Chapter 111 Definitely His Daughter

Chapter 111 Definitely His Daughter
I unlocked my phone, thumb hovering as I searched for that childcare center I’d passed a hundred times, less than three blocks from Marrow Industries. Clean brick, sprawling playground, a bright blue sign that promised safety and fun. The kind of place that looked expensive, even from the road.

I tapped the phone number.

Mom folded her arms, watching me. “What are you doing?”

“Calling somewhere else,” I said, already dialing.

“Ellie, we don’t know anything about that place.”

“That’s why I’m calling.”

It rang twice before a cheerful voice answered. “Bright Beginnings Learning Academy, this is Stephanie. How may I help you?”

Already better than the last school.

“Hi, my name is Ellie Marrow. I’m calling about a preschool spot for a six-year-old.”

“Of course. Is he in kindergarten yet?”

“Not yet. He needs preschool now, but I want to know if you offer kindergarten or before-and-after school care.”

“We do offer a private kindergarten,” she replied. “And before-and-after care for district kids.”

I glanced at Mom. Her arms slowly unwound.

“Do you provide meals?”

“Breakfast, lunch, and two snacks.”

“Transportation?”

“We provide transportation to three nearby elementary schools.”

“What are your operating hours?”

“Six-thirty in the morning until six in the evening.”

Relief loosened a knot inside me. That would work. More than work, Dad and Jaxon would be minutes away. If Xavier got sick, scared, or needed someone, Jaxon could be there faster than anyone.

“Do you currently have a waiting list?”

A brief pause. “Not for his age group.”

I straightened. “How many openings do you have?”

“We currently have nine available spaces between our preschool and kindergarten classrooms.”

Nine. An idea sparked, fast and bright.

“May I speak with your director or the owner?” I asked.

“I’m the center manager.”

Perfect. I turned so Mom couldn’t read my face.

“I’m starting work at Marrow Industries this morning,” I said.

There was a pause. “The construction company?”

“Yes. My father owns the company, and several family members work there, including Xavier’s guardian.” Not technically true yet, but close enough.

“We have a lot of employees. Many have young children, and I know childcare is a recurring issue.”

Stephanie’s voice shifted, more attentive now. “I see.”

“You said you have nine open spots?”

“Yes.”

“What if I could help you fill them?”

A longer hesitation. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Marrow Industries has employees who need childcare. You have empty spaces. We’re close enough for parents to drop off their kids before work, visit at lunch if needed, and get there quickly in an emergency.”

“That’s true.”

“So what if we created an employee partnership? Anyone from Marrow Industries who enrolls a child gets a preferred rate.”

She exhaled. “We don’t usually offer corporate discounts.”

“I understand. But empty spaces aren’t earning tuition. And full classrooms could make you eligible for grants or expansion. Not to mention referrals.”

More silence. “What kind of discount are you suggesting?”

“Twenty percent.”

Mom nearly choked on her coffee. The manager gave a short laugh. “That’s significant.”

“It is. So are nine new enrollments.”

“I can’t guarantee nine families will register.”

“Neither can I. But I can guarantee we have enough employees to make it worth advertising.”

The manager considered. “How would we verify employment?”

“Our employees use company keycards. You could also ask for a pay stub or employment verification.”

She hummed, weighing the idea. “How many employees does Marrow Industries have?”

Mom mouthed, Don’t answer that.

“I don’t have the exact number,” I said. “But enough that nine spots will go quickly.”

She laughed again, warmer this time. “You’re very persuasive, Miss Marrow.”

“I’ve been told that’s a problem.”

“I can’t commit to twenty percent indefinitely.”

“That’s fair. But for the current nine openings?”

“And any that become available while the partnership is active. We could review after six months.”

“And the discount stays for anyone enrolled through the program?”

“Yes.”

I smiled. “Then we have a deal.”

Mom looked like she might pass out.

“I’ll need your father or someone authorized to approve promotional materials.”

“That won’t be a problem.” Hopefully.

“And enrollment depends on paperwork, immunizations, and an intake meeting.”

“Of course.”

“Would you like to schedule a tour?”

“I’d like to bring Xavier and his other legal guardian by shortly.”

Mom pointed at herself.

“We can fit you in at seven-forty-five,” Stephanie said.

“Perfect.”

“And Miss Marrow?”

“Yes?”

“If this works, I’d like to discuss a more formal partnership with your company.”

“I think my father would be open to that.” Mom’s eyes narrowed at me, but I smiled sweetly. “Thank you for your time.”

“You’re welcome. We’ll see you soon.”

I hung up. The kitchen went silent. I set my phone on the counter.

Mom and Xavier both stared at me. I reached for another strip of bacon. Mom slapped my hand away.

“No,” she said, eyes wide. “You do not get to negotiate a corporate childcare agreement before seven-thirty and then steal more bacon.”

I blinked. “I found him a preschool.”

“You did more than that.” She pointed at the phone. “You just offered an employee benefit for your father’s company.”

“I said he’d approve promotional materials.”

“And that he’d be open to a partnership.”

“He probably will be.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Dad likes saving money.”

“This costs money.”

“It might improve employee retention.”

She opened her mouth to object. I continued, “Parents miss work when they don’t have childcare. Reliable childcare means fewer callouts. It could help with recruitment. And morale.”

She stared, then turned to Xavier. He looked between us.

“Am I going to the dinosaur school?”

Mom shook her head. “We don’t know if they have dinosaurs.”

“They have a playground,” I offered.

His whole face lit up. “Can Jax come see me?”

“It’s near his work. Close enough he could probably visit at lunch.”

Xavier grinned, gap-toothed and real.

Mom’s face softened. “Go get your backpack. We’re leaving in ten.”

He grabbed his dinosaur book and ran from the kitchen.

Mom turned back to me. “You scared me.”

I blinked. “What?”

“You took that phone like you were going to declare war. But then you called another school, asked all the right questions, and turned nine empty spots into leverage.”

I shrugged. “It made sense.”

She kept staring. “Maybe the front desk isn’t where you should be.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means you just solved three problems before finishing one cup of coffee.”

“What three?”

She lifted fingers: “You found care for Xavier. You lowered costs for employees. And you brought a local business nine customers.”

I looked at my mug. “I didn’t think of it like that.”

“I know.” Her smile widened. “That’s the concerning part.”

I laughed. “Dad’s going to kill me, isn’t he?”

“No. He’ll pretend to be annoyed, then ask you how you did it.”

I eyed the clock... 7:32. I was supposed to start work at eight.

“Mom?”

“Yes?”

“I think I might be late on my first day.”

She grabbed her purse. “No, you won’t."

"We have a daycare tour.”

“You are not coming.”

I stared. “What?”

“You found it. I’ll handle enrollment.”

“But—”

“You need to go to work. And apparently figure out why your father put you at the front desk when you should be negotiating contracts.”

I groaned. “I haven’t even started yet.”

“Exactly.”

Xavier returned, backpack bouncing. “Ready!”

Mom took his hand, then paused to kiss my cheek. “I’m proud of you.”

Warmth bloomed in my chest. “Thanks.”

She headed for the door, then paused. “Ellie?”

“Yeah?”

“Next time you negotiate an employee benefit for Marrow Industries…” She raised an eyebrow. “Maybe call your father first.”

I grinned. “No promises.”

She shook her head, smiling. “Definitely his daughter.”