Page 57 of Dr. Single Dad

“It’s a wonderful thing,” I say, trying to fit the pieces together in my brain. I can’t see a downside unless Eddie is lying to me about how she got the money. If she’s really won a scholarship, worst-case scenario, it doesn’t pay out and we’re back where we started. “Really wonderful. Congratulations.”

“Thanks.” I can hear her smile through the telephone. “Before long I’ll be completely financially independent from you and you can keep that hard-earned money for yourself. Maybe even get yourself a flat or something. You won’t have to live in where you work.”

Eddie and Dylan understand we are a team. Each of us knows what role we play to make the little machine of our family hum along. I’m older and able to earn money, so that’s what I do. Dylan is working and will climb the corporate ladder. He won’t have to rely on me financially forever. Eddie focuses on her studies. Each of us relies on the others to do their part.

“Living in isn’t the worst thing in the world.”

“You always say that, but I can’t imagine you don’t want your own place. You’ve always been so independent.”

Having my own flat in London is a faraway dream I only allow myself to think about every now and then. Making it a reality will require years working with some really wealthy families, and I’m not prepared to work outside the UK when Eddie and Dylan might need me. They’ve had enough disruption in their lives. We all need stability.

All good reasons not to kiss the boss.

“So how’s it going with your single dad?”

“He’s notmysingle dad.” I can’t help bristling at her words, even though I’m sure her comment was innocent enough.

“The guy you work for. Is he…hot? I need you to be working for a hot, single guy who’s going to realize how beautiful, caring and wonderful you are.”

My insides clench at the memory of all the things Dax said he liked about me last night.

“Okay,” I say. “I’m going to leave you to go back to your romance novels and change the ending so it reflects real life—the girl loses her job and is blacklisted from every nanny agency on the planet. She turns to prostitution to make ends meet, then dies alone in an alley before rats eat her toes.”

Eddie tuts. “Don’t you know? Romance novels always have a happy ending.”

I roll my eyes. “Exactly! Not like real life.”

“Good things can happen, Eira,” she says softly. “Look at my scholarship. This is a turning point for us. You never know—the solicitors might find a way to get that money back from our uncle.”

“Oh you’ve moved on to fantasy now, have you? Bored with romance?”

She laughs. “I’m hanging up so you can spend more time with your single dad. Don’t forget to wax. I love you.”

“Love you more.”

Maybe Eddie is right. Perhaps the clouds are parting and we’re in for a period of sunshine. Her scholarship buys me some breathing room. If I do get fired for kissing my boss, I won’t be destitute—at least not right away.

For better or worse, the thought just makes me wonder how soon I can kiss him again.

TWENTY-TWO

Dax

I can’t remember ever feeling so pleased to leave the hospital and get back home. Something smells absolutely delicious as I walk through the front door. What is that?

Last night changed everything. It’s like the clouds have parted and I realize how much I love my daughter. She’s no longer a duty and responsibility. The idea that I could have lost her was so horrifying that I now understand the most important job I’ll ever have is being a dad.

Work’s important. It always will be. But being with Guinevere, watching her grow, keeping her safe—it’s the best thing ever.

I can’t stop smiling. I pass the kitchen and laugh as I hear Eira singing along to the radio. Before I investigate further, I sneak into my bedroom and find Guinevere sleeping soundly.

The restlessness has gone and she looks so snuggly and sweet, I want to scoop her out of her cot and hold her close. I settle for a kiss on her head and a stroke of her cheek. I don’t want to risk waking her.

I head to the kitchen and stand, leaning on the doorjamb, watching as Eira stirs whatever’s on the hob while she sings along to some rap I’ve never heard.

I imagined her to be all about the show tunes rather than Lil Wayne.

She turns and freezes at the sight of me, her eyes going wide.

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