Standing Still - Thirty
The shit hit the fan so to speak last week and we finally realised that we need to make some changes.
Gail's been working so hard that she finally broke down and told me just how exhausted she is. I should have noticed sooner, especially with all the extra work I keep piling on top of her. It hurt to see just how far I've pushed this amazing woman who's helped me so much over these past months.
Seeing her in tears was such a shock and with Ana sleeping upstairs I wasn't sure what to do. In the end I sat her down and listened to all her concerns. I made some tea and together we talked at length, tea and sympathy Ana would say.
After a while Taylor joined us and we all worked to find a solution to lessen Gail's busy workload. Gail seemed happier once everything was out in the open and even Taylor seemed less tense.
In the end we decided that hiring a nanny would make the most sense. Gail could go back to her original role and the children would enjoy more one on one time.
Although initially upset Ana eventually mellowed to the idea, especially after learning how overwhelmed Gail has been feeling.
Applications were sent and our security worked quickly to vet each applicant. Ana and myself personally interviewed each shortlisted applicant and after some debate we finally settled on an unusual choice.
Ana hated the idea of someone coming in and caring for our children and wanted desperately to care for the children alone. Unfortunately that's just not an option right now and Ana seems to understand that help is needed.
Not wanting her role to be confused she settled on a male applicant and although I was unconvinced at first, seeing Ana's enthusiasm helped me to make my decision.
One week on and Joe has settled in well with our family and the children have really warmed to him. He's picked up their routines quickly and provided the children with some much needed stability.
Gail is back to concentrating solely on the household and seems a lot happier for it. I had offered to send Gail and Taylor away for a short break but at present neither Taylor or I could convince her to leave.
Ana's had a few bad days this week and Gail likes to be here when Ana's not feeling well. She's become Ana's surrogate mother in a lot of ways and worries herself sick if she's away from Ana for too long. Maybe they can take a break in a few weeks time when hopefully Ana will be feeling better.
The hospital opening is scheduled soon and I'm still planning on Ana attending with me. She's so excited about being there and I know both Kate and Mia have been helping her pick out an outfit to wear.
The whole family will be there and even Gail and Taylor will be in attendance. Most of my security are also going to be present and have all contributed to the
memory of their colleague Matthew Reynolds.
Gail's POV
I feel so much lighter now that Joe is here and I'm more than ready to hand over the childcare responsibility to his capable hands. Not that I wont miss my charges, I love those children very much but I didn't love the person I was becoming around them. I was short and crabby with them and they deserve someone with less on their minds to take care of them.
I did get a shock though when Jason told me about the new recruit. I never in a million years would have thought Mr Grey would hire a man to take care of his children. Ana of course was the driving force behind that decision, she warmed to Joe the instant she met him and I can see why. He's a unique individual and quite possibly the most caring soul I have ever met.
He's younger than both Mr Grey and Ana and has only recently graduated from college. But what he lacks in experience he makes up for in sheer enthusiasm and he's really brightened up all our days.
When she's well Ana plays with the children with Joe and they get on famously together. I was worried at first that Mr Grey's jealous streak would interfere in their interactions but he doesn't seem bothered at all. He's more than willing to romp around with Joe, his only desire is in keeping his children happy.
In a lot of ways Joe reminds me of Elliot and he's thrilled to play that Uncle role and often the part of the children's big brother. Joe's sense of humour keeps us all entertained and it's nice to have an outside influence in the home that was absent from all the upset.
A short chapter but a chapter none the less. It's taken a while to write but some weird winter bug has kept me from updating sooner.
Hopefully a longer chapter to follow, probably surrounding the hospital opening.
Thank you for all the support and all the great reviews.