The Nanny's New Family (Caring Canines) by Margaret Daley Page B

There may be certain things my son will have to know and take into consideration, depending on how severe his epilepsy is, but I also want him to live as normal a life as possible. Jeremy was the most upset when we gave the dog away. In fact, for a long time he was angry at Aunt Louise, but she won him over.”
    “Then she died. That’s a lot of loss to deal with, even for an adult.”
    A flash of pain darkened Ian’s eyes. He frowned, plowing his hand through his hair. “I know. I think the only one not affected much was Joshua.”
    As Annie suspected, it was evident that Ian had his own battles with grief to fight. “Speaking of Joshua, has he always been adventurous?”
    “From the second he could move around.”
    “On the way home from school today, he told me all about his day. I also got a little out of Jade but nothing from Jasmine. I know they can be difficult, but you have precious children.”
    Ian’s eyes widened. “Where have you been all my life? I needed you six months ago. Of course, Tom would never have let me persuade you to come work for me instead.”
    The heat of a blush singed her cheeks. “There are other good nannies.”
    “Not from my perspective. So if you’re planning to leave, please let me know. I’ll offer you a deal you can’t refuse. I never had this kind of conversation with the other nannies. Yes, with Aunt Louise, but not them.”
    Annie turned away, uncomfortable with compliments. The Hansens certainly had told her how important she was to the family, but for some reason it was different when Ian said it. She felt special and appreciated. “I’m going to check on the kids, then I need to get my own sleep. I’m getting up extra early so I can get Jasmine moving.” Annie started for the hallway.
    “Tomorrow, if Jasmine isn’t ready, I could always carry her to the car then into the building.”
    At the entrance Annie turned around, not realizing Ian was only a few feet behind her. His nearness sent her heart beating faster. He was so close she caught a whiff of lime, most likely from his aftershave lotion.
    Ian smiled, his eyes gleaming. “I’ll check on Jeremy. I don’t want him to run you off with the mood he’s been in.”
    Out of all the children, Annie most identified with Jeremy because after the fire she’d felt what Ian’s son was experiencing: angry at the world. “He won’t run me off. It takes more than an angry kid to do that.”
    “Like what?”
    Not feeling needed
. But Annie wasn’t going to tell Ian that. She shrugged. “Back to what you said about Jasmine—I considered that myself, but I’d rather the children decide to get in and out of the car. Taking a child kicking and screaming into a place will do more harm in the long run. At an earlier age, it might be the answer, but Jasmine is eight. Not only would it set her up for her classmates to make fun of her, it doesn’t get to the root of the problem.”
    “That makes sense. Jasmine has always taken longer to get dressed than the others, but lately it has been worse. She won’t even accept help. I remember she used to let Aunt Louise brush her hair. Now no one can touch it.”
    “Interesting. I wonder what made her change her mind.”
    “I’m not sure. Nothing she’ll tell us.”
    “Maybe Jade knows. They may be very different in personality, but they’re close.”
    “Yeah, they’ve always had a special bond. I should have thought about that.” On the top step Ian angled toward her. “Why didn’t I?”
    “It’s tough being a single parent with one or two, let alone four kids. Don’t beat yourself up. Good night, Ian.” Annie parted from Ian and made her way toward Jasmine’s room.
    Using the key, she unlocked the door and peeked in to see if she was in bed. She was, and Annie backed out. After checking on Jade, who was asleep, too, she walked to Joshua’s room and slipped inside. She found him lying on the floor. Gently she scooped him up in her arms and placed him on his