Page 11 of Nanny For My Brother's Best Friend

“What is it?” All the new toys are amazing, and I frown at the device.

“It teaches her all about animals and foods. Stuff like that. The reviews on it are incredible.”

Delilah left the house likely angry with me and she bought something for Lola that she researched.

“She’s going to be ready for kindergarten tomorrow at this point.” I offer Delilah a smile and she shrugs.

“That’s the plan.”

This would be a great time to talk to Delilah about whatever happened last night. Lola is out, and I lay her down on the couch carefully. Delilah left the room, but she couldn’t have gone far.

I realize how tired I am and stretch. Sleeping was light at best last night so I decide to take Lola to her bed and get a nap in for myself.

“I’m taking your advice.” I look into the kitchen, as she isn’t there. “Huh.”

I get Lola in bed and collapse into mine, leaving the monitor on so I can hear her. Delilah’s home, but I can’t expect her to automatically listen for Lola since we didn’t talk about it.

We don’t talk about anything.

I hear sounds in the kitchen when I wake up with Lola calling my name and go to grab her from her bed.

“Lilah?” she asks with a big smile.

“She’s back and I’ll bet she’s making dinner, bug. Want to go see what’s on the menu?”

We walk to the kitchen with Lola in the lead, squealing when she sees Delilah. I smell tomato sauce and hope to hell it’s her spaghetti.

“Hey, baby girl. How was your nap?” Delilah catches her in her arms, spinning her around. “Want spaghetti for dinner?”

“Yummy!” My daughter claps in Delilah’s arms and I can’t agree more.

“That sounds great. Thanks for cooking after your busy day.”

Delilah looks at me as if she’s trying to figure out if I’m being sincere.

“Not a problem. It’s relaxing for me after any day, and this kitchen is perfect.” She smiles. “You can help me later when it’s time to make the noodles.”

Lola drops the noodles in the boiling water with Delilah beside her and then they pick some fruit to cut to go with the meal. I know Lola is smart from being a part of her life since she was born, but this is impressive. She’s great in the kitchen for her age.

“Did your mom cook with you?”

We’re setting the plates on the table after I offer to help, to Delilah’s surprise.

“Mom and Grams. I was always in the kitchen with them both since I could stand. We started slow like I’m doing with Lola, but she’s a lot like me.”

Delilah glances at the table to take stock of what she needs and returns to the kitchen to get the cup she’s using for Lola now after hearing about it online. I get my daughter to the table and settle her in before Delilah looks at me from across the table.

“Dig in.” She smiles and I watch as she gets Lola’s plate started while talking to my daughter.

When the kitchen is clean and Lola is in bed for the night, I approach Delilah where she sits on the back patio. There’s a small glass of wine beside her and she’s looking at the stars.

“We should talk about last night.” I shift on my feet, and she doesn’t look at me.

“I’d like to know if you appreciate what I do here. It’s obvious Lola is happy and thriving even, and you see that, too. Stop being so condescending.”

“I’m trying. This is hard for me to hand her off to someone else, Delilah. That’s not what I want to talk about.”

“What else is there?”

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