Chapter 71 Welcome Back to the Thatcher's
The next week had gone about the same. Although Laura was now coming through the day to help, Lucas's parents were also a big help. Lucas and Elizabeth enjoyed a nice meal together in town where everyone stopped them and asked about the babies. They had started construction on the addition to the house wanting it to get finished before winter hit. There were several responses to the request for a nanny and Lucas had set up several interviews. He couldn't help remembering Elizabeth's reaction to the caretaker interviews which brought a smile to his face. It was quite cute to see his wife jealous and he knew without a doubt she loved him.
"Lucas Bouchard when we do these interviews if there are any women show up that I think you will be attracted too I'm dismissing them." Elizabeth said in a firm tone.
"Elizabeth Bouchard I must say you are so adorable. Why would you possibly think I would be attracted to another woman?" He asked in a mischievous way.
"Because, you are a very handsome man with tons of possibilities." She responded a little bit emotional.
He brought her close for a passionate kiss. "Elizabeth what you and I have can never be replaced. Besides I already found the most gorgeous princess."
She was so flattered by his comments it almost undone her. She was in no way ready for that. She knew she still probably had another month of healing. "How do you always know exactly what to say to further my desire for you?" She teased.
"You make it so easy." He kissed her again and again and again until he had to stop knowing all too well it had been too long and he couldn't wait for her to be ready.
They halted when they heard the knock on the door. "I'll go get the door. You get dressed and I'll see you downstairs in a minute." Lucas walked downstairs to the door and opened it. "William, Grace, come in it's so good to see you! Elizabeth will be right down."
Everyone came to greet the Thatcher's at the door. Helen was holding Amelia and Grace were doting on her. "She is beautiful! Lucas take me too see my grandchildren. "Grace said demanding.
They all walked up to the nursery where Caleb and Adelaide were sleeping and Jack was sitting on the mat playing with trains in front of Caleb's bassinet. "They are precious. You are so blessed!"
"Mammy, Pappy Thatcher!" Jack said as he hugged them the excitement showing in his voice.
"Jack are you being a good big brother?" William asked picking Jack up and throwing him over his shoulder.
"I am!" He said while laughing.
"Lucas I must say you are looking a little worse for wear these days." Grace said in a concerned tone.
"It just so happens I have not been getting a lot of sleep, but hopefully after we hire some nannies things will begin to get better." He said deep in thought about how good a full nights sleep would be.
About that time Elizabeth walked in. "Mother, Father welcome back." She said as they exchanged hugs.
"Elizabeth, you have a gorgeous family!" Grace said adoringly.
"Thank you mother. Lucas and I will be interviewing today for the nanny position. Hopefully if we are able to find two good ones we will be able to get in a routine. Lucas needs some time back at work even if it is just for a few hours. We have four interviews lined up for today." She said ready for some help and some sleep.
They sat down in the family room with the babies and Jack talking until there was a knock on the door. "I'll get it." Lucas said.
Elizabeth wasn't about to let him get the door alone after the last time.
He opened the door. "Hello!" They said simultaneously. "Won't you please come in?" He ushered her to the family room.
"Wow this is a large family." She said. "I am Katie Johnson by the way."
"It's nice to meet you Katie. We are the Bouchard's. These are our children Jack, Caleb, Amelia, and Adelaide. These are our parents William and Grace Thatcher as well as Jonathan and Helen Bouchard. This is Miss Julie Thatcher and Mrs. Gladys Harper. Mrs. Harper is a widow and our private care aid. "
"Wow, with so much family here I am surprised you need a nanny." She said.
"Actually they do not live here. Only Julie and Mrs. Harper are here on a permanent basis. Our parents will be leaving after the New Year. This is a live in position everything will be provided for you. It is expected for up to a year and potential other work after that. You will be compensated accordingly for your efforts. "Lucas replied.
"Please Katie tell us about yourself and your experience." Elizabeth suggested.
They talked for a good hour and Lucas and Elizabeth both liked her. Knowing the next applicant was soon to arrive, they wrapped it up and told her they would call her, but both Lucas and Elizabeth liked her.
They talked to their family about her for awhile and everyone was in agreement that she would be a good fit for them. Lucas said he would make the call later. He wanted to go ahead and do the rest of the interviews before he made any phone calls.
They took care of the children when they heard the second knock on the door. "Alright love, are you ready for round two?" Lucas asked her.
"Yes I am." They walked to the door to open it. Lucas opened the door, "Stacey!" He said shocked by who was standing at the door.
"LUCAS!" She said now hugging him the excitement in her voice.
Elizabeth could feel her skin crawl at the touch of this woman and why was she hugging her husband. This woman was already not going to work for her.