532 Unconventional Perfection

(Jayden)

I'm trying not to feel like we're auditioning for the next season of Who Wants to Join the Brennan Circus. And I've already taken two calls from our afternoon shortlist saying they've taken other positions. That leaves two for this afternoon's session.

The first is Eric, a fresh-faced twenty-something with dreadlocks, wearing a tie-dye hoodie and Birkenstocks. He walks in like he's about to lead a yoga retreat, and I immediately have doubts. "Thanks for coming in, Eric," I say, extending a hand.

Eric gives me a two-handed shake and beams. "Namaste, Mr. Brennan. Your aura is very welcoming."

Winona shoots me a look, her eyebrow practically climbing into her hairline.

"I've worked as a live-in nanny for two families," Eric says, his voice calm and measured. "I focus on mindfulness practices for children-teaching them to ground themselves, manage their emotions, and find inner peace." Anne furrows her brow. "And how do you handle structure? Rules? Boundaries?"

Eric tilts his head, thoughtful. "Children don't need rules; they need understanding. I believe, given enough time, they will come to see what they've done wrong and adjust their behavior."

Winona leans back, lips twitching like she's holding back a laugh. "Interesting approach."

When Eric leaves, Winona lets out a long breath. "Inner peace? Adjust their approach? With our kids? He'll be eaten alive."

Anne laughs. "By breakfast time."

The next candidate glides in, and she's impossible to miss. Claudia is tall, curvy, with platinum blond hair. Her crimson dress hugs every inch of her body like it was painted on.

Her stilettos click against the wooden floor, and her smile is almost as dazzling as her cleavage, both aimed squarely at me.

"Mr. Brennan," Claudia purrs, extending a perfectly manicured hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Winona clears her throat loudly, drawing Claudia's attention. "And Mrs. Brennan. A pleasure, of course," Claudia adds with less enthusiasm.

As we dive into questions, Claudia leans forward, her gaze locked on mine, her voice oozing with charm. "I believe children thrive with a nurturing presence. And I'm excellent at providing... personal attention."

I can feel Winona's eyes burning into the side of my face, but I keep my expression neutral. "That's an important quality," I say seriously while waiting for Winona's slap up the side of my head.

shoulder. "Perhaps I could assist with... family health goals? Being physical is a passion of

and glance at Winona. I shouldn't goad her, but

lips thin into a

in my chair. "She's got a lot of assets to consider," I say, unable to

and two of those assets came in the door five minutes before the rest of her did. She's

Anne stifles a laugh.

give her another interview." I grin

narrows her eyes. "This is a nanny search, not an audition for The Real Housewives of Brennan Acres. Now stop

list for another day." I'm not sure I can do this again, but

to get to

board?" Winona starts to clean up the coffee mugs when Henry's wail

him," she says and heads

standing up and stretching. "Well, that was a waste

Anne

find

the dishwasher. "We'll

Som Might take

let

the meantime,

long as needed." belongs

back when

is back, Henry squirming in her arms. "It's way too quiet. Where are the

"They were

out

Abbey! Sarah!" Winona calls,

No answer.

I said, though my chest tightens with every passing second of silence. "They know better than to go into the wooded area alone,"

the tree line, faint laughter

the sound, pushing through the brush until we get to

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