Page 95 of Marrying the Nanny

She woke in the same position a few hours later, about the time Storm normally stirred. She slid out of bed and texted Trystan from the bathroom, asking how Storm had fared last night.

Slept okay. Lost her shit at the warmer as usual. L just said your name and now she’s looking for you.

A moment later, he sent another.

Now he said Reid and she’s looking for him, too.

Emma wrote, Tell him to quit torturing her. She’s not a monkey in a circus.

No, but he is, Trystan replied, making her smile. A long pause, then, How’s it going there?

She sighed, really not sure, but the fact that he asked tugged at her heartstrings. These big dummies didn’t know how to talk meaningfully to each other, but they cared. She adored them for it.

It’s okay, she finally sent. We’re having breakfast with his mom. Give Storm kisses from us.

I will.

She didn’t want to shower or watch TV. Reid was still asleep. She curled in a chair to read a book on her phone, rising when his phone pinged and he didn’t move.

On my way, Miriam had written. It was barely eight, but Emma had a feeling Miriam didn’t adhere to clocks or the other strictures that bound most people.

She looked at Reid, on his stomach, bare shoulders visible above the edge of the sheet. He was sound asleep and seemed to need it.

Would he kill her if she went alone?

She decided she could come up and get him if Miriam was upset that he wasn’t with her. She took his phone into the bathroom so it wouldn’t wake him. Then she dressed and clipped up her hair, not fancy, but she would do.

When Miriam came into the dining room, Emma set down her coffee and waved.

“Where’s Reid?” Miriam seemed different. Not calmer, precisely, but not as agitated. Her face was lined with weariness and anxiety, her hair crushed on one side. Her makeup wasn’t as carefully applied as yesterday’s but neither was Emma’s.

“I didn’t wake him,” Emma admitted. “Do you mind? I’ll get him if you want me to, but you must have talked quite late?”

“We did. I took a pill and went to bed, but I woke up and couldn’t fall back asleep. They do that to me. Knock me out for a few hours, then I wake up and my mind races. He must be so angry with me.” Miriam covered her face. “Emma, I have a condition.”

“I know.” Emma urged her to lower into the chair beside her. “Reid told me that sometimes you have strong reactions. I don’t judge you for it.”

“I do.” She teared up. “I don’t mean to be awful.”

“You’re not.” Emma covered her hand.

“I was awful to you yesterday. I know that.” She looked despairingly to the window. “I don’t have many people in my corner. Just Reid and Olive. Velma, but she’s paid to be there. She’s my therapist.”

The server showed up and offered coffee. Miriam asked for herbal tea and they were given menus.

“I was going to have the buffet when we’re ready,” Emma said. It cost the earth, but seemed the most convenient.

“Oh, yes. They do a nice buffet here. Reid brings me for Mother’s Day.” Miriam glanced toward the mountains of food under the sneeze guard.

Before they rose, Emma touched her wrist again. “I won’t pretend to understand how your condition affects you, but my first husband was unfaithful so I know how that feels. You have every right to still be angry about it.”

Miriam made a tsking noise. “It’s old news. I shouldn’t keep letting it upset me.”

“But I can understand how it would feel very fresh when Wilf’s baby has become your son’s responsibility. In your shoes, I would find that difficult.”

“Yes.” Miriam nodded, tearing up again. “That’s it exactly.”

“I’m sorry we sprang this on you,” Emma said sincerely. “It’s been a very quick decision on our side. I’ve barely absorbed it myself.”

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