Alien Architect Needs a Nanny (Alien Nanny Agency 1)

Emilia grabbed a container of fruit from the refrigerator for the kids’ snack and they headed out through the kitchen doors.

It was the warmest part of the day, when both suns were almost aligned and approaching the horizon. Zittle-birds sang and even the droids tending the labyrinth glowed slightly in the pinkish light.

“It’s very good to enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise,” Mrs. Drayven said thoughtfully. “It’s too bad gardening isn’t the kind of thing that would interest Dyrk.”

Before Emilia could correct her, they came around the side of the house to see Dyrk was already tilling away at the grassy square they had selected for their garden.

“Oh, my,” Mrs. Drayven said.

“Dyrk, I thought you were upstairs,” Mimi yelled, running over to him.

“Just to put my backpack down,” he told her. “Then I headed out here to get started.”

“I have to get my worms, Emilia,” Mimi squeaked, running back to the house.

“Okay, but when you get inside just walk, right?” Emilia said.

“Yes, Emilia,” Mimi said.

“I just can’t get over that,” Mrs. Drayven said quietly, looking over at Dyrk. “Did you put a spell on him?”

“The garden is actually Dyrk’s pet project,” Emilia said proudly, watching the boy tilling away, turning up fresh, dark soil. “He has been keeping an azulaflower in his room. It was his mother’s. We thought it would be easier and more fun to do gardening outside.”

“Incredible,” Mrs. Drayven breathed. “This will be so good for him.”

“For all of us, I think,” Emilia agreed. “Planning the garden has been a really good way to get to know the kids. And Mr. Drayven was very generous to allow us the space and a budget for tools and supplies.”

“Oh, my son can afford it,” Mrs. Drayven said, rolling her eyes.

“I’m really glad,” Emilia said.

“And this experience is priceless,” Mrs. Drayven declared.

Just then, Mimi came sailing back to the garden, her cheeks flushed, the cell of worms clutched to her small chest.

“Oh my, what’s this?” Mrs. Drayven asked.

“Wait till you meet them!” Mimi squealed.