Page 119 of Nanny for the Firefighter

That’s impossible right now, though. The alarm is set, and Mason is there next to me, waking up thanks to me jostling the bed.

“Bridget?”

Mason’s voice is scratchy with sleep, and he sits up groggily, rubbing his eyes.

“I just…I thought I heard something. I’m sorry. Umm…”

I hold his sleepy stare, part of me wanting to just forget what I’m about to ask and let it go.

But I can’t.

“The alarm is set, right? I just want to be sure that?—”

“It’s set, babe. I promise. Here.” Mason leans over to the nightstand and snags his phone, switching from the baby monitor app to the security one. “See.”

I look down and notice the green symbol of the successfully armed security system, relaxing slightly.

“Thank you. I’m…I’m sorry.”

Mason pulls me into his arms, returning his phone, and I snuggle into him, needing that connection.

“It’s okay. And look, I need to go into the office for one thing tomorrow, but then I’m working from home. Just keep the alarm on and the doors locked. Don’t open up for anything, okay?”

I nod, trying to remind myself that Mason has work. He is trying his hardest to drop everything and be here for me. I can stand a single hour in the house alone.

“Yeah. I’ll keep Mia inside, and we’ll just camp out in the living room. Just…hurry back from work, yeah?”

“Of course, Bridget. I will.”

He squeezes me, kissing the top of my head, and we try to get back to sleep. I’m not sure how much I’ll actually get tonight, however.

Something feels off—deep in my bones—and it’s like waiting for the other shoe to drop.

THIRTY-SEVEN

Bridget

It’s been about thirty minutes since Mason left to stop by the office quickly, and nothing has happened. I’ve been in the living room playing with Mia just like I said I would be.

It’s been quiet, all things considered, and she’s happy to have a tea party and do some puzzles.

My nerves won’t settle, though. I’ve been on edge since that moment last night, and I wasnotable to get back to sleep for long.

So exhaustion is the name of the game today.

“Bridgey!”

I turn around from where I’m leaning on the counter, checking my phone for the umpteenth time. Mia walks over from the living room, grabbing my hand and walking me to the pantry.

“Snack.”

I chuckle. “Haha, okay, hun. Let’s get you a snack.”

Opening up the pantry, I realize that we have slim pickings right now. Thankfully, Mia adores pretzels and fruit snacks, which we still have some of.

I dish her up a bowl of pretzels and open the pouch of fruit snacks for her so that she can enjoy them in the living room.

“Here you go, sweetie. You want some Tru?”

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