nanny. Francie hated that she had to leave Abby just when they got her back, but she had go to England to be with Bethany.”

Mentally, she sorted out the information. Francie would be Gil’s mother, and Bethany probably the sister who danced. “Julie Bishop. I’ll be filling in until her grandmother gets back.” She had the impression the woman wouldn’t leave without at least a brief conversation. “Won’t you join us?”

“Well, just for a moment. Nice to meet you, Julie. I’m in the brick house right next door. If you need anything or you want some company, don’t hesitate to drop by. My husband and I own the jewelry store catty-corner from here. Scott’s Fine Jewelry. We’ve been friends with the Montgomerys for years. So sad about Dale’s passing. Gil’s father. Happened this past September. Such a shock.”

“I didn’t know.” Losing his father might explain some of Gil’s dark mood. Losing his father and his former wife would be painful.

“That’s a lovely necklace you have on.”

Julie touched the silver heart, willing herself not to look at Abby. “Thank you.” Noticing a stack of papers in Mrs. Scott’s hands, she steered the conversation in that direction to avoid further discussion on the necklace. “Are you handing out fliers?”

“Yes, I am.” She handed one to Julie. “It’s for the annual Father-Daughter Night at Peace Community Church. I’m the chairperson this year.” She looked at Abby. “You’ll have to ask your daddy to take you. There’s a lovely dinner and a talent show. I know you’d enjoy spending an evening with your daddy, wouldn’t you?”

Julie noticed Abby’s confused look and diverted Mrs. Scott’s attention again. “Talent show. That’s a big job. I coordinated our school talent show for a few years.”

Nancy inhaled, laying her hand on Julie’s. “You did? I could certainly use your expertise on this event.”

“Oh, that’s very nice, but I’m only in Dover for the week.”

“What a shame. Well, I’d better get back to work. Lots of fliers to hand out. Nice to meet you, Julie. ’Bye, Abby. I’ll see you again real soon.”

Julie’s smile quickly slid into a grimace of astonishment when the woman disappeared from sight. “She sure likes to talk, doesn’t she?” Abby’s eyes brightened in understanding, and she nodded before taking another sip of her cocoa.

On the ride home, Julie tried to get more information from Abby about her class and the other kids, but she barely responded. With no homework, she went directly to her room and closed the door. Julie placed the note in the center of the breakfast room table. She’d make sure to give it to Gil the moment he came home. In fact it might be a good idea to have a conversation with him about his daughter. If she was going to help Abby overcome her insecurities, she needed to know what she’d been— Julie put her hands on her cheeks. She had to stop that train of thought. She had to remember this was temporary. Like Cinderella at the ball, the clock would strike soon and it would all end. No one could ever know who she was. Ever.

* * *

Gil pulled his SUV into the drive Thursday evening and shut off the engine. He managed to get home early tonight. In the three days since Julie Bishop had been working for him, he’d had to stay at the office until late, and he hadn’t had a chance to talk with her at length about Abby since she’d given him the note from Mrs. Taylor. Julie had wanted to discuss it with him right then, but he’d blown her off. He didn’t need any outside help. Julie had taken it upon herself that second night to prepare supper, and the welcoming aromas had triggered memories and old dreams he’d long buried. A warm meal, a woman waiting, his child happy to see him. Knowing it could never be had soured his mood. Thankfully Julie never stayed to eat with them, claiming the early darkness of winter made her eager to make the long drive back to Jackson before it got too late.

He’d met with Mrs. Taylor this afternoon and wasn’t happy with her comments. The teacher was concerned about Abby’s shyness, the chip on her shoulder and her overdependence on her backpack.

If only his dad were here, or his mom. He could go to them about anything, only now he’d have to figure it out on his own. He knew he should talk to Julie about the situation, but the idea rubbed him the wrong way. Knowing that his child had been reluctant to give him the note, and had given it to Julie instead, left a heavy weight on his mind. Was she afraid he’d send her away?

Girlish giggles greeted him the moment he opened the kitchen door. He stopped, stunned at the sound. The soft laughter was from the nanny. The giggles? He moved into the room, his gaze searching out his daughter. She was up on her knees in a kitchen chair, leaning over a board game in the center of the table. He stared at the pair. Abby turned over a card and squealed. “Sorry. Sorry. You have to go back.”

The nanny made a great show of disappointment, laughing and moving her game piece slowly around the board.

His heart contracted. Abby was laughing. He’d thought he’d never hear that from her. “What’s going on here?”

Abby jerked her head in his direction, a smile lighting her face. “Hi, Daddy. I’m winning.”

Gil couldn’t speak around the lump in his throat. Instead he walked to his daughter and rested his hand on her head, staring at her sweet happy face. “You are? That’s great. What are you playing?”

“Sorry. Miss Julie taught me.” He looked over at Julie. Her hands were clasped in front of her mouth and moisture glistened in her eyes. His temporary nanny had a soft heart for those in her care. He started to ask her what she’d done to cause Abby to laugh, but the front doorbell chimed.

Julie stood and reached for her purse, glancing over her shoulder at him. “Pizza delivery. Abby, can you put the game away, please?”

Abby looked up at him. “We’re having pizza. You want some?”

He brushed a few strands of hair off her cheek and tucked it behind her ear. “Sure. That sounds nice. So you and Miss Julie had fun today?” Abby nodded. “Your grandma and your new cousin, Evan, like to play this game. Now you can play with them.”

Gil helped place the lid on the game box and set it aside. When he looked back up, Julie was placing the pizza box in the center of the table. The aroma made his stomach growl.

“I hope you like everything on your pizza.”

“I do. Is there something I can do to help?”

“Drinks? Abby, sweetie, will you get the plates and napkins?”

He watched in amazement as Abby happily did as she was asked. He’d deliberately not asked much of her, believing she needed the freedom to adjust, but maybe leaving her to do as she pleased wasn’t the best way either. His mood sagged. He should know that. He was her father. But this young teacher was far more adept at caring for his child than he was.

Julie fit easily into their life. In the past few days he’d looked forward to seeing her when he came home, even if it was only a brief encounter. She was always smiling and upbeat. No wonder Abby adored her. She would be an easy woman to love. Julie turned and caught him staring.

“Is something wrong?”

He cleared his throat and shut down his wayward thoughts. “No. I could never get her to help with anything. She always sulked and went to her room.”

Julie smiled, flashing her lone dimple. “I didn’t give her a choice. We all have to pitch in. I think she enjoys it now.”

He got the hint. That’s the way it had been in his family. Everyone did his or her part. No options available. But none of them had been through what Abby had. He didn’t want to do anything to upset her or cause more distress.

Seated at the table, Gil let the peaceful feeling seep through him. Julie did most of the talking, telling him what she and Abby had done in the afternoon, how Abby had won the most games of Sorry and some of the funny things her online students wrote in their papers.

“When are we going to get my puppy?”

He’d been enjoying the meal so much he’d forgotten about the weekend plans. “Saturday morning. Your uncle Linc and I are taking you and Evan to the shelter in Sawyer’s Bend so you can pick out your pets.” The big smile and bright eyes on his child’s face stole his breath. If only he could make her this happy every second of her life.

Julie chuckled softly. “Have you thought about a name for your dog?”

“Not yet. But I’ll know after I pick it out.”

After cleaning up the kitchen, Julie sent Abby upstairs to get ready for bed.

Gil called after her as she left the room. “I’ll be up to tuck you in, sweet pea.”

“I want Julie to do it,” Abby said.

All the blood drained from his face. Of course she did. “Good night, then. Sleep tight.”

He glanced over at Julie. The tenderness in her eyes drew him. “No Father-of-the-Year awards for me.”

“Be patient. It’ll take time. She’s gotten used to me, and she hasn’t seen much of you this week.”

His defenses kicked in. “I couldn’t help it. Our business is on life support right now. We would have lost the company if my brother hadn’t stepped in. I need to be there.”

“That wasn’t a reprimand. I’m just pointing out she’s spent more time with me, that’s all. But I have a suggestion.” She pulled a sheet of paper from the counter. “Your church is holding a father-daughter dinner soon. You could take Abby. It would be a special outing for you both. I think she’d like that.”

Gil studied the paper. What would they talk about over dinner? “I’m not so sure, but I’ll think about it.” He could tell she wasn’t pleased with his response, but he had more important things on his mind.

She tilted her head, a half smile causing her dimple to briefly appear. “How did the meeting with Mrs. Taylor go?”

He rubbed his temple. Another sore spot. It had been a lousy day—except for coming home and hearing Abby’s laughter. “She seems to think I should force Abby to participate in school and make friends.”

“Is that really what she said? I’m a teacher, and we only send notes like the one she sent when we have concerns for the student’s well-being.”

“How can she know what’s best for Abby after only a few weeks?”

“Experience.”

“Seems to me she’s just putting more pressure on her.” Gil glanced up when Abby called for Julie from upstairs.

“I’ll be right back. But you should go and say good-night, too. Later.”

“She doesn’t want me.” Julie caught him off guard when she rested her small hand on his arm. The warmth of her touch soothed his disappointment.

“Go anyway.”

Gil retreated to the office, hoping to sort through his emotional turmoil. In a short span of time he’d gone from irritation to joy to hurt. He’d never anticipated the hostility and rejection from his daughter. Or that she would latch on to a stranger. Clearly Julie had an ability with children he lacked. Yet every inroad she made left him feeling resentful. He needed advice. Direction. Things his parents had always provided, but Dad was gone and Mom was out of the country. He glanced at the clock. Not a good time to call his mother. Not a good time for much of anything.

* * *

Julie tucked Abby in and said good-night, telling her that her father would be up to see her soon, gently reminding her how much he loved her. The kitchen was empty when she returned, so she went in search of her employer and found him in the office off the family room. She’d never been inside. The door was usually closed, but not this evening. The room was predictably masculine with a dark wooden desk and brown leather chair. There was a drafting board set to one side, where a round container held rolls of blueprints.

But it was Gil who drew her attention. He stood in front of the fireplace, his hands clutching the mantel edge as he stared into the firebox. The dejected slope of his broad shoulders said it all. Abby had hurt him deeply with her comments. Her heart went out to him. He wanted desperately to connect with his child, but he was floundering.

“Abby is all tucked in. I told her you’d be up to say good-night later.”

Gil straightened and faced her, shoving his hands into his pockets. He pressed his lips together. “She doesn’t want to see me.”

Julie’s heart ached. She didn’t know whom she wanted to comfort more, Abby or her dad. “That’s not true. She does, she’s just confused and uncertain. If you don’t mind me asking, is there more going on with Abby than losing her mother?”

He stared at the floor a long moment before answering. When he met her gaze again, she saw sparks of anger flash in his blue eyes. “Remember when you asked me why I didn’t see Abby after the divorce? It’s because my wife lied to me.”

Julie’s conscience pricked.

“She was bipolar, but she never bothered to share that fact with me and I was too blind to put it all together. I didn’t find out about her illness until a year after the divorce. I found her meds and confronted her. She accused me of spying on her. That’s when I started trying to regain custody of Abby. I didn’t know anything about bipolar disorder. There’d been nothing like that in my family. Do you have any idea how it affects people?”

“I do. My close friend’s mother is bipolar.”

“Then you know the damage it can do to children.”

Wrapping her arms around her middle, she tried to fend off the images of what little Abby might have endured and keep her focus on Gil. “I do.”

“I started custody proceedings, but that only made Leah angrier. That’s when she and her sister started their campaign to discredit me. Every time I showed up in Mobile to visit Abby for the weekend, there was some new hoop to jump through or some event that had come up that demanded Abby stay with them. One time I’d gotten as far as Hattiesburg when the police stopped me and said I had no right to take Abby across state lines.”

Julie moved closer. “Oh, Gil, I’m so sorry. That must have been horrible for you.”

He ran a hand along his jaw. “I can only guess what they told Abby about me. She probably thinks I’m some kind of monster.”

“I don’t think she does. But you will have to work harder to show her how much you love her. Find out what movies she likes to watch. Read to her each night. Tell her about yourself, and share the memories you have from when she was a baby. And don’t let her retreat to her room so much.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Has Abby been to see a psychologist about her grief?”

“Yes. And he said she’s shy and she’ll come out of it when she’s ready, and not to push her.”

“I don’t agree.”

Gil narrowed his gaze. “What makes you an expert? Do you have children?”

Julie blanched. “No. But I do have a degree in child psychology and years of experience with children.”

“But that doesn’t give you the right to...”

His cell ringtone intruded. He pulled it from his pocket and stepped away. When he faced her again, she could see the deep concern in his eyes and the hard set of his jaw.

“Is everything all right?”

“No. More bad news. We lost a bid we were counting on.”

“Sorry.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Forget what I said earlier. I appreciate all you’ve done. I just want to make her laugh the way you did. How did you do that?”

The pleading in his eyes drew her closer. She looked up at him, her gaze skimming the faint stubble appearing on his face and the small scar beneath his lower lip. She wondered where he’d gotten it. “Time together. We talk on the way to and from school. We are together each afternoon until you come home. She’s gotten comfortable with me.”

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