EPOV

          That was the most boring meeting this year. As I rode the last 20 stories on the elevator, I thought back to Bella. What is a beautiful young woman doing without anyone or anything in a city like Seattle? Well, I really needed her. Madi and Owen are taken with her and I can’t say I’m not as well. I hope she’ll stick around, I can already tell the kids get on with her better than any of the other nannies. I hate them needing a nanny when they should have a mother, but she didn’t want us.

          I was lost in dark memories as I neared my office. Laughter filtered through the glass walls as I opened the door. I couldn’t help but smile. Bella was looking for Madi, who was in plain sight, and finally jumped at her. Bella swung Madi into the air, both of them laughing. Owen didn’t want to miss the action so he came out to. Bella took one in each arm and spun around. She looked so beautiful, smiling, laughing, and playing. 

          She noticed me sometime during the second rotation and instantly put the twins down. They hopped up and squeezed my leg in their normal greeting ritual. Bella stood there, enjoying the touching family scene. “Guess what kids?” I say in my best excited voice.

          “What?” They cry with the level of enthusiasm only met by kids.

          “I’ve got the rest of the day off and Grandma and Grandpa are coming over for dinner!” I cover my ears as the y squeal. I leave them talking amongst themselves as I walked behind Bella, startling her as I spoke.

          “You’ve got the job. They love you. You can just come with me to our apartment to see where it is then you can get your stuff,” I whisper in her ear and I notice her shiver. Was my breath cold?

          “I don’t have anything except my truck. I’ll need new clothes.” Bella responds after a pause. I can only imagine what happened to the poor girl.

          “Don’t worry, I’ll pay for anything you need,” I say, feeling horrible for a woman I barely know.

          Bella whispers back so softly I can barely catch it, “Thank you, I need it.” I was shocked at the strength of the feelings I felt for her tears as they spilled over.