You don't hear the front door open from the bathroom. You've got the twins in the bath, tub filled to the brim with bubbles. Their gleeful squeals bouncing off the walls.
They're such good toddlers, as good as they can be as almost two year olds. Their father was in the military, while their mother wasn't in their life. It's not your place to pry. You're simply there to watch the little dears.
You don't hear the footsteps coming up the stairs, but when the hairs on the back of your neck stand up in response to being watched you turn sharply. One arm raising to shield the kids and the other griping the shampoo bottle ready to launch it.
"Easy, just me." Mr. Riley says, coming farther into the bathroom.
"Dada!!" Both of the girls scream, little hands flailing, bubbles flying. It makes you smile.
"Welcome home Mr. Riley, as you can see the girls missed you." You smile at him as he drops to his knees by the tub. He kisses each toddler on their head.
"Missed them too. Told you none of that Mr. Riley shit."
You shush him, "Don't curse in front of them! That's the last thing they need to start saying."
He helps finish bathtime and tucks them into bed. You watch as he reads a book to them, then it's lights out. Baby cam pulled up on your phone as you both head downstairs.
Resting at the kitchen table while you make him a cup of tea, he stares you down. It used to bother you when you first started this live-in nanny job. Now you know it's just how Simon is.
"Oh, your mail is on the counter." You say adding in the small amount of milk he takes. He stands to grab the small pile and sits back down going through it.
Setting his cup in front of him, you sit beside him. You rest your head on your hand, eyes tired. The twins had woken up early today and then refused to take their nap. Must of sensed their daddy was coming home early.
"Can sleep if you want, Love. Don't gotta stay awake for me." He says opening a letter.
"Mmmm, tempting but I've got a mountain of laundry to do still, and I need to finish up the dishes."
"You've taken such good care of the girls, I can help out with chores. I know they can be a handful."
"Simon, it's part of my job description." You laugh softly. "Besides, I love them so much. The little cuties, the chaos is worth it."
He stares for a moment before letting the mail flop to the table. He hooks a foot around the leg of your chair and pulls you closer.
"Such a good momma..." He rumbles. Your cheeks heat as you meet his gaze.
