Page 73 of Nanny for the Don

Nico

Four days later, Christmas Eve…

We’re rushing through the shops at Columbus Circle, the girls buzzing with excitement like they’ve downed five candy canes each. It’s Christmas Eve, and Lucia and Giuliainsistedon one last shopping trip before dinner.

Four years old, and they’re already calling the shots.

Ms. M is trailing behind, trying to keep up with their energy. The woman’s got fire in her, but even she’s struggling to corral them in this crowd. Meanwhile, Willow’s beside me, looking ready to chase them herself.

“Willow,” I say firmly, cutting her off before she can even think about running after the twins. “Relax. You’re pregnant, remember? No chasing after those two.”

She shoots me a sassy look, but I hold my ground. “I’m pregnant, not fragile.”

I step in front of her again, my hand gentle but firm on her arm. “You’re not fragile, but youarecarrying our child. Let Ms. Mhandle it.”

Lucia and Giulia dart ahead, laughing as they spot a toy store, completely unaware of the chaos they’re causing. Ms. M throws me an exasperated look over her shoulder. I give her a nod. She’s got this.

Willow huffs but relents, leaning into me with a small smile. “Fine, but next time, I’m not sitting on the sidelines.”

I smirk. “We’ll see about that.”

We’re walking together, side by side, keeping an eye on the twins. The girls are in their own world, but my attention is on Willow. I glance down at her, watching for any signs that she’s pushing herself too hard.

“How are you feeling?”

“Fine,” she says, giving me a small smile. “The concussion is pretty much gone.”

“That’s not what I meant,” I say, stopping her with a look. “Not just the physical matters. What you’ve been through—it doesn’t disappear just because you can’t see the wounds.”

She pauses for a second, leaning into me. “It was scary. I’m still a little shaken up, I won’t lie. But it’s over now. Jack’s gone. And more importantly, I know you’re watching out for me.”

I wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “Always,” I tell her, my voice low but full of promise. “I’llalwayswatch out for you.”

She tilts her head up, meeting my eyes. I see the trust in their depths. No matter what’s happened, she knows I’ve got her back. That’s all that matters.

The girls’ laughter echoes around us, pulling me back to reality.

We stop in front of the toy shop, watching through the glass as Lucia and Giulia dart around, eyes lit up, already hunting for the perfect gifts for each other. I keep one eye on them, but my focus shifts to Willow.

“Are you looking forward to tonight?” I ask.

She looks up at me with that smile—the one that always knocks me off balance. “Yeah, I am. My first Christmas Eve with the girls and you as… whatever it is we are now.”

I chuckle. “Yeah, we haven’t exactly figured that part out yet, have we?”

She grins, her eyes playful. “Nope. I guess we skipped the whole formal exit interview for my nanny services.”

I give the matter a moment of thought. “Alright, how about this? Ms. M takes over with the girls for the next week or two. I’ll bring in extra help for the house. Consider the next couple of weeks your Christmas break—time to process everything.”

I watch as relief washes over her, softening her expression. “I’d like that,” she says, leaning in a little closer. I tighten my grip on her hand.

The girls come bursting out of the shop, each of them clutching something behind their backs, barely able to contain their excitement.

“Papa, Willow! We got each other presents!” Giulia announces. , eyes wide with pride.

Lucia bounces on her toes, holding hers tightly. “But we can’t show each other yet! Can you hide them, Willow?”

Willow smiles, crouching down to their level. “Of course. I’ll keep them safe.”

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