But honestly, nothing can puncture the bubble of happiness I’m in right now. It’s wonderful being with the CEO, and his house is absolutely delightful. We’ve got a full staff to help with cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the garden, and although I had to do some training upon my arrival, it was no big deal. I still remember talking to Rick about it because I didn’t want to overstep any bounds.
“Is it okay if I tell the cleaning staff what and where they missed?” I asked hesitantly once we got back from Bermuda. “I noticed that the kitchen counters were a little dusty in the corners, and the ovens hadn’t been deep cleaned like they should have been.”
My handsome lover merely shrugged.
“Of course, go ahead, honey. You know I’m not very involved in the domestic stuff. Barbara’s handled it for me for a long time now, and usually I leave everything to her.”
I nod.
“Yes, but Barbara’s off because of lower back pain, so I think the staff has been slacking a bit. Is it okay if I take over while she’s gone?” I ask. “I mean, I’m not going to take her job or anything like that. I’d just like to make sure that everything is done a little better.”
My man winks at me.
“So you’re the lady of the house now?”
I giggle.
“Not really! It’s just I see areas for improvement, that’s all.”
Rick merely leaned forward to kiss me again before placing a hand on my burgeoning belly.
“Of course, sweetheart. Anything for the pregnant lady. Boss them around as much as you like.”
I nodded happily because actually, Iamthe lady of the manor now. Of course, I’m not swanning about in petticoats, and I don’t get my breakfast delivered in bed or anything like that. But I do have full-run of the property, and our staff defers to me. We’ve established a happy system and it’s because the folks who work for Rick are wonderful. I recognize their expertise, loyalty, and dedication, and I’ll make sure they get nice bonuses over the holidays for it.
I sigh again happily, looking about me in the garden. The begonias are a gorgeous hot pink color, and I take a sip of lemonade from my spot on the veranda. My nap dress is loose and comfortable over my baby bump, and I push back my curls before lifting them from my neck. Goodness, it’s getting hot and I should go in before the sun’s power really strikes.
But then, the doorbell chimes inside and I frown. That’s odd. Rick’s at work and Amelia’s at school, so I’m the only one at home. Then again, we’re getting new blinds for the sitting room, which are a pale peach color, so maybe it’s the delivery man. The sitting room is going to be gorgeous because Rick’s letting me turn it into a personal space for myself, and I’m looking forward to doing it up in a pretty, feminine manner.
Awkwardly, I hoist myself up and then waddle inside before making my way through the cool interior of the house. The manor is big, so it takes a few minutes, but I finally make it to the front door and swing it open.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” I murmur. My words die on my lips because before me isn’t a harried delivery person, but rather a beautiful and slightly pregnant young woman. She has long, wavy blonde hair that flows down her back, and is dressed in a cheery yellow nap dress not unlike my own.
“I’m sorry,” I say. “Can I help you?”
The woman peers in back of me, looking over my shoulder into the darkened foyer.
“Yes, I’m looking for Rick,” she states. “Is he home?”
I shake my head.
“Unfortunately, not at the moment because he’s at work. But you are…?”
“Savannah,” she says in a cheery voice. “He knows me, don’t worry. Can you let him know that I stopped by?”
I nod, unable to speak through the frog lodged in my vocal cords for a moment. But then I clear my throat and manage a watery smile.
“Yes, of course I will. Can I tell him what it’s about though?”
Savannah smiles merrily, her pretty cheeks blooming pink.
“You’re the help, aren’t you? Rick mentioned that he has a full staff to run his manor.”
I look down at my grey nap dress. Okay, so it’s not exactly the prettiest outfit I own, and it’s a little wrinkly too because I actually did take a nap in it earlier today. But do I really look like the help? I suppose with my messy hair and sweaty visage, it’s possible.
“Um, yes, I help Rick,” I hedge. “Why, what can I do for you?”
The pretty blonde girl leans forward, almost bursting with happiness. She smooths her hands over her bump, and giggles a bit.