Page 44 of Military Daddies' Nanny

When we reach the school, we join the cluster of other parents waiting to pick up their budding scientists.

As I put the car in park, Nancy leans over to press a swift, heated kiss to my lips. "For the record," she murmurs, “I have some ideas that I think you’ll appreciate when there’s time to show you.”

And with that tantalizing thought seared into my brain, she winks and hops out to go collect Jason, leaving me slack-jawed in the driver's seat. I shake my head, torn between exasperation and amusement.What have I gotten myself into with this woman?

But as I watch Nancy envelop Jason in a hug, and listen with rapt attention as he chatters about his day, I know the answer. Something wonderful. Something I never want to let go of.

I may not know exactly what the future holds for our unconventional family, but for the first time in my life, I'm not afraid to find out.

Chapter 16

Nancy

The auditorium buzzes with pre-show energy as we file into our seats. Our little group is comprised of Drew, Nathan, Carlos, Jason, and me.

On stage, the curtain remains drawn, but I can picture the scene behind it: a flurry of last-minute costume adjustments, forgotten lines being frantically memorized, stage fright manifesting in jittery hands and queasy stomachs.

"I hope Bella's okay back there," Drew murmurs, craning his neck as though he might be able to see through the heavy velvet to find his daughter. "She was so nervous this morning."

I lay a reassuring hand on his arm. "She'll be great. You know how prepared she is. She and Megan have been running through lines for weeks because she was helping her practice."

He nods, but I can see the tension in the set of his jaw hasn't eased. It's moments like these when the resemblance between Drew and Bella is most apparent. They share the same tendency to furrow their brows and the same instinct to shoulder responsibility even when it isn't theirs to bear.

"I still can't believe Megan broke her leg a week before opening night," Nathan remarks, shaking his head. "Talk about rotten timing."

Carlos snorts. "Nah man, it's the theater curse. You're not supposed to say the name of the Scottish play, remember?"

“It’s a good thing Bella is able to take her place, although she’s very nervous.” Nathan sighs. “Poor Megan, she must hate having to sit this one out.”

As the boys debate the merits of various superstitions, I find my own thoughts drifting backstage. I'd stopped by Bella's dressing room on our way in, watching her pace in the tiny space as she muttered Shakespeare under her breath. The fear in her eyes when she looked up and saw me had been palpable.

"What if I forget everything?" she'd whispered. "What if I let everyone down?"

I'd crossed to her then, gripping her shoulders gently. "Bella, honey, listen to me. You know this. You've got the talent and you've been practicing. All you have to do now is trust yourself."

She'd taken a deep, shuddering breath. "You really think I can do it?"

"I know you can," I told her firmly. "And no matter what happens out there tonight, you have a whole crew of people in that audience who are going to be ridiculously proud of you, okay?"

Now, as the house lights dim and a hush falls over the crowd, I send up a silent wish.Please, let her feel pride in herself.

The curtain rises on a street in Verona, and for the next two hours, we're transported. Bella, it turns out, needn't have worried. From the moment she steps onstage as Juliet, she commands attention.

Her delivery is flawless, each immortal line imbued with the perfect mixture of innocence and passion. But more than that,she makes the character her own. This isn't just Shakespeare's Juliet—it's Bella's.

Beside me, I hear Drew's sharp intake of breath during the balcony scene. I glance over to see his eyes shining, one hand pressed to his mouth. Impulsively, I reach for him, twining our fingers together. He squeezes back, a wordless thank you.

When the final tragic tableau fades to black, the audience erupts. As Bella takes her bow, beaming and slightly breathless, the roar of applause swells. Drew and the boys are on their feet instantly, whistling and cheering. Jason's small voice pipes up over the din. "That's my sister!That’s my sister!"

I laugh, brushing at the tears that have somehow materialized on my cheeks. My heart feels so full it might burst.

After what feels like an eternity of curtain calls, we make our way to the backstage area to collect our star. Bella spots us before we see her, and suddenly she's hurtling through the crowd and launching herself into my arms.

"I did it!" she cries, and I can feel her trembling with leftover adrenaline. "Nancy, did you see? I didn't mess up once!"

I hug her fiercely, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "You were magnificent, sweetheart. Absolutely incredible."

She pulls back just far enough to meet my eyes, and the naked emotion I see there takes my breath away. "I couldn't have done it without you," she says. "I'm so glad you came into our lives. I...I love you."

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