The Nanny Affair

Chapter 5- Jasper

As Earl drives me to the restaurant where I am meeting Gisselle, the image of Nate and Alex's faces keeps popping into my head. I can't stop thinking about it. That was the first time in a very long time that I'd seen them smile like that. When Rosie addressed them, their grins spread joy across the space. I reach for my phone and make a snap judgment as a result.

Sorry, I can't make it to dinner.

Are you kidding? You better have a damn good reason why. Gisselle messages back.

I have a lot of work to catch up on. I lie, sending the text and shutting off my phone.

Earl is directed by me to turn around and go home. He does what I tell him to do, and I relax my head and lean back. When we arrive, I take a step outside. When I walk in, the entire home is immediately filled with loud music. As I enter the kitchen, I am greeted by the sight of Rosie and the boys having a good time by dancing. I put my hands in my pockets and just watch for a moment.

"Having fun?" I shout so they can hear me.

All three stop and look at me.

"DAD!!!!!" The boys come running as Rosie turns the music off.

"Want a cookie? Rosie makes the best cookies." Alex leans in and whispers, "Don't tell grandma." He smiles as he gets flour all over me.

"Sorry, I was going to have them bathe, then bed. Once that was done, I was going to clean the mess up." She looks at me with guilt.

I start to laugh, the boys seem happy and I didn't mind watching her.

"It's alright." I smile at her, then look down at the boys. "How about you guys go clean yourselves up and I'll be up in a minute to tuck you in."

Boys scatter up the stairs, leaving me and Rosalie alone. My thoughts immediately turn to the sinister when she reaches down to pick the napkins up off the floor. As I watch her get back on her feet, I lick my lips and smile. Before she can catch me, I turn around and retreat to my bedroom. I knew that if Rosalie were to find out what I had been thinking, there would be consequences.

She's the nanny Jasper, you can't do that.

I strip out of my suit and grab sweats and a t-shirt. I head upstairs and tuck the boys into bed, turning their light off, I say,

"Love you, gremlins."

"We love you too," They both say.

"Dad?" Nate asks.

"Yeah, what's up bud?"

"Is Rosalie going to stay? Or will she leave like all the other nannies because Gisselle didn't like them."

I walk up to his bed and Alex jumps in also. I take their hands,

"I have a feeling Rosie isn't going anywhere."

Both of them smile. I wish them both good night one more time before leaving their room and closing the door to their bedroom. They still prefer to stay together despite the fact that this house contains a number of rooms, and I won't ever compel them to change that unless they express a desire to do so on their own.

I head into the kitchen and ask Rosalie if she needs help.

"No, I made this mess, I'll clean it up."

"Suit yourself," I take the spilled flour on the counter and throw it at her.

She gasps but starts to laugh as she takes the batter and smudges it on my face. She grabs the bag of flour and I put my hands up, surrendering.

"Okay, okay. You win." I laugh