A/N: I'm not sure how other people will feel about this pairing. I changed the time to be more modern than the originals, and Hannah is a little younger than Carson.
I thought it was a cute idea and I am having fun building their relationship. I was revamping my other story, Jacquie's problem and this idea occured to me.
If it's not to your taste, I'm sorry. All I can ask is that you give it a chance. I'm doing my best to respect both characters, and write them as well as I can.
If you like it, please leave me a review! I LOVE reading them! :)
Enjoy!
Drew Residence ~ September 16, 2004
Hannah Gruen, an attractive brunette in her thirties, checked the piece of paper and pulled her car into the long driveway of a huge colonial home in River Heights.
She stared up at the house in awe as she parked the car and rechecked the address. Nervously, she checked her reflection in the rear view mirror and that she had nothing in her teeth. The last thing she needed was to embarrass herself.
Her dark brown hair was pulled into a neat bun and she made sure her shirt was buttoned all the way to the top button. No need to seem unprofessional.
She'd learned that Mr. Drew was a handsome young attorney who had recently become a widower. Not only had she heard this from the employee agency, but she'd also heard it from the gossiping women in town who would have loved to become the new Mrs Drew.
Hannah had squirmed hearing their talk. He had just lost his wife to a freak accident and had a young daughter to raise. He needed support and sympathy, not vultures. She stepped onto the stone paved driveway and nudged the car door closed.
Her anxiety made her stomach flip but she clutched her bag's strap and walked up the steps. She'd been looking for work as a live in nanny or housekeeper and the employment agency had sent her here. They'd told her they only needed to verify a few more things with Mr Drew, such as a final interview with him, and she would begin work immediately.
In hope, she'd brought her luggage and belongings with her. He wouldn't know that she had no where else to go if he sent her away.
She knocked on the front door and waited tensely. It was only a few moments before the door opened but it felt like a lifetime.
"Ms.. Gruen," he nodded, "welcome in." He motioned for her to enter. She felt his perusal as she stepped over the threshold and decided it was a curious and weary expression versus anything else.
"You must be Mr. Drew," she offered her hand for him to shake and he accepted. He lead her through the entrance hall into what must have been his office.
"Please have a seat." He directed her to one of the arm chairs facing his desk. She sat down on the edge of her seat with her bag on her knees. She was glad she'd opted for slacks instead of a skirt as he measured her appearance. She knew she was younger and probably too similar to some of the women who had applied with bad motives. She was glad she'd opted for light make up and a severe hair do
"So, please tell me about yourself," Mr. Drew directed and leaned back in his chair. She knew that she was the seventh woman he'd spoken to and she swallowed nervously.
"What would you like to know, sir?" She questioned not wanting to make it overly personal. He looked thoughtful and steepled his fingers.
"What gives you the experience and knowledge to be my live in housekeeper and nanny to my daughter." He offered as an example and she nodded, glad she hadn't begun her life story.
"I have experience meal planning, grocery shopping, and nutrition certification for infants through young adults and elderly. I also have experience with children of both genders, more so with girls, since.. I had my own daughter," she shook her head slightly, "but also in a professional capacity in child care and education."
He nodded, his gaze fixed on her as she spoke. He looked a little confused.
"I wasn't aware that you had a family, Ms. Gruen. I don't want to separate families." He looked concerned and she sighed heavily.
"You were correctly informed. I am.." she stopped herself from saying alone, and changed direction, "unfortunately, also a widow. My husband and daughter both died in an accident." She offered, and then cleared her throat, "but I assure you, sir, that I have education as well as the personal experience." She tried changing the topic, and felt dangerous emotions on the horizon when his gaze softened. She wasn't going to cry. She refused. His sympathetic expression was causing pain and grief to resurface, and she refused to acknowledge the sharp pain in her chest.
"I'm sorry for your loss," he offered with a pained expression.
Tears burned in her eyes. She nodded, not meeting his gaze. She tried to express in her face and eyes that he didn't need to say sorry. She hadn't told him for his sympathies but she didn't dare say more than the bare minimum.
"I'm sorry for your loss, sir." She extended the same sorrow back to him and he looked at her for a few moments longer. His eyes caught on her hand and the wedding band she still wore. She noted suddenly that he still wore his as well.
"When would you be able to start?" He asked after a few moments of thoughtful silence and she tried to hide her relief.
"At your convenience and the right time for you." She answered. He nodded and slid a folder toward her. She hadn't noticed it among the other items on the desk.
"I drew up this legal contract regarding the payment and the care of Nancy. It stipulates the job requirements and expectations as well as the pay rate, benefits, and time off you will receive. I will need you to read and sign this in order for your employment to begin." He waited and she took the folder and opened it. A packet of papers stood out to her with signature lines in various places.
"Would you be okay if I filled this out now, or would you like me to bring these back to you at a later time?" She asked tentatively.
"Now is fine. If you have any questions, just ask."
"Thank you." She nodded and read through the compensation portion. It was a generous and unexpected amount and she narrowed her eyes. She looked to the expectations and requirements. As a live in housekeeper she would need to be available during more than a standard forty hour time period, she nodded and continued.
She would need to manage the household meal planning, food inventories, cleaning, various errands including but not limited to dry cleaning, car maintenance appointments, unless inappropriate to have Nancy at, and full time child care responsibilities. Hannah would need to bring her to and from school, help her get dressed, ensure she had adequate meals and completed her homework and schooling. Extra curricular activities might also fall into her responsibilities . Hannah's eyebrows rose in surprise at the lengthy list and impossibility of it all.
There was a provision portion which stated that Hannah would receive a vehicle or compensation to pay for her vehicle reimbursement so that she would not use her own car to run the errands. She would also receive five weeks of paid time off and unlimited sick time of needed.
"Sir, it says unlimited sick time," Hannah couldn't help but point out as if it was a mistake.
"It's just meant to not limit you from taking necessary time off. There are exceptions and rules for the sick time as you'll see on page five." He nodded and she blinked back at the paper.
He seemed to offer far more than fair compensation to balance out the amount of time she would be putting in. Food and lodging were provided for, as well as her vehicle she remembered. Tears came to her eyes again thinking about how much this would change her life. She'd not known what to do after Kliff had died. She'd had nothing left. They'd been renting and she'd been staying at home with Gracie.
Hannah turned to page five which consisted entirely of fireable actions and reasons for written warnings, such as: abuse of the sick policy, illegal drug use, alcohol abuse, regular failure to complete required and expected tasks, and in appropriate behavior towards Mr. Drew and / or Nancy.
Hannah felt overwhelmed by the amount of information.
He was truly a lawyer. She had known this of course, but hadn't expected it to so quickly effect her. She briefly wondered if she should have her own contract to protect her from his inappropriate actions but after being in his presence and seeing the way he'd looked at her, she had a feeling it wouldn't be a problem. Besides, even if he began to make advances to her, she'd just pack up and leave and not be any worse off than she was before. She needed this job.
She promised herself that she would do everything she could to avoid awkward situations arising.
She reread through everything and then looked up to notice him staring at a picture on his desk. It was facing away from her so she didn't see what it was.
"Where will I be sleeping?" Hannah asked and then hesitated, "I'd like to see the accommodations before I sign." She almost hated herself for being so paranoid, since the money was so good. She knew that he was a reputable man with money. But sometimes even the most reputable and honest appearing men had dark sides and she wanted to know she would be safe.
He met her gaze and nodded.
"Follow me." He stood and she followed him to the echoing hallway. The large house and it's emptiness surrounded her. He pointed up the stairs.
"My room and Nancy's are upstairs. Yours will be down here next to the kitchen." He nodded towards the hallway and lead her through the house. It was immaculate. She wondered if he was currently cleaning or if he was hiring a temporary maid service.
"Sir, where is Nancy? I'd like to meet her." She requested curiously glancing around.
"She is at a friend's house currently. I just got back from a business trip earlier this afternoon." He answered and she nodded. She realized in that answer that he would be gone a large amount of the time and understood why he needed someone to be this involved in his daughter's life. No doubt his wife had been the one to stay home while he was traveling and working.
"Oh." She nodded and they entered the kitchen. Her jaw dropped and she caught herself gaping at the state of the art appliances and granite counters. SHe closed her mouth before he noticed. He lead her through a door at the end of a corridor to the back of the kitchen and saw that it had a coded lock. Her eyebrows rose.
"You can reset the code to whatever you want, just in case. I want you to feel comfortable." He punched a code in and she heard a clicking sound. He motioned for her to enter and she walked into the room. It was more like a suite. She noted that she had a personal fridge near a sink and small cabinet.
"The mini kitchenette is redundant. You can feel free to use our fridge and eat out here." Mr. Drew nodded and she felt warmth at his kindness.
"This is…" she shook her head and he straightened his cuff links on his suit.
"Do you require anything additional? I can call my secretary and have her order whatever you like."
"No, I'm sorry. I just feel overwhelmed. I'm thankful at everything you're providing and the safety. Thank you, Mr. Drew." She smiled weakly and he nodded slowly. He seemed pleased. She noted that he didn't ask her to call him Carson and decided that he wanted to leave a professional boundary between them. She respected and almost appreciated it as well. She had a feeling that this would be exactly what she was hoping for. It was almost too good to be true.
Hannah walked into the room and looked around. The bed was large, probably a queen size, and she noted that there was a private bathroom. She nodded and pulled a pen from her bag and retreated back out the kitchen where Mr. Drew began to open cabinets and retrieved glasses. He poured them both glasses of water and she accepted her glass thankfully as she signed the contracts.
"The agency told me that Nancy is six?" She questioned and he nodded staring out a window to his right.
"Yes. Would you like me to get you a file on her birthday and other pertinent details?"
"Um.. Yes, that would be good," she nodded and felt like smirking at the idea of needing a file on a child. But she knew that despite how detached it felt, it would be very useful.
"Also, if I will be taking her to doctor appointments," she began but he stopped her.
"Unless it's an emergency, I will take her to the doctor." He met her gaze and she saw a protective tint to his gaze and she nodded.
"In that case, will you just provide me with a list of nearby urgent cares and her doctor in case of emergencies. I will need the information on her insurance as well."
"Okay. I will be getting you the same insurance, so if that helps." He shrugged and she sighed wondering what this man wouldn't be taking care of. Mrs. Drew had been a very lucky woman. She'd been fully taken care of, Hannah suspected.
"May I ask," Hannah finished signing the document, "How long ago Mrs. Drew passed away.. How is Nancy doing?" She asked and he sighed heavily.
"It's been a year. I've been attempting to handle everything on my own, but she's not getting the care she needs," he explained, even thought that wasn't what Hannah had meant.
"I didn't mean to question you," she shook her head, "I just meant, how is she doing having just lost her mother?" He glanced to Hannah and she saw all the pain and grief in his eyes that she still felt.
"She finally stopped asking when she was coming home. I have told her as well as I can that she is gone. That she is in heaven."
"Poor thing." Hannah shook her head, "I'll do everything I can to ensure this is as aimless as possible." she hoped it would be smooth.
"Thank you. Now, you will want a key. Here is a spare one," He pulled one out of his pocket and handed it to her, "I don't mind where you park, as long as you leave room for my car. I will have my secretary research your vehicle's worth and reimburse you for it. I will also set up an account for you to use on household expenses. I'll get you a debit card that you can use." He continued and she nodded slowly.
"How.. Will I receive payment?" She asked and he handed her a piece of paper. It wasn't blank, it seemed to be an official bank slip. It had empty slots for her account information.
"Go to your bank and ask them for this information. I will set up a direct deposit into your account and have the money deposited biweekly." He scratched behind his ear and pointed to the fridge.
"My office phone number, Nancy's school number, and the neighbor's numbers are all listed here."
"Perfect." Hannah nodded and then turned to him, "I'm assuming that there isn't any type of dress code?" She questioned and he laughed lightly looking uncomfortable for the first time.
"I'm sure that business casual will be uncomfortable. I only ask that you wear appropriate clothing. No lowcut shirts, and no short shorts. Please try not to wear pajamas all day. I'm trying to instill some discipline in her life." He shrugged and she smiled, amused.
"Alright."
"You disagree?" He prompted, amused.
"It's your house sir. I completely understand and respect your authority and decision." She grabbed her bag and then cleared her throat, "I do have some personal items. Is it okay if I move them into my space?" She requested and he stared at her for a moment. She began to wonder if that had been in the folder and she missed a part where it had mentioned personal items were banned. He chuckled.
"As long as you aren't bringing in any animals or other problematic things I should know about, I have no problems with you bringing your own things," he looked slightly amused and then crossed his arms and turned to face her completely. She hadn't noticed that his body had been slightly turned away before.
"Mrs. Gruen, this is going to be your home. You will be living here and hopefully you will be here for some time. I am perfectly fine with you making that space your own. If you would like to replace any of the furniture, please let me know and I will help you or find someone who will be able to." She saw his amusement at her concerns and she felt relief at his lax demeanor. She figured that he would be a great boss as long as she did everything she was supposed to.
"Yes, Mr. Drew. Thank you." She smiled and nodded towards her car, "As it so happens, I have all my items with me in the car. Is there… a faster way to get them into the room?" He blinked at her in surprise and looked towards the driveway. The amusement leaving his eyes.
"Wow, you.. Have everything in your.. Four door sedan?" He asked and she nodded, feeling a little depressed at the thought. She'd gotten rid of everything and now only had her clothes, photo albums, sewing machine, cookbooks, and a few other sentimental items.
"It's bigger on the inside." She shrugged uncomfortably. He nodded and then seemed to remember her question.
"Yes, the garage door is right there. I'll open it for you." He walked towards it and opened the door. He propped the door open and she watched him press a large black key pad to open the main door of the garage. There was a smaller door as well, since it was a three car garage.
"Thank you. Can you show me how to reset the lock code on my door?"
"Of course. Press and hold the key button for ten seconds and then enter your code four times."
"Oh, thanks." She nodded and reset the code to the first thing she could think of, Gracie's birthday. 1029.
She walked past him and towards her car. He surprised her by following her outside. He hung back for a moment.
"Is it alright if I help you bring your belongings inside? I don't want to if that makes you uncomfortable." He looked unsure and she thought it was a very thoughtful but unnecessary concern in her case.
"I would appreciate your help, Mr. Drew." She nodded and he grabbed the bag she was going to reach for, the largest in her trunk. There were a few boxes as well. There were full of vacuum sealed clothing bags and blankets, and other items. She had thought about changing into jeans and a tshirt but at his persistent presence, she felt uncomfortable at the thought.
He placed the boxes marked clothing near the closet and the cookbooks on the kitchen counter in the main room.
"If you want, you can keep this out here. There is an empty shelf right there." He pointed and she nodded thoughtfully.
"That would be helpful." She carried another box in, her photo albums. Full of pictures of her family, her friends, and even some childhood pets. She was grateful for his help and knew that without him she would have been unloading her items all night. He left the box unopened in the kitchen and helped bring in the rest of her personal belongings. The only furniture item she owned still was a rocking chair. It was a plush and comfortable leather chair that rocked reclined. They lifted it together and he helped her manuever it into her bedroom. There was just enough room for it near her bed and he nodded.
"So you just had all your life in your car? What if I hadn't offered you the position?" He looked at her curiously and she sighed.
"I didn't know what else to do. My nearest family is far from here, and I probably would have had to move out there with them. But I'm not close with them. I.. really needed a job," she shrugged and looked to him.
"Thank you for this opportunity, Mr. Drew. I know there will be a learning curve. Please let me know if I do anything you would like me to change, and I will." She promised, hoping that it sounded sincere. She wondered if she was overdoing it, but she was trying to sound as grateful and as flexible as possible.
"Thank you, Mrs. Gruen. I am going to be traveling next week, which leaves a short amount of time for you and NAncy to meet and for you to get acclimated. You can call me at my hotel and at work anytime. I might not be available but I will return your call. The neighbors are all very trustworthy and good friends as well." He reassured, "I'll leave you to unpacking, then. I'm going to pick up Nancy and take her out to dinner and dessert. We will probably be home in a few hours. You can meet her in the morning." He nodded and bowed out of the room. She heard the front door close and felt the empty home around her echoing. She vaguely wondered if she should give herself a a self guided tour but decided against it. She had plenty of unpacking to do and that would keep her busy until he was able to show her around.
Hannah entered her new bedroom and looked around again. The bed was made with crisp white linens and a white comforter that sat atop the mattress like a cloud. She opened the boxes of clothing and began opening the vacuum sealed bags. She was glad she'd brought her hangers since the closet didn't have any. She began hanging her clothing and noticed that there was a large dresser against the wall. She folded her jeans and undergarments, placing them into the drawers. The nightstand also had deep drawers which she quickly filled with her socks and more undergarments.
SHe collapsed the now empty boxes and turned the light switch on when the sun began to set, sending the room into darkness. The room brightened and she was surprised that she felt comfortable in the room. It wasn't home yet, but she had a feeling that she would be here for quite some time.
_-_-_-_
Carson parked his car outside the Marvin's home and sighed. He hoped he had made the right choice. The employment agency had given him a stellar review of Mrs. Gruen's character and background. She'd passed the drug test and the background check he'd requested.
Somehow the fact that she was a widow and had lost a child had been left out. He had even called her references provided by the agency and spoken to her friends and previous employers himself. No one had mentioned it, which he supposed wasn't all that surprising.
There had just been something about her. She was warm and he could tell she hadn't been attracted to him. Some of the other candidates had been great on paper but too flirtatious in person. He'd basically shut the door on two of them when they greeted him with teasing and taunting smiles. Mrs. Gruen had been all about professionality. She hadn't asked him to call her Hannah. He wasn't sure how he would feel if she did. Maybe if she was there a bit longer and they began to grow as friends.
The only concerning thing was her age and her appearance. She wasn't unnattractive and she was close to his own age, maybe a few years younger. Not that he cared, but others might begin to talk. He didn't want anything following Nancy to school or around town. He had offered her the job already so he supposed that it was too late. Although, there was a clause in the contract she'd signed that stated he could terminate her for any reason he saw fit, just in case. However, she'd already moved her entire life into the house.
Which wasn't much. Only a few boxes. He still couldn't believe it had all fit into her car. That thought unsettled him too. Was she a wanderer? Did she just pick up and leave randomly and live minimally?
He didn't want Nancy to grow attached to her for her just to leave.
His mind spun with thoughts of protecting his daughter's heart and their reputation. He grimaced and stepped from the car. He had a good feeling about Mrs. Gruen and he wouldn't let fear and worrying about other people stop him.
He approached the front door and as he was about to knock Mrs. Marvin opened the door. A pretty blonde woman whose daughter was one of Nancy's best friends.
"Hi Lillian," CArson smiled.
"Carson! Come in. I heard your car door. My husband is in the living room." She let him in and then locked the door, heading off to continue whatever she had been doing.
"Daddy!" He heard a small high pitched voice and felt arms wrap around his legs. He crouched and looked into his daughter's light blue eyes. Her mother's eyes.
"Hey, sweetheart," He wrapped her into his arms, "I missed you so much." He was glad to be holding her again. He didn't like the long business trips. Now that Kate was gone… It was hard to leave Nancy behind.
"I missed you too, daddy." She squeezed him and he stood again, still holding her. She was getting heavier each time he picked her up.
"Why don't you go say bye to your friend, and thank you to Mrs. Marvin while I go talk to Mr. Marvin." He poked her on the nose and she giggled. He set her down and she disappeared around the hallway's corner again. He smiled and walked towards the living room which was in the opposite direction. He found Hank Marvin sitting on the couch with a book on his lap.
He stood at seeing Carson and embraced him.
"Carson, how are you? Glad you made it back safe."
"I'm doing well. Well, as well as can be. I just hired a live-in housekeeper. I hope I made the right decision." He voiced the concern and Hank nodded.
"It's a big decision, but I know you didn't make it lightly. I'm sure whoever it is will work out fine."
"Hey, thanks for letting her stay here again while I was gone. I really appreciate it. Nancy would have hated sitting through the deposition."
"I don't know. Your little girl is going to be just like you. She might have had the time of her life," Hank joked and Carson scoffed.
"Even so, she's six. I really appreciate you and Lillian." He patted Hank on the shoulder and returned to the entry way.
"Lillian?" He called and she appeared in the doorway to a room a moment later.
"Yes? Is everything alright?"
"Yeah! I just wanted to thank you for taking good care of my little girl. I really appreciate you."
"Oh, she's an angel. So smart and curious too." She smiled.
"I'll be gone again next week, but I hired a live in housekeeper." Carson advised her. She nodded and looked hesitant.
"Does she seem safe and trustworthy."
"Everything checked out. I interviewed her today. Can you do me a favor and check in on her? I'll call the Faynes as well and talk to Teresa about it."
"Of course. I will make sure to check in on Nancy and offer to bring Bess over for playdates and bring her home from school and what not." She smiled and Carson felt a weight in his chest release.
"Thank you." He nodded and then called out to Nancy.
"Ready honey?"
"Coming!" he heard her voice and she appeared. Bess followed her. A girl the same height and age as Nancy but with bright blonde hair instead of Nancy's strawberry blonde curls.
"Alright, Pumpkin. Let's go get some ice cream. I have some good news!" He smiled and she squealed. Bess waved goodbye and Nancy gave her a hug and then followed him outside. They held hands as they walked to his car and he opened the back door for her. She climbed onto the booster seat and buckled herself in. He shut the door and climbed into the driver seat.
"What the good news daddy?"
"Daddy finally found someone to make good food!" he answered and she giggled.
"You mean we won't have any more creations?" She asked and he chuckled remembering the disaster that had been the past year. He hated cooking and had forced himself. What had occured was more than the necessary amounts of take out and frozen vegetables and meals.
"Sadly, no. Although, if you want some more frozen greenbeans, I can make sure she only makes those." He pretended that he had taken her reaction as protest and she shook her head vehemently.
"What? You don't want those?"
"No!" She kept shaking her head and he smiled ahead at the road. He knew that this was the best reaction he could hope for. He didn't want to push Nancy to have a special relationship with Hannah, but hoped that it would form naturally.
"She's also going to help daddy with the laundry and with taking you to school and all sorts of things that I'm bad at." he grinned and she laughed.
"You're not bad at anything, daddy." she promised and his heart warmed, although he knew when his daughter was trying to butter him up.
"Oh! I'll make sure she knows green beans are your absolute favorite. And that you like raisins."
"Daddy, no!" She squealed and he laughed.
_-_-_-_
Carson walked from Nancy's room and told her that if anything ever happened that she should come and find him immediately. She didn't realize he meant that night, and smiled and nodded. Their bedrooms were next to each other and he knew that he wouldn't sleep well that night. Not with a stranger in the house.
"Daddy's new friend is living downstairs. She is going to live with us for a while and help daddy out." He smiled and to his relief she looked curious and excited by the news. As if it was an exciting and fun new development.
"You can ask her for anything you need, any time, okay? But I'm here no matter what, okay?" He told her and she looked past him towards the hallway.
"IS she sleeping? Can I meet her?" She asked and he sighed. He had told Hannah that he would introduce her in the morning, but it might be a good idea just to introduce them tonight.
He told her to wait in her room and that he would come get her if his new friend was awake. He left her and walked downstairs. She followed curiously, making sure he didn't notice her behind him.
Carson walked through the kitchen and after noticing the light beneath the door, knocked twice.
The door opened a few moments later and Nancy saw a pretty woman with brown hair standing in the door way. She watched her curiously.
"Mrs. Gruen, Nancy asked to meet you. Would it be okay, if you meet her tonight?" He asked and she smiled brightly.
"I'd love to meet her!" She glanced towards the staircase and saw NAncy then. Nancy ducked out of sight and she heard the woman laugh.
"She is up in her room." Carson nodded and the nancy peaked back out at her. The woman was looking at her dad but her eyes found Nancy again and she pointed to the stairs.
"I'll go get her." He said, turning back around. Nancy sprang up the stairs and made it back to her room just as he appeared on the stairs. He smirked, seeing her just make it back to her room.
"Hey, pumpkin. Let's go meet our new neighbor." He grinned and she nodded excitedly. He lead her down the stairs and Nancy followed curiously. She liked the way the woman smiled at her.
"Hi Nancy! My name is Hannah. It's so nice to meet you."
"Hi Hannah! It's nice to meet you too." She smiled and Hannah grinned.
"What's your favorite thing to eat for dinner?" She asked and Nancy didn't hesitate.
"Pizza and mac and cheese!"
"No, it's green beans, spaghetti squash, and-" Carson interjected, vigorously shaking his head.
"No, no, no," Nancy's eyes widened, "That's not true, Daddy tell her it isn't true." Hannah burst out laughing and shook her head at nancy's dad.
"What are we going to do with him?" she turned to Nancy, "Don't worry, I hate green beans." Nancy sighed in relief.
"Thank goodness." she breathed and turned to her dad with a scowl. He laughed and raised his hands.
"I was kidding, honey. I remember how much you hate them. Don't worry. Mrs. Gruen will take good care of us."
"Yay, no more creations and frozen veggies." she grinned at her dad's fake hurt expression.
"Oh goodness, creations!" hannah clutched at her heart, "How have you been surviving, Nancy?" She giggled in response, "Well, we will have to plan meals together. I'll make sure you eat yummy veggies and lots of other yummy stuff too. I promise." She held out her pinky and Nancy didn't hesitate. She locked her own pinky around Hannah's.
"You promised! Only yummy stuff!"
"Oh boy." Nancy's dad shook his head, "Well it's bed time, Nancy. Let's go." He picked her up and she giggled as he twirled her around.
Hannah watched with amazement. SHe had been expecting a father who didn't know the first thing about being a single dad. This man was a great dad.
Carson carried Nancy upstairs, glad that Mrs. Gruen hadn't been in her pajamas yet. She'd only changed into a pair of baggy jeans and a tshirt. Her reaction to meeting NAncy and their introduction had gone far better than he had even hoped. He hoped that it kept going like that. He was sure there would be problems, but Mrs. Gruen seemed to be a warm and nurturing person.
He felt a bit better going to bed knowing that she'd met Nancy.