Mail Order Nanny (Book 3 of the Amory's)

By Rita Hestand

Sweet romance. Tanka Amory usually didn't explode at his three daughters, but when they confronted him with their deed, he was furious. They had hired a Mail Order Nanny, without telling him. A live in Nanny at that. He'd been too deep into grieving over the death of his wife to see that they were growing up under his nose and needed help with the house and their schooling. Now what was he going to do?

He'd have to fire her, give her a free plane ride home and then find someone local to come in a couple times a week to help out.
But the woman had sold her house and car, and flew all the way from Texas to Oregon. He couldn't just kick her out. And why had they picked "the Girl Next Door' type. Nannies were supposed to be either, old, fat, or ugly.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rita Hestand
• Release date: Nov 14, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301926596

Rita Hestand

Hi friendsI'd like to ask a favor, not just for me but for all writers. PLease when we offer a free book, it would be wonderful if you'd take the time to rate the book. This doesn't take much time out of your day and authors really apreciate your time to do this. I know not everyone wants to sit down and write a review, but rating the book will help as well. And a big thanks to all who do this. You never know how much an author appreciates you taking the time to do this.I finally finished The Car Stalker. Hope you'll check it out. This is the second book in the stalker series. Like I said mystery is much different from romance all though there are elements in romance in my stalker books too. Today I finished an another book in my series of Vets coming home, Better Every Day. This book takes the angle of when family interrupts your plans. When a one-night stand is much more. I love this story as it hits home. So two new books out now and more coming.I'm taking the time to write while confined at home. But lack of seeing people outside, and living alone all the time is not new to me. I've got lots of stories to tell so be on the lookout for my newest releases. You might check out my Searchin g for You Indian romance on Amazon too.There are several new free books for you enjoyment, since your stuck at home. Home you enjoy them.As for a bio, suffice it to say, I'm a Texan tried and true. I have grown children and grandchildren and already some great-grandchildren. I've done multi jobs in my lifetime giving me a variety of experiences to write and talk about. I've done many different kinds of work from Texas Instruments, to City of Garland, to working for the Wylie Independent School District. I've worked for a hat factory, filing insurance claims, secretarial work, to waitress work. My writing reflects my varied background. Another note I've had a in home day care for twenty years too. So when I write about something I have a general knowledge of it too, which is a real bonus for me. Just like my public work, my writing varies too from contemporary to historical, I write romance, thrillers, children's. A lot of people might say gee, that's a lot of different jobs, and it is, but, I've learned from them all, and I use that experience in my writing.I want to thank all the readers over a length of time that have tried some of my books. I hope I've enlightened and entertained you. I hope I've shared some love in this world. Sharing love can't be bad, it's God given.God bless.Other places to see my bookshttps://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/rita-hestand/https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/rita-hestand/id365799219?mt=11www.scriptsforschools.com/rita-hestandhttps://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/search?query=rita%20hestand&fcsearchfield=author

Book preview

Mail Order Nanny

The Amory's Book Three

By Rita Hestand

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2012 by: Rita Hestand

ISBN #: 9781301926596

Cover Sheri McGathy

License Note

This book Mail Order Nanny is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without express written permission of the author. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy or copies. If you did not purchase this book or it was not purchased for your use, please go to Smashwords.com to purchase your personal copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Mail Order Nanny is a work of fiction. Though some of the cities and towns actually exist they are used in a fictitious manner for purposes of this work. All characters are works of fiction and any names or characteristics similar to any person past, present or future are coincidental.

The Amory's Series

Heart of the Wild

Sweeter Than Wine

Mail Order Nanny

Dedication:

A long time ago, mail order brides were commonplace in the United States. Women were scarce and in order to bring more westward, they began to advertise for mail order brides. Mail Order Nanny came about when three young girls decided they needed some help and their father was grieving too much to notice.

For those that have lost spouses, this book is dedicated to you, so that you may see that true love can come more than once. Good luck and God bless

Rita Hestand

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

About the Author

Rita's Other Books

Chapter One

Something was wrong, very wrong.

One end of the newspaper curled forward as Tanka Amory eyed his brother and sister-in-law suspiciously. He folded the paper.

We think you should sit down, Chayton was saying as Kasie's concerned frown confirmed Tanka's worst fears. This was no routine visit, there was something going on. Just the way they were acting told him that much.

He plopped down in his easy chair, watching them closely as his hands clenched against the chair arms. Controlling the tension was not an easy task. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled. Oh yeah, something was definitely up.

Tanka's three daughters stood beside him, all of them frowning too. This wasn't good.

Okay, I'm sitting; want to tell me what this is all about? He gazed at his children first, then his brother and sister-in-law. Casually he opened the newspaper again and tried for a relaxed atmosphere. He wasn't ready for bad news, no matter what it was.

Well dad, I have something to confess… Katie, his oldest said, backing away just a bit.

Tanka nodded one brow going up with question. "Okay, I'm listening…what kind of bad news is it?'

Katie, who was eleven adjusted her glasses and cleared her throat. Pushing back her dark hair from her face, she gulped hard. The way her eyes refused to meet his told him all he needed to know.

We have to go to the airport. All three girls yelled at him at once.

This particular announcement didn't seem too bad, Tanka glanced from one to the other. Okay, so why do we have to go to the airport. We have some kind of company coming, is that it?

Yes sir, we do, daddy. We have to pick up our Nanny, Katie announced boldly, her cheeks crimsoned.

"Our…Nanny?" The way he pronounced the word, Nanny had the girls backing up, his brow knitting as he tried to piece this bit of news together. Trying to control his reactions, he swallowed hard, and took a minute to reflect. His expression bore confusion. Silently he thought about the word, Nanny. Strange how Mary Poppins popped into his head. He certainly hadn't thought of that one in a few years, not since his youngest begged him to watch it with her one snowy evening.

Our Nanny…. The girls chorused.

We don't have a Nanny… Tanka looked at them with a slight smile, as though it were some kind of joke.

Yes, we do, daddy…now… Katie admitted.

Tanka put his evening paper down slowly, turned to look at his brother and then Kasie, who shrugged as Katie came closer, taking her dad's hand and holding it. Daddy…I did something, maybe I shouldn't have but as the oldest, I felt it was something I had to do. For you, daddy and for us.

Tanka studied his precocious oldest daughter for a long moment, and then looked at her hand in his. He loved the delicate feel of her soft hand in his and for a moment he wanted to savor that feeling and forget this discussion. He wanted to concentrate on how pretty she was, and how much she'd grown, but it wasn't possible. The word nanny had sounded like something foreign to him. Like an itch in the middle of his back that he couldn't quite reach. He was nearly positive he wasn't going to like what she was about to admit. A cold breeze feathered his neck. He'd missed holding her hand, he suddenly realized. He used to do it all the time. But that was before their mother died. Before all the hurt, and guilt riddled him, guilt that his wife died, and he was alive.

He glanced around the place, his eyes riveting on his girls. He had fallen down on the job, lately. Perhaps nothing drummed it into his head as much as the word…Nanny. He still couldn't quite get passed that word.

His voice took on a strange quality, as though measuring his words and response. Okay, tell me slowly, what exactly did you do?

Daddy, you know the house sorta needs more help than we can manage. I mean, sometimes I don't have time to do it. Jewel helps but Tara is too young, of course. Well…we got together and well…I invited a Nanny to come live with us…

It got very quiet. Too quiet.

Tanka moved her hand away slowly as his expression changed first to shock, then to anger. He wanted to bite his tongue, and yet he didn't. Could it be possible that his darling children did something without even telling him? Katie was still a child, he told himself, trying to get control of a temper that was seldom if ever aimed at his children, he twisted about to look at all their faces.

Something told him in the back of his mind, she couldn't possibly have done such a thing. Not without talking to him about it. But with the growing silence in the room, he looked at his daughter, his brother, and then Kasie. Please…tell me she didn't do this…

His brother stared at him and hung his head.

Sorry Tanka, we sort of thought it was a good decision, I mean look at this place… Chayton glanced in the kitchen where dishes were piled up dirty, and Kasie took her finger over the TV and drew a picture with the dust.

Point taken, he could use a part time housekeeper. Housekeeper was a far cry from the word, Nanny. Nanny sounded much too intimate, like someone else was about to take over his household, his kids.

Okay, you're right, so we hire a maid to come up once and a while to clean, so what. Where'd this Nanny idea come from? Maybe you've been watching too much television. What do you mean you have a Nanny coming to live with us? You couldn't possibly have hired someone yourself. You're too young…

I did it daddy… Katie blurted, then seeing his tight expression, she firmed her lips.

Why? The word hung in the air like a gauntlet. Tanka shot to his feet and turned on his daughter as though she'd grown two heads and was spitting fire. He knew his temper was out of place, but his reaction was pure rage.

Katie didn't back up, instead she straightened herself to her full height and glared at her father. Tears were held in check. Fear was not part of Katie's makeup, not today or at this moment at least.

Tanka had to be proud. He'd never seen such bravery in her. Obviously, he didn't have the edge on her as he used to. He thought about that. Things were changing around here, and he hadn't even noticed.

Daddy I'm only eleven, she exclaimed dramatically. I can't do all the housework, cook supper every night and take care of the younger kids all the time. I have a ton of homework now. I've told you I needed help, but you always ignore me when I say it. And besides, I'm not fully grown yet. Aunt Kasie…she helps when she can, but she has a full-time job with her kids and working part time as the book keeper for yours and Uncle Chayton's business…

When had his daughter grown up? Why didn't someone warn him that kids grew up?

"I fully realize your age, and that it burdens you at times…but a Nanny… his face screwed up in a huge frown. And you did this without consulting me about it first? That hurts. I can't believe you would know where to start."

I couldn't tell you daddy. I wanted to. I even tried once, but you had your head buried in some manuals and I couldn't get your attention. Besides…you'd have just said no, like I've asked you before about stuff and you would say, 'Yeah, someday, maybe.

Had he said that? He had! Man, she was good!

Katie stood her ground, this time, not backing away, but facing him. She was growing up! He knew the storm he created with his temper, and he was proud his oldest had learned to meet that anger head on. It made him proud as a parent, but angry as the receiver of this news. But to go behind his back, that was unthinkable!

Chayton stepped forward and met his brother, eye to eye. Look bro, since Gina died, you've been moping around feeling sorry for yourself and haven't realized that your girls need a woman around. They need a woman's touch, a woman who is here most of the time, Tanka. And frankly Kasie is just spread too thin. She can't take care of two households all the time.

A woman's touch? Look, I appreciate that Kasie is great with the girls? Tanka croaked unable to accept this. She's here when they need her! And I've appreciated her too. We all know Kasie is fantastic with the kids.

Yes, you have shown your appreciation many times. But Tanka, I have four kids of my own, and a cabin of my own to worry about, not to mention my job. Even though I love the girls, I don't have time to spend like they need. I mean, look at them; they are growing up under your nose, and I doubt you've noticed. And they are girls Tanka, not boys. They need that special kind of attention as they grow into your women. And you haven't been paying attention to them either. They need a woman who can help them pick out their clothes to wear each day, and see their hair is done and help them with homework, to cook a decent meal. I mean come on Tanka, Tater Tots and chicken nuggets are not what they need full time. Sometimes Tara doesn't even have her hair combed before she goes to Kindergarten. If they were boys, it wouldn't matter so much, but they aren't. This might not seem like the end of the world to you, but they are girls, and even they know the importance of looking right. In case you haven't noticed your daughters are growing into beautiful young women…and they do need a Nanny, or mother or something… Kasie argued. And the younger ones need constant attention. Katie can't give it all the time. She has homework and a life to live too. And it certainly doesn't look as though you might remarry.

Oh, for gosh sakes, is this what this is all about? Me marrying again? Tanka frowned.

Actually, it's about the kids, not you! Chayton frowned at his brother.

A life to live? She's eleven, not eighteen. And marry? He repeated.…oh come on, she plays soccer in the fall, she takes piano in the summer. They all have their activities. What more can I do for them? I don't believe this… Tanka walked about the cabin now like some caged tiger his shoulders bunching into a knot and releasing. They were ganging up on him. You've all ganged up on me, and already done the damage and now you come announcing it, as though I have no choice in the matter. Why bother now? Why not just bring her in and let her take over the place? Tanka yelled.

Kasie smiled and patted her brother-in-law on the shoulder. Katie worked hard on this Tanka and it's something she really wants. I think you should listen…with an open heart and an open mind.

Do I have a choice? Tanka barked.

Not really, we are meeting her this evening at the airport. And daddy…you can't send her away. Katie announced.

And why can't I? Tanka frowned at his daughter unaware his voice boomed.

We want her here.

Oh, you do, huh? Why? Haven't we all been closer since Mom died? Haven't I provided well, and been there for you?

Daddy, that was okay before, but…we need a woman. And you don't know how to be a woman. There are things I'm going to need from the store and you are not going to want to buy for me. There are things that I need to talk to a woman about that you don't know anything about.

Oh, I don't do I? Well, I have you know…Wait a minute, this is about becoming a woman? He shrieked.

Sort of…look daddy, we need a woman.

And why can't I send her packing?

Because this lady sold her house and her car and is moving up here to do this. We all three picked her out of twenty other ladies. We all liked her, and we wrote and told her she would have a home with us, as long as she wanted. Katie announced. Besides, her mother just died and she's all alone now. You see, the reason we picked her is that she needs us as much as we need her. We can't turn her out.

Oh, you did…without even discussing it with me? He demanded. I can't believe you'd do such a thing, behind my back. I live here too, you know?

We are discussing it, now… Katie's voice lowered at her father's anger.

You two knew about this? How long? Tanka turned on his brother and sister-in-law.

A month…

Tanka could feel the blood boiling in his face. Somehow, he had to temper himself, but how? Everyone else was in charge but him, and this was his house!

Who is she? Tanka smirked and moved about not bothering to look at any of the guilty faces. What kind of woman would sell her house and car and move on a kid's invitation?

Now Katie bowed her head. There was some guilt in her face lurking. He had her where he wanted her, but for some reason he was sure he wouldn't like the reason. She didn't know it was from a kid, none of them did, they thought it was from you. Kasie furnished the information.

They…. thought it was from me? You impersonated me? You lied to this woman…do you realize the chaos you've caused? Tanka's anger lit the room. He never yelled at his kids, but this took the cake and he was livid trying to figure out what to do about it. Not only that but his own brother knew about it and didn't tell him, a brother that never kept secrets from him.

Where did you get this idea….? Tanka suddenly asked.

From D.J. Katie blurted, her face turning a bright red.

Tanka looked at his brother. Where'd D.J. get all this information? He's only a year older than Katie, how could he know about this kind of thing?

Chayton cleared his throat. "These days a kid can