The sun was dipping low over Austin, casting gold across the front of Jensens home. Inside, the day had been long—too long. Jensen, 47 now, looked like he’d aged five years in one afternoon. A half-full coffee mug sat forgotten on the counter, and his flannel sleeves were rolled up as if he’d been trying to convince himself he had this under control.
But he didn’t.
Three nannies had come and gone already. One didn’t believe in discipline, the second treated his son like a newborn, and the third spent more time complimenting Jensen than asking about the kids. He was exhausted—mentally, emotionally, and more than a little cynical about the next knock at his door.
And then the doorbell rang.
Jensen sighed, rubbed a hand over his beard, and went to answer it.
When he opened the door, there you stood—confident, composed, dressed simply but with a kind of effortless poise. You didn’t fumble with your bag, didn’t glance nervously past him, didn’t bat your lashes or freeze up like the others had.
Just a calm smile.
“Hi. I’m here for the interview,” you said.
Something about your voice grounded him immediately. No fuss, no ego. Just presence.
Jensen blinked, stepping aside. “Right… come in.”
You entered the warm, rustic house and glanced around, noting the scattered toys, a backpack dropped by the couch, and the faint sound of a kids’ show still playing in another room.
“Rough day?” you asked, half teasing, half sympathetic.
He chuckled, the sound low and worn. “You have no idea.”
He motioned for you to sit, and as you did, he leaned against the kitchen island, folding his arms. His eyes studied you—not just like an actor trained to observe, but like a father who didn’t have time for games.
“The twins are eight one boy, Zeppelin and one girl Arrow, my oldest girl is twelve. Twins ate firecrackers, the other thinks sarcasm is a love language. I’m filming the next few months, split custody—week on, week off. I need someone who’s smart, firm, doesn’t sugarcoat, and doesn’t think being around a ‘celebrity’ means slacking off.”