Page 42 of Nanny For My Brother's Best Friend

“You want me to sleep at your house?”

“It beats you driving this way. Calm a mom’s worried heart. Please?”

“Okay. Fine. I’ll stay.”

This way, I don’t have to wonder when Delilah will get home. It’s a win for me, unlike the game tonight.

I sleep well considering I’m not home in my enormous bed listening to the sounds of the country at night. My parents live in town, so it is an urban sound, but I didn’t hear too many of them.

When I wake up, the house smells like coffee and bacon. My stomach growls and I rise, pulling on a sweatshirt before making my way to the kitchen.

Lola is at the table like a queen with her juice, babbling as Mom cooks a big breakfast. When she sees me, she gasps and reaches her arms out.

“Daddy!”

“I stayed here too, bug. Grandma made me do it.”

“Forgive me for wanting to keep my son safe.”

Laughing, I look at my daughter.

“How did you sleep?”

She always rests well here, and I think it’s because Lola knows how loved she is. When she asks about Delilah again, I realize Lola feels safe around our nanny, too.

“Lola sure misses her when she’s not around. You struck gold with that girl.”

“Delilah is a great nanny. I’m sure she enjoyed the break last night and you know I love when Lola is with you guys.”

“Brynn saw her with a guy on the upper level. Was she on a date?”

Jealousy floods me and I settle Lola back into her seat to keep myself busy.

“No clue. I just know she asked you to bring Lola to the game.”

Mom watches me closely as I get some coffee.

“Need any help?”

I look at Mom as she grins.

“You want to help with breakfast? That’s new.”

“I feel bad just watching you go at it on your own. I know Lola is learning to cook, but I don’t think she’s at your level yet.”

“Is she?”

Mom looks at me with a smile.

“Age appropriate. She helps Delilah a lot.”

“That’s sweet. It’ll be fun when she can help me out.”

We eat with everyone, and it brings me back to the days of being younger and living here. I wouldn’t want to go back there, but I enjoy being reminded how outstanding my family is, especially with Lola. She needs a solid set of grandparents and that’s one thing I’ve given her.

Lola wants to play with Brynn, so I pour some more coffee and sit on the couch. There is practice later, but I’ll figure out what to do with Lola then. I’m sure Delilah will be home since my schedule is written on the calendar on the fridge.

I sent her a text before leaving to see if she’s available for Lola tonight.

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