Lois Richer - The Holiday Nanny

I wondered if you had a suggestion for something Silver wants for Christmas, Wade said. Something shes been really longing for?

She wants a dollhouse, Connie replied. An original one thats hers alone.

Yes, now I remember her mentioning that. Maybe I could build one? He began structuring it in his mind. It would be a replica of this house. Youre quite something, Connie, he said, admiration flooding him. Youve got all of us learning new ways to deal with each other. I appreciate your help.

I havent done anything special. Connie kept her head bent, but her red cheeks told Wade everything he needed to know. Im just the nanny.

Hardly, he said as he walked out of his office to find Silver.

He realized how true it was. Silvers nanny had become necessary to all of them. Connie wasnt just doing her job. She was enriching their lives.

Books by Lois Richer

Love Inspired

Baby on the Way

Daddy on the Way

Wedding on the Way

Mothers Day Miracle

His Answered Prayer

Blessed Baby

Tuckers Bride

Inner Harbor

Blessings

Heavens Kiss

A Time to Remember

Past Secrets, Present Love

His Winter Rose

Apple Blossom Bride

Spring Flowers, Summer Love

Healing Tides

Hearts Haven

A Cowboys Honor

Rocky Mountain Legacy

Twice Upon a Time

A Ring and a Promise

Easter Promises Desert Rose

The Holiday Nanny

Love Inspired Suspense

A Time to Protect

Secrets of the Rose

Silent Enemy

Identity: Undercover

LOIS RICHER

likes variety. From her time in human resources management to entrepreneurship, life has held plenty of surprises.

Having given up on fairy tales, I was happily involved in building a restaurant when a handsome prince walked into my life and upset all my career plans with a wedding ring. Motherhood quickly followed. I guess the seeds of my storytelling took root because of two small boys who kept demanding, Then what, Mom?

The miracle of Gods love for His children, the blessing of true love, the joy of sharing Him with othersthat is a story that can be told a thousand ways and yet still be brand-new. Lois Richer intends to go right on telling it.

The Holiday Nanny

Lois Richer

This book is dedicated to my dad. I love you.

Contents

Chapter One

D o you think Daddy got my letter yet, Connie?

Connie Ladden couldnt bear to quash the hope shining in Silver Abbots glossy blue eyes, so she brushed the riot of blond curls away from her fouralmost fiveyear-old charges face and eased onto the bed, next to the little girl.

Remember, I showed you on the map how far away Argentina is?

Uh-huh. Silver nodded solemnly.

Too solemnly for Connies liking. Silver wanted her daddy, and after two months as nanny for the delightful child, Connie thought Wade Abbot needed to act more like a father and be here for his precious daughter. Still, her job was to help Silver with her life as it was, not the way they wished it could be.

Well, its only been about a week since we mailed it, sweetie. Argentina is a very long way for a letter to go.

Thanks to the couriers emailed confirmation of delivery, Connie knew the package with Silvers recorded message had safely arrived at its destination. But she didnt want to say that. Connie hadnt yet met Silvers father, and she wasnt sure how Wade Abbot would react to his daughters latest communication.

Its been ten days. I counted. Silver frowned. David, at my preschool, told me email is very fast. Do you know how to do email?

Yes. Connie smiled at her serious look.

You could have sent my letter that way, couldnt you, Connie?

I guess I could have. But think how nice it will be for your daddy to get an envelope from home, from his own little girl.

David Foster, Mr. Abbots lawyer and Silvers guardian, had made it clear when he hired Connie and provided Wade Abbots email address that Silvers father did not want to be distracted by everyday minutiae. Wade Abbot was in Argentina on a very tight schedule. It was urgent that he bring in the project on time for Abbot Bridges, Inc., according to David. The way hed phrased it had led Connie to deduce that the company stood to lose a substantial amount of money and perhaps forfeit future contracts with the Argentinean government if the deadline was missed.

Your daddy might not have had a chance to open it yet.

Cause hes so busy. Silver sighed. I know. Resigned, she snuggled into her bed and drew her puffy pink quilt up to her chin.

Connie bent to kiss her good-night a second time, unable to resist the downy softness of Silvers rounded cheek or the delight of another hug.

Cant we have just one more story, Connie? The chubby arms refused to release her neck. Please? The beguiling smile begged her to relent.

Youve already had three stories, munchkin. Now its bedtime. You know my rules. Connie rubbed her nose against Silvers, unclasped her grasp and tucked her arms beneath the pink quilt patterned with fairy princesses. Tiny silver bells attached to princess shoes tinkled softly. We have a lot to do tomorrow. Its our bird-watching day. I want to find out more about the hummingbirds here in Tucson. You need to rest those baby-blue eyes so youll be able to point them out.

You sure like hummingbirds.

I sure do, Connie agreed.

Hey, we forgot to say my prayers. Silver grinned.

So we did. Okay, go ahead. Connie knelt at the side of the bed, closed her eyes and waited.

Dear God, thank you for today. And for Connie. I love her lots.

Connies heart squeezed so tight that she could barely breathe. Its mutual, kiddo.

We had fun flying our kites this afternoon, God. Thanks for the wind and for Coras yummy muffins and for Hornbys pretty roses. Bless my daddy and bring him home soon. And help Granny Amanda not to be mad at Daddy anymore. Amen.

Amen. Connie hesitated as she studied Silver. Honey, why do you think your grandmother is mad at your father?

Because she said Silvers blue eyes welled with tears and she snuffled, unable to finish her sentence. I dont believe hed forget about me, she muttered defiantly a moment later. My daddy loves me. Doesnt he, Connie?

Of course he does, sweetie. Everybody knows that. You must have misunderstood your grandmother. Connie hugged the fragile body close, praying her words were true.

Why, look at all the lovely things your daddy sends you. Your room is going to burst if he doesnt stop.

That made Silver smile. A few moments later, her eyelids drooped and she was asleep. Connie rose, switched the lamp to dim and padded quietly out of the room. She set the door just the tiniest bit ajar so that if Silver woke during the night she would see the hall light and not be afraid.

Connie paused, debating the wisdom of her next move. But she couldnt put it off any longer. Something had to be done. Her job was to protect Silver.

Help me, Lord.

She trod downstairs, moving silently over the glossy hardwood until she came to the living room. She tapped on the door once then waited for an invitation to enter.

Constance. Is everything all right? Amanda Abbot glanced up from the magazine she was perusing. Shed spilled her tea over the lovely rosewood table and onto the white carpet but seemed oblivious to the mess.

Oh, dear. Connie stemmed her irritation and grabbed two napkins to sponge up what she could. I hope that doesnt mark.

Who cares? Wade can afford another one. Amanda waved an irritated hand. What did you want, Constance?