Chapter 13 - THE NANNY WHO BECAME FAMILY
Hannah's life changed.
She no longer lived in fear of losing her job.
Lucas offered her a permanent role coordinating Matteo's education and care.
But Hannah wanted more.
She wanted to return to teaching.
One evening, she told Lucas.
“I miss the classroom.”
He looked up.
“Then go back.”
Hannah laughed.
“It's not that simple.”
“Why not?”
“Schools don't forget controversy.”
Lucas studied her.
“Neither do good teachers forget why they started.”
Hannah smiled.
With legal assistance, she challenged the circumstances surrounding her dismissal.
The school district reviewed the complaint.
Her professional record was corrected.
Months later, Hannah accepted a position at a small elementary school in Manhattan.
She continued spending time with Matteo.
Not as a full-time employee.
But as someone who had become important to him.
Lucas adjusted his schedule.
He began taking Matteo to school.
Attending parent meetings.
Reading bedtime stories.
Sometimes badly.
One evening, Matteo sat beside him.
“Daddy?”
“Yes?”
“Do you love Miss Hannah?”
Lucas froze.
He looked at his son.
“What makes you ask?”
Matteo shrugged.
“You smile when she comes.”
Lucas laughed softly.
“Do I?”
“Yes.”
Matteo looked serious.
“And she smiles when you come.”
Lucas looked down.
The next afternoon, Lucas asked Hannah to dinner.
Not as his employee.
Not as Matteo's caregiver.
As a woman he wanted to know better.
Hannah hesitated.
Then smiled.
“One dinner.”
Lucas nodded.
May you like
“One dinner.”
It became the first of many.
