I Caught My Kids’ Babysitter Coming Out of the Shower While My Husband Was Home, What I Discovered the Next Day Changed Everything—STORY OF THE DAY

Bethany’s expression remained contrite. “I understand. It’s just… I was sticky, covered in milk. Julian said it was fine. I thought you wouldn’t mind, especially since I was about to head home once the kids woke up. I apologize, truly.”

Hope swallowed an onslaught of retorts. She was about to press further when footsteps sounded from the hallway behind her. She whirled around, seeing Julian approach. He wore casual clothes, looking every bit as if he’d been off work for hours. That alone confused her—he was typically out until at least 5:45 or 6. “You’re home early,” she muttered, crossing her arms. “Mind explaining why you let Bethany use our shower?”

He raised his hands, a slight defensive posture. “Hey, slow down. Tessa soaked Bethany’s shirt with a whole glass of chocolate milk. She was sticky from shoulders to waist. It was my call to let her rinse off—she was miserable. The kids were already down for nap, so I could keep an eye on them. No harm done.”

Hope inhaled deeply, her chest tight. “We have a caretaker paid to watch the kids. She’s not supposed to take showers like she’s at a spa.” She shot an exasperated look at Bethany, who hovered in the background, hair dripping and cheeks burning from embarrassment.

Julian shrugged. “It’s just basic courtesy, right? She was a sticky mess. I’d do it for anyone. We didn’t expect you back so soon.”

The caretaker, clutching the towel, quietly slipped out into the hallway to get her clothes. Meanwhile, a swirl of suspicion flickered in the back of Hope’s mind. Her husband’s calm acceptance of Bethany in the shower gave her pause. He’d never been so… free-spirited about boundaries. Usually, he stuck to rules. Something about his easy manner made her uneasy.