Page 27 of Nanny for the Don

The idea sends a cold spike of fear straight through my gut. My stomach clenches, and I grip the edge of the sink, feeling like the floor just dropped out from under me. I mean, it’s possible, right? Nico and I have been going at it like rabbits, and sure, I’m on the pill, but nothing’s 100%.

Oh, shit. What if I’m actually pregnant?

My mind’s racing as I think back, trying to remember if I’ve been as religious with the pill as I should’ve been. With everything going on—this job, the fling with Nico—it’s all been such a blur. I reach into my drawer and pull out my pill case, flipping it open with shaky hands.And sure enough, there it is, staring me right in the face: two pills I straight-up forgot to take, just chilling there like a couple of traitors. I was so wrapped up in everything I didn’t even notice.

I groan, running a hand through my hair. This is exactly the kind of stupid mistake I never thought I’d make. But here we are, and now I’ve got to deal with the consequences—whatever they might be.

Just then, my alarm goes off, jolting me out of my spiraling thoughts. Time to get the girls up and start the day. I shake off the panic, forcing myself to focus. There’s nothing I can do about this right now, so I need to keep it together until I can get to the pharmacy later. I rinse out my mouth, brushing my teeth like I can scrub away the anxiety, and then quickly get dressed.

As I pull on my clothes, I make a silent vow to stay cool, keep my head in the game. I’ve got a job to do, and freaking out isn’t going to help anything. Once I’ve handled my work, then I’ll figure out what the hell to do next.

I head to the girls' room to get them ready for preschool, but to my surprise, they’re already up and giggling, playing with their toys. “Well, look at you two,” I say with a grin. “Got you so well-trained, you don’t even need me to wake you up!”

“Morning, Willow!” Lucia says, an adorable grin on her face.

“Morning!” Giulia adds.

I make a mental note to stay focused today, not let my possible baby drama mess with my head. The girls deserve my full attention, and I’m not about to slack off because my brain’s doing cartwheels.

I help them into their clothes, keeping the morning routine smooth and easy, and we head downstairs together.For once, I’m actually relieved that Nico isn’t around. He’s the absolute last person I want to see right now. I need space to think.

As we reach the bottom of the stairs, I freeze. My blood runs cold at the sound of a deep, resonant voice coming from the kitchen.

“Papa!” the girls scream, tearing away from me and sprinting into the kitchen.

I follow them, my heart pounding in my chest. And there he is, casually chatting with Ms. M like it’s just another morning. My stomach flips as I watch him, trying to keep my cool even though I’m freaking out on the inside..

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves, and step into the kitchen. The girls are already wrapped around Nico’s legs, their little faces beaming up at him.

“Papa, Papa! Guess what? We woke up all by ourselves today!” Giulia chirps.

“Yeah, we’re big girls now!” Lucia adds, giggling.

Nico crouches down, ruffling their hair with a warm smile. “Well, look at that! My big girls are growing up so fast. You’re making Papa proud.”

Seeing Nico with the girls is always adorable, but today, it hits different. My mind starts spinning as I realize that I could be pregnant with a new little brother or sister for the girls, a new daughter or son for Nico. He’s such a loving dad, but the thought of telling him I might be carrying his child? That’s a whole other level of anxiety.

“Morning,” I say, trying to sound as normal as possible as I greet Nico and Ms. M.

“Morning, Willow,” Ms. M replies with a smile.

I steal a glance at Nico. His sleeves are rolled up, showing off his taut forearms. I watch the way his Adam’s apple bobs as he sips his coffee, and damn it, why does he have to be so effortlessly hot?

He catches me looking, and a sly grin spreads across his face, like he knows exactly what’s on my mind. I look away too quickly.

Nico glances at his fancy-ass watch, the kind that probably costs more than my entire wardrobe. “I’ve got to get moving,” he says, sounding all businesslike. But then he pauses, his brow furrowing for a moment as if he’s just remembered something. “Wait, today’s the girls’ pediatrician appointment, right?”

The girls groan in unison, clearly not thrilled about it.

Ms. M steps in with her usual calm. “Come on, now. Dr. Rodriguez is very nice, and she’s just going to make sure you’re in tip-top shape. It won’t take long.”

The girls give in, though not without a bit of pouting.

Nico turns to Ms. M. “You’re taking them?”

Ms. M nods. “It’s easier with the paperwork and everything if I handle it. I can pick them up after lunch at school.”

Nico gives a small nod of approval. “Makes sense. Willow, we talked about you taking the afternoon off, correct?”

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