Accidental Babies

Jason Halloway leaned back into his chair, stretching slightly. He was happy that he managed to accomplish and clear his workload for the day. Clearly, his decision to leave the twins in his assistant's hands was a sound one. They hadn't bothered or called for him at any point of the day, aside from the first hour but that had been expected as they were in a new environment. Yes, it was a good day. Now, he just had to bring them home, hopefully have an uneventful bath and dinner and they'd fall asleep without any fuss.

'Janice, please ready the twins. I'll be going off in 10 minutes, 'he said into the intercom as he packed. Silence greeted him. He frowned. Janice, his assistant, was always prompt in acknowledging him. 'Janice?'

'Ah, Mr Halloway, 'she finally said but her voice was extremely strained. 'A few more minutes please. I have to-um- change them.'

'Alright. Do you need any help with them? They can be quite a handful, 'he offered. He was shocked to hear her sputter. He knew he had a reputation for being cold and stern but they were his children and he'd learned that he liked being a hands on father, soo different from his own parents.

'N-no need for that, sir. I, um, have to go now. I'll bring them to you in a minute, 'she said hurriedly and disconnected. A sense of foreboding started in his chest but he waited. Janice had assured him that she would be able to take care of them. He could trust her. She hadn't proven him wrong in the past. Surely his children were in good hands.

- ---@@@@-----

It had been 30 minutes and his patience was starting to fray. Actually, it had frayed within 10 minutes and now, he was ready to snap. He was second-guessing his assistant. Even if the twins were being difficult, it shouldn't take that long to change them. Deciding to find out what was causing the delay, he left his office and was greeted with an empty desk. He went to the main office and was greeted with chaos.

All of his employees were on their hands and knees, looking under chairs and tables. It would have been amusing if he didn't hear them calling his children's names. Were they looking for them? What did that mean? Are they missing?

'M-Mr Halloway, 'one of the female workers cried loudly. Everyone stopped and looked at him with an arrested expression. One that morphed into guilt. All of them hurriedly stood up and rushed to their desks, contriving to look busy.

'Mr Halloway, I, um, we- I can explain, 'Janice said, running towards him. Her beautiful face was red and her dark, grey eyes were darting about, never settling on him. His sense of foreboding grew.

'Where are my children? And how long have they been missing?'he asked coldly. He knew bringing them to work had been a bad idea but there had been no one else available and he had trusted his assistant. He hadn't wanted to leave them with someone he hadn't vetted either. His blood ran cold. Did their mother take them? Surely not. She had dropped them into his arms like hot potatoes and left with no explanation 3 months ago. She'd even signed the contract stating she gave up her parental rights. Plus, the last he heard of her, she was in Paris and that was 3 hours ago. She wouldn't have had time to arrange a kidnapping in such a short time. So it definitely wasn't her. Which just left his exaggerating assistant.

'Actually, sir, it's my fault, 'one of the female workers said nervously, joining Janice. He recognised her. She was one of Janice's best friends in the office. Another women joined them. Another of Janice's friend. 'Janice had to photocopy and mail an important document and left them with me and Aubrey. That was about 2 hours ago. We have neighboring cubicles so we thought it'd be easier for us to look after them than Janice. Since, you know, two is better than one and all that.'

'That still doesn't answer the question, 'he said slowly, his anger reaching a boiling point. They didn't appear to be responsible enough to take on the care of his children. Slim and beautiful, yes. But not responsible.

'As Karen was saying, we thought it's be easier but I thought she was keeping an eye on them and she thought I was keeping an eye on them. We got absorbed with work and when we next turned to look at them, they were, um, gone, 'the other woman, Aubrey said anxiously.

'What?'he roared. The entire office jumped. He didn't care who witnessed his anger. This should serve them a lesson. 'When did you realise they were missing? Have you searched the entire office? The entire floor. How about the entire building? Did you consult with the security guards and the cameras?'

'We-we were about to but-'

'Da Da, 'two baby voices were suddenly heard, interrupting Janice. Relief coursed through him when he recognised them as his children's. Everyone turned to where they heard their voices. It seemed like they were travelling towards him but he couldn't see them because of all the cubicles and the fact that they would be crawling.

So it was a surprise when he saw that the both of them in a tall, overweight, ill-fitted, dumpy, disheveled, auburn-haired woman's arms. And they looked quite happy as well. They looked even happier when they saw him. Bouncing about in her arms, they stretched their arms towards him.

He didn't exactly snatched them away from her but he wasn't gentle either. She was fidgeting uncomfortably under the eyes of the entire office on her but withered under his penetrating glare.

'Who are you?'he demanded, his voice as frosty as ice.

'I-I'm April Saunders. I am-was here for an interview when I saw them crawling along the hallway. I, ah, picked them up after I realised they were unattended, 'she said softly, her eyes finding interest with the burgundy carpet. He shot a glare at the three women before focusing on his twins' caretaker.

'When was this?'he asked. He was curious to know how long they'd been with her and how long his twins had been alone.

'About two hours ago? Approximately? I had been trying to find their parent or nanny when they suddenly decided to take a nap about an hour and a half ago. They just woke up 15 minutes ago and had been sending me on a wild goose chase, 'she said with a smile. Jason was slightly distracted by that smile. It transformed an otherwise plain face into a pretty facsimile. The warmth in her obsidian eyes made her even more attractive. Absently, he was relieved his children hadn't been roaming alone for long before finding this woman. Suddenly, Tanner, his son, reached for her. She looked to him for permission. He hesitated but at Tanner's insistence, relented.

Tanner looked awfully comfortable with her. And he was the most fussy of the twins. His daughter, Daphne, had also looked comfortable in her arms before. His twins had had a difficult time acclimating to the changes in their lives. They'd disapproved of all the nannies and caretakers he'd hired, crying relentlessly, throwing their toys around, refusing to sleep. He was continually worried about them. He'd consulted child psychologists who, instead of helping, wanted to study them. His aunt had helped but she had her own life. He hadn't been comfortable dumping the twins on her. He'd been at his wits' end when he brought them to the office.

But it seemed that the twins didn't need him to find a nanny for them. They'd found one all on their own. He just hoped he didn't have to send her away.

April shifted in the chair uncomfortably. She hadn't known that those babies she'd taken care of was the Halloway Corporation CEO's children. None of the people she'd encountered had said anything. Hell, they hadn't even looked at her. They'd just bumped into her and walked away without a by-your-leave. Even so, she'd been carrying the twins then. Surely they'd recognised their own boss' kids?

Now she was in Jason Halloway's office. Probably to be punished for taking his children without permission. He could be thinking that she'd been trying to kidnap them. Or sell them away to the black market. He could even be calling the cops right at this moment.

Her mind didn't care that she wouldn't know anyone in the black market or, even, that she wasn't going to do that. No, it was running wild and unchecked and it didn't help that she was alone in the office. She tried to distract herself by observing the decor. The floor was all hardwood. There was a group of sofa across one end of the room, most likely leather and expensive but she didn't know the make. It was a modern design, white and uncomfortable-looking. In the middle of the room, there was a long table with a grouping of eight chairs around it, probably to hold meetings for the upper echelon of the company. And at the other end, where she was sitting and waiting, was the main desk. It was quite a large desk containing all his stationeries, work and even a few family photos.

She studied some and noticed a few of them featured Mr Halloway with quite a handsome man, blonde, grey-eyes. Not that Mr Halloway couldn't hold a candle to this man but his was a more refined handsome while the blond man had an air of savagery around him. There was another man with them. He had dark hair and very light blue eyes. Piercing eyes. Just looking at his pictures made her uncomfortable. There were some pictures where he had a light air to him and smiling widely, showing two dimples, one on each cheek. But his pictures had a progressively darker air as he grew older. His smiles grew smaller and his eyes colder. She wouldn't want to meet him in a dark alley.

Mr Halloway's chiselled features fit his heart-shaped face perfectly, his eyes, even though they had been hard on her, was a beautiful shade of olive green. His mouth though was the most sensual of his features. Even as he'd glared into her soul, her eyes hadn't been able to stay away from those lips. His thin upper lip was a perfect complement to those plumper and eminently nibble-worthy lower lip. Before she decided to that making out with the picture was a good idea, she put the frame down and stepped away.

From the resemblance in the pictures, she could tell they were related, brothers or, maybe, cousins. They seemed close, their arms around each other and some candid photos of them goofing off. She noticed one frame for the twins, though. Just one when they were probably 7 months old. Why didn't he have any photos of them from much earlier? And where was their mother?

'I'm sorry to keep you waiting, Miss Saunders, 'he said, suddenly coming into the room. April jumped slightly. It would have been good if he had announced his presence but this was his office. 'I had to retrieve your resume from the HR department. It seems like they were almost going to throw it away when you didn't show up for the interview. May I know what position you were applying for?'

'Receptionist, sir, 'she told him, shocked that he went to get her resume. Whatever for? She knew she'd blown the interview when she'd decided to go after the twins. 'May I know why, sir?'

'Why I retrieved your resume? So that I can determine your suitability as a nanny for my children, 'he told her absently, studying her resume. 'You wrote here that you've only one relevant experience and all other experience is as a waitress. Why the switch?'

'I-um-I wanted a change of pace. Frankly, I'm getting too old for it. The long hours. Unreasonable customers. Plus I've just graduated. So I wanted a job that's somewhat relevant to my qualifications, 'she told him, puzzled. Nanny to his twins?Of course not. She must have heard it wrong.

'Yes, it's listed here that you have a degree for Business Administration. So why a receptionist?'he asked, looking at her over steepled hands. She frowned.

'Excuse me but may I know exactly why you are asking me all these questions? I know it was bad of me to just pick up the twins but I do not think it warrants all these questions, 'she said softly, trying to ask for a clarification in case she hadn't heard properly.

'Ah, my apologies. It seems that I forgot to tell you the nature of our meeting here. Seeing how my children behaved with you earlier on, I would like to offer you the position of their live-in nanny. Accommodations will be provided for, as will transport and food. Your only job is to take care of the twins. My housekeeper will take care of the house, including laundry and meals. Of course, she's on her holidays for the next 2 weeks or so. So you'll have to fend for yourself then.'

'Nanny? That's not even close to relevant to my education, 'she cried, her mind unable to wrap itself around the idea. Nanny? She had only taken care of them for at most 1 hour so she didn't see how she couldn't possibly be a good nanny to them. Furthermore, she could barely take care of herself. He wanted to entrust them with her?

'Well, it's the only position I am willing to offer you, 'he said, his eyes as hard as granite. She was happy she had the wide expanse of the table between them.

'What about the receptionist role?'she asked, disappointed. She'd hoped to move up the ranks if she got the position.

'I do not like to repeat myself, 'he hissed. She flinched and used her hair as a barrier from those eyes.

'But why me as a nanny? Surely there's more qualified people, 'she said softly. His lips twisted wryly.

'Well, my children have chased away all those qualified people, leaving you. They slept with you. Do you know how difficult it took all those qualified people to achieve what you did within half an hour of meeting them? That immediately convinced me that you're suitable for the role, 'he said firmly.

'But don't you want to check my background? What if I'm some serial killer that's just good with babies? Maybe I have a fetish for them? You can't decide on this just based on 2 hours of interaction, 'she argued, ignoring her inner self who told her to just take up the position without any hassle. But these were babies they were talking about. She had little to no experience with them. She didn't want to hurt them with her lack of knowledge.

'That's why you'll be having a one month trial period. If, within that month, there is anything that I'm not satisfied with, I'll terminate your role as a nanny and offer you a different position within the company that is suitable to your qualification, 'he offered. She saw a hint of smugness in his eyes. He was soo sure she wouldn't be able to resist his offer and, damn him, he was right. She could spend more time with those adorable twins and, if it didn't work out, she'd still have a job. It was a win-win situation. 'Well, Ms Saunders?'

'I'll take up your offer, Mr Halloway. I hope we will both benefit from this arrangement, 'she said stiffly.

'Then, here is my address, Ms Saunders. Please be at my door by 7 am sharp with all your luggage. Within that month, you'd be expected to live with us. We'll discuss future accommodations after the trial period is over. Is there any more questions?'he asked softly. She shook her head, giddy that she'd secured a job and also sick with worry about her lack of knowledge with babies. 'Good. I'll see you tomorrow then. Good day.'

She didn't know what she said to him as a farewell. All she was thinking about was calling her mother up to consult with her about the care of babies. Hopefully, she won't be yelled at again.

Jason smiled in satisfaction when he heard the doorbell. There had always been a possibility that she wouldn't show up but that was a small percentage. He straightened his cuffs and went to answer the door. She looked even scruffier in her worn sweater and faded jeans when surrounded by the opulence of the hallway. Since he hadn't specified the appropriate attire, he didn't bother pointing it out. Surprisingly, she had one small suitcase with her. Weren't women always travelling with at least 3 to 5 luggage?

He let her in and proceeded to outline her various roles. 'Thank you for showing up, Ms Saunders. Let me brief you on what is expected of you. Since I've previously hired live-out nannies, I'm the person who bathes them in the morning. Their usual breakfast include milk and some baby food. You'll find that and the instructions on the fridge. After that, their activities are up to your discretion. Here are a list of approved activities, vetted by some of their earlier nannies. You may take them anywhere you want but please be back by 6. I'll try to reach the house by then but if I'm not back, please bathe and feed them. Is there any question? As I have said, my housekeeper is away for two weeks but she has prepared food for me. You are welcome to get some food as well but generally, you don't have to worry about cooking for us.'

She looked slightly overwhelmed by all that he had thrown at her but he saw her recover. 'If I have any question, may I contact you, sir? Just in case. And are there any emergency contact?'she asked, looking up at him. He felt himself drowning in those deep, dark blue eyes. Why was he soo fascinated with her eyes? Maybe because it's her most pleasant feature? But her smile was quite a contender as well. And her hair.

Luckily, a shrill scream broke him out of his reverie. He sent April a dry smile. 'My daughter. She's an early riser and is never content to let anyone sleep in. In a few moments, you'll be hearing my son as well.' And, true to his words, Tanner's cries were heard a few seconds later. 'Shall we?'

'Um, may I inquire about their mother, sir?'she asked hesitantly. Jason felt himself stiffen involuntarily. He didn't like talking about their mother. In his mind, they didn't have a mother. They just had a surrogate who decided that having children did not suit her image and then dumped them on their unsuspecting father. However, he knew he had to warn April about her. She was vindictive and might even try to take them away if she thought it might benefit her. Even when she'd signed away all her rights to them in a legally binding contract.

They paused outside the twins' nursery. The twins had settled down slightly, probably entertaining each other. She looked uncertainly up at him and he was struck with the fact that she didn't have far to look up. She must be quite tall for a woman because he was 6'5'' and she just barely reached his shoulder.

'You don't have to talk about her if you don't want to.' He knew she was willing to let it go but he didn't want her to be caught unaware.

'You are never to leave them alone with their mother. Ever. This is the one rule that you have to follow to the letter. Do not even deviate in the slightest, 'he told her. He couldn't stress the importance. She nodded in understanding but he could see she was puzzled by his dictate. 'Their mother is a public woman and if she thought that having the kids would help her, she'd do anything to have them. She's Carrie Carter.'

'The supermodel? The vain, mean one?'she asked with a gasp. Amusement filled him. He had never seen anyone call Carrie mean and vain, even if that's what she was. Usually, people are too in awe of her beauty to ever notice the black, cold heart inside. However, he saw she took the threat seriously. 'I understand and will never, ever let that woman near them.'

'Good. Now let's take care of my children.' He didn't know why he believed her, he'd never trusted any of his managers so implicitly before but he trusted that this woman, this frumpy, tall, overweight woman would guard his most prized treasures with her life. And what else could he asks for from someone taking care of the most precious people in his world?

- -----@@@@@---------

April dropped onto the sofa wearily. The twins were very active and liked to crawl into every nook and cranny they could find. Her entire morning up until their nap had been spent chasing them around the apartment, no, penthouse. And it was a big one. The decor was professionally done. When she first entered, she wondered whether she'd just entered a photo shoot shoot for this home decor magazines. It was soo nice.

There are five big bedrooms that apparently the twins had missed during their stay there. The office and kitchen were off limits. She steered them away from there when they ever tried to go in that direction. Luckily, they liked to go everywhere together so she could keep an eye on both of them. Plus they always made sure she was within sight. If she was slow, they would just stop and then continued when they saw her again.

Now that she had time to actually think, as opposed to just reacting, she wondered what they should do during the afternoon. Most of the specified activities looked dull and unlikely to capture the attention of 2 active 9-month-olds. Visit the museum, blehck. Who would ever want to do that? Actually, she would love to but not with the twins in tow.

Looking out of the window, the clear sky and big, puffy clouds entranced her and brought an idea to mind. Since the weather was still relatively warm and there was no forecast of rain, it would be a lovely day for a walk. Maybe to the office building and back? That would be a good distance for her to get some exercise and also for them to enjoy the fresh air.

Relieved that she had decided on what to do, she began to get ready for their afternoon out. Diapers and formulas are important of course. Baby wipe, a change of clothes, an extra change of clothes, emergency formulas. A thermos of hot water to make their milk. Toys to entertain themselves. Extra toys in case they get bored with the first batch of toys. Blankets in case they get cold. The pram looked full to bursting when she was done and she hoped she didn't miss anything. Hopefully, the twins wouldn't give her a hard time.

A cry was heard and that's her cue to get ready.

- ----@@@@----

An hour later, the three of them were enjoying the, relatively, fresh air. Being in the city, the air was not exactly fresh as the discharge from the vehicles and all that polluted the air. Even so, they were enjoying being out of doors. The twins were looking up at all the buildings and windows in wonder, gesturing to April excitedly, while she was just glad that they were having a peaceful outing. Sometimes, people, mostly women, would stop and remark about their cuteness. The twins would just smile up at them, showing their deep dimples before looking up at April, as if signalling the time for admiring was over. Daphne liked the attention so, most often than not, it was Tanner doing the signalling. April laughed at how disgruntled Tanner would sometimes look when they had to stop. He sure didn't like the attention.

Finally, they saw the building where Mr Halloway owned and worked. She breathed a small sigh of relief. They were halfway through their outing. The cafe further down the street should give her time to recharge and possible refresh the twins. The twins started bouncing when they saw the building, saying, 'Da Da, ' happily. She smiled down at them, revelling in their enthusiasm, when a drop of water fell on her head. Startled, she looked up and was dismayed. The once languid, puffy white clouds had turned into roiling black, angry clouds.

She started pushing the pram faster, surprising the twins with the sudden speed, and entered the only shelter in sight, Mr Halloway's building.