Page 42 of Military Daddies' Nanny

Something loosens in my chest then, a knot of guilt I've been carrying for so long I'd almost forgotten it was there. "Thank you," I murmur. "For listening. For...seeing me."

"Always," she replies simply. And I believe her.

We finish our meal talking of lighter things—Jason's upcoming science fair project, the truly horrific movie Carlos made us all watch last weekend. But there's a new undercurrent between us, born of shared vulnerability.

As we head back to my car, I'm struck by a sudden swell of emotion. I reach for Nancy's hand, lacing our fingers together. She glances up at me, a question in her eyes.

"I'm just...really glad you're here," I tell her. "That you're part of our family now."

Her steps falter slightly, surprise flickering across her features. "Nathan, I...I don't know what to say. You guys have been so welcoming, but I guess I wasn't sure..."

I stop, turning to face her fully. "Nancy. You belong with us. Maybe it's unconventional, this...whatever we want to call it. But you fit. Like the missing piece we didn't even know we needed."

She searches my face for a long moment, then a slow smile spreads across her lips. "You're right. I do feel like I belong here. With all of you."

"Good," I murmur, tucking a windblown curl behind her ear. "Because I don't think any of us are letting you go now."

We're so close I can see the flecks of gold in her irises and count each of her eyelashes. My gaze drops to her mouth and I know she sees my intention a split second before I lean in.

The kiss is soft and reverent. It’s a reaffirmation of everything that's been said and left unsaid. When we part, Nancy's eyes are shining. "I’m right here," she whispers. "You know that, right?"

My heart swells, threatening to burst right out of my ribcage. "Yeah. I do. I’m here too."

And in that moment, with the afternoon sun warm on our faces and the woman I adore in my arms, I feel something settle deep in my soul.

For the first time in longer than I can remember, I am whole. As whole as I could hope to be after seeing the things that veterans see while on tour, in any case. But, heavens, it’s enough.

We climb back into the car, and I can't help but marvel at how natural it feels–Nancy in the passenger seat beside me, her fingers still interlaced with mine over the center console. The air between us hums with a new energy, equal parts exhilarating and comforting.

"So," Nancy says as I pull out onto the main road, a teasing lilt to her voice. "Does this mean I get to start calling you my boyfriend?"

I let out a surprised laugh. "I think we might be a little past conventional labels at this point, don't you? I mean, considering..."

"Considering I'm dating you, your brother, and your best friend simultaneously?" She grins, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Yeah, I suppose 'boyfriend' doesn't quite cover it."

"You know, I've been thinking about that," I muse, thumb absently stroking the back of her hand. "Maybe we need to come up with our own vocabulary. I kind of like the sound of 'quadruple'."

Nancy's brow furrows adorably. "As in...?"

"Well, you've got couples, right? And triads. So logically, a relationship between four people would be a quadruple."

She considers this for a moment, then nods decisively. "I like it. Has a nice, science-y ring to it. Very you."

We both dissolve into laughter then. The ridiculousness of trying to define whatever this beautiful, chaotic thing between the four of us is finally hitting home.

And yet...there's freedom in the absurdity. A sense that we're forging our own path here, making the rules up as we go.

"Can I ask you something?" Nancy says after our giggles have subsided. There's a more serious note to her tone now that has me glancing over.

"Of course. Anything."

She bites her lower lip, seeming to choose her words carefully. "This arrangement we have...I know it's unconventional. And honestly, I never pictured myself in this kind of situation. But being with you, and Drew, and Carlos—it just feels right, you know?"

I nod, a smile tugging at my lips. "I do know. Believe me."

"But I guess I'm wondering...does it ever bother you? Sharing me with them? I mean, you're all so close, I know, but still. I wouldn't blame you if there was some jealousy there."

It's a fair question, and it’s one I've grappled with myself over the past weeks. I take a moment to really examine my feelings before answering.

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