Page 72 of Nanny for the Don

When he finally pulls back, I’m breathless, staring up at him like he just solved world peace.

“It’s alright,” he says, his voice low and soothing. “I’m thrilled about the baby.”

“Really?”

“Of course.” His eyes are soft, and for a second, everything feels perfect.

But his expression shifts. His jaw tightens, and he has a dark look in his eyes that makes my stomach flip. “What’s wrong?” I ask, instantly on edge.

He hesitates for a moment, then looks at me with a weight in his gaze. “Is there any way you can forgive me?”

Nico drops down to one knee, gently taking my hand like he’s about to propose or confess something wild. My heart’s racing, and then he starts talking.

“I’ve kept things from you, Willow. Big things. ,” he says, eyes locked on mine. “From the beginning. I wasn’t open with you about who I really am. About my lifestyle, my criminal background. I never told you the kind of danger you could be in with me.”

I blink, the weight of his words sinking in. He’s got that serious, brooding look that makes my heart skip, but I stay quiet. Let him get it all out.

“And more than that,” he continues, voice thick with guilt, “. I let you get kidnapped. You could’ve been killed.” I squeeze his hand, trying to keep him grounded, but he’s on a roll now. “On top of everything,” he says, almost spitting the words out, “I’ve been a coward.”

I frown. “A coward? Nico, you’re literally anything but a coward.”

He shakes his head, looking down like he’s ashamed. “No. I am. Because I was too scared to tell you how I really feel about you.”

My heart stutters. Oh.Oh.

“I love you, Willow,” Nico says, his voice firm, leaving no room for doubt. “I’ve known it for a while, and I’m a damn fool for not telling you sooner.”

My heart’s doing this crazy little flip, like it’s about to launch out of my chest. He loves me.He loves me.

“I didn’t plan on falling in love or having another child. But I’m damn sure of one thing—I’m ready to be the man you deserve. If you can forgive me.”

And then he just waits, looking up at me like he’s expecting his whole world to come crashing down, like I’m the only person who could break him. I realize that I may be the only person in this city who’s ever seen Nico look this vulnerable, this has me worried about what’s coming next.

I put him out of his misery and tell him, “I love you too!” I’m practically vibrating with excitement.

The relief on his face is instant, and I swear, it’s like a weight has been lifted off both of us. He pulls me into his arms, and in this moment, everything—allthe chaos, all the danger—fades away.It’s just us.

I gasp, my hands jumping to my mouth. “Oh my God, the girls. Are they okay?

Nico nods, his expression softening. “Your cousin and the twins made it home fine. Don’t worry. Jack was smart enough not to mess with them—he knew better. He wouldn’t have gotten off with just a quick end if he had.”

I raise an eyebrow at the casual way he mentions Jack’s "quick end" but decide not to dig. Probably better I don’t know the details.

Nico leans back, a smirk playing on his lips. “The twins have been waiting to hear about you. They’re eager to start Christmas shopping.”

I can’t help but laugh, imagining those two ready to tear through a mall. “Well, I’m going to need to get out of this hospital bed if we’re going to start Christmas shopping.”

He takes my hand again, his thumb brushing softly over my knuckles. “I can’t wait to make you a part of my life. For real this time.”

My heart swells. This man, this life—it’s everything I didn’t know I wanted. I lean in, and we kiss, soft and slow, like a promise.

Pulling back, I grin. “We can start by making this the best Christmas ever.”

Nico smiles, eyes full of warmth.

“Deal.”

Epilogue I

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