His Unexpected Baby by Jamie Knight
Chapter 2 - Cece
It's a typical Tuesday. I arrived at the coffee shop on time for my shift then greeted and helped a few of our regulars. Now, I'm standing behind the register, putting fresh pastries into the display case.
I hear the sounds of traffic as the door opens. In walks the cutest little girl with a man who I assume to be her father. She has golden ringlets pulled up into pigtails, and the pinkness of her cheeks is adorable. The little girl is so happy and full of life that it makes me smile. Sometimes it's seeing little things like that which make this job worth staying at.
I finish my work with the pastries right as another customer comes up. I assist them with their order. It's not too busy today, which is good.
When I look back at the girl, she is standing by the window with her dad. I laugh a little because I can hear them talking from here. She is asking him for food, and he sounds confused. I look at him quickly. Dark, short cut hair and a perfectly fitting suit, he seems like the busy business type, not very involved with his daughter.
I hear the little girl ask him for food again, and I can't just watch this. I walk over to them. “Excuse me, maybe I can be of some help?” I ask softly.
The father has his phone in his hand as he turns to look at me. I kneel before the little girl and talk to her.
“What would you like to eat?” I ask in my sweetest voice.
The baby doesn't hesitate. “Chocolate cake, I want chocolate cake,” she shouts. I laugh a little. That's a very kid thing to say.
“Chocolate cake? I think we have some,” I answer, giving her a little smile.
She jumps up and down eagerly. “Daddy, please!” she begs, tugging on his arm.
He looks at her and asks, “If I get you the chocolate cake, will you be quiet and behave during daddy's important meeting?”
I frown a little when I hear that. He really has no idea what he is doing, so I stand and talk to him. “No child can keep calm after having a whole piece of chocolate cake,” I explain gently. He looks at me, perplexed. “May I make a suggestion?” I ask. He nods. With my direction, we turn to look at the menu above the counter. “I recommend that you get her the cheese and crackers platter. It's healthier for her,” I inform him.
When I look at him, he's giving me an odd look. I don't know whether or not to feel uncomfortable. “Have you ever nannied before?” he asks in a no-nonsense tone.
“No, but I have babysat before,” I admit a little shyly, thinking that was an odd question to ask.
He gives me that piercing stare again, and I notice how dark his eyes are. Still frowning, he says, “I'll pay you double what you are making here if you quit your job right now to be my little girl's nanny for a few weeks. I have an important meeting I can't miss.”
I'm beyond shocked. This has to be a dream. Stuff like that doesn't just happen. So many thoughts run through my head at once. My goal has always been to go to college, but I can't afford it. That was why I started working here. I had this foolish idea that maybe one day I would be able to afford the tuition with this job. I was dumb to believe that. Now, this opportunity falls in my lap. I would definitely be able to cover all my school fees with double my salary.
I need to move fast before he changes his mind, but I still can't believe this is happening.
“Okay. I'll do it,” I say. I have to. A job like this is just too good to pass up.
He nods and puts his phone away. “Great. Katie, this lady is going to watch you,” he says, talking to his daughter. He turns to me and hands me a business card. “My number. I'll call after work so I can pick her up.” The man grabs his briefcase off the table and hurries out of the coffee shop.
I can't believe the unexpected turn this day has taken. My head spins at the thought of it. I wonder if my luck is finally turning around. It must be for me to be offered a job like this. I try not to get too excited at the thought of the money. Let's be realistic. This incredible job was just what I needed.
I look at Katie and smile down at her. She holds my hand tightly, gazing up at me like I'm an angel or something. I try to think about what we can do today.
“It’s a beautiful day. Would you like to go to the park for a little while?” I ask.
She nods her head quickly, and I smile at her. After a brief talk to my boss, we walk outside together. The park is just a few blocks over from where we are. Katie looks around with childlike curiosity at everything. I hold her hand firmly as people pass us on the sidewalk. We arrive at the park, and she immediately pulls me to the swings. She climbs up, and I give her a gentle push.
“Higher!” she yells with a laugh and kicks her legs. I smile and oblige her. I love listening to her laughter as she swings.
Done with the swings, we spy other children running around playing tag on the jungle gym. I keep a watchful eye on her as she joins in. Maybe this job won't be so bad. Katie seems like a happy child, very easy to watch. If her father is true to his word and pays me what he said, then this could work out great. I could start school much sooner than I anticipated.
My thoughts are interrupted as Katie runs up to me. “Push me in the swings again,” she demands.
“Okay!” I reply with a smile.
After that, we walk in the grass together. She holds my hand as we start to skip down the sidewalk, singing. Everything seems perfect.
