Page 101 of Nanny for the Firefighter

There’s a pause, and I watch Mason’s brows rise as he juts his chin forward.

“Hello?” He waits again, but still nothing. “Huh.”

When he looks at his screen, the corners of his mouth turn down as he shrugs. “Unknown number, and no one was there. Probably spam. Telemarketers these days are getting sloppy.”

He smirks, slipping into the seat and tossing his phone down in the center console. I can’t relax, though.

Mason starts the truck up, and we take off back to his place. Still, tension hangs around me, and I can’t stop staring at the phone.

Dead air from an unknown number is familiar, and I don’t like what that could mean. Especially because the call wasn’t on my phone.

It was on Mason’s.

THIRTY-ONE

Bridget

Mason is at the office again today, putting in some extra time, and I’ve finally gotten Mia down for a nap. I love that little girl, but damn, she can be such a handful at nap time.

“Stalling could be that girl’s Olympic sport. Whoo,” I sigh, plopping down on the couch, more than a little tired.

As I kick my feet up onto the coffee table, strongly considering a nap of my own since the monitor is on, my phone rings, and I stiffen.

But when I glance at my phone, I can see Meredith’s number flash on the screen over the view of Mia’s room.

“Oh.” I sit up, answering the call with a smile. “Well, hey. I wasn’t expecting a call from you.”

“No, no. I just wanted to say hi. It’s been a bit since we had a good chat, and I actually have a second without Juniper running me ragged.”

I laugh, leaning back onto the couch. “Ha, funny you should mention that. I just got Mia down for a nap. That girl has some stamina.”

Meredith laughs along with me. “Right! I swear these kids get their energy by stealing it from us. But anyway, I was calling tosee what’s up. Hudson told me about the Mason situation, so…details!”

I have to laugh. I’m not surprised Meredith wants the tea, and it’s kind of nice to be able to gush about him to another woman.

“It’s going well. He’s…I love it, Meredith. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy. I love getting to be here for Mia, to spend time with all three of us as a family. It feels so blissfully…normal.”

“Aww, babe,” Meredith croons. “That’s amazing. I’m so happy for you. I know you went through it with your ex. You deserve some damn normalcy and happiness.”

Another laugh bubbles out, but I can’t help the pinch in my chest at the mention of Jai. I wonder if that’ll ever go away, but I doubt it.

“Thanks. I…I know I’m not her mom. And I would never want to replace her, but I’m really glad I can be here for Mia like this. I love that little girl like she was my own, and…I think Mason understands how much it means to me that I get to fulfill this role for her.”

“Bridget, that’s amazing. God, I really am so happy for you.” I can practically hear the way she puts her hand on her chest through the phone. “How’s your mom?”

I sit up, readjusting against the sofa arm and smiling like an idiot.

“She’s doing so much better! She’s getting stronger by the day and doesn’t need as much help anymore. I swear, it’s like my luck is actually changing.”

“Well, hey! That’s amazing. And, if you’ve got more free time, we should set up a playdate for the kids. I know that they had a blast the last time Juniper, Mia, and Daisy were all together.”

I remember Mason telling me how hard it was to get Mia back from Xaden’s, and I smile. “We totally should. I’m sure theguys would like an excuse to hang out and just watch a game together or something.”

“That’s a great idea. I’m sure there’s something like that coming up. I’ll ask Hudson when he’s available. We can talk about anything but sports while they watch and the kiddos play.”

With a laugh, I stand up from the couch. I’ve never been able to stick to one place while I’m on the phone, so I wind up wandering over to the kitchen and leaning against the island.

“Perfect. I’ll check with Mason, and we can?—”

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