Page 74 of Nanny for the Don

Both girls eagerly hand over their carefully chosen gifts, trusting her without hesitation. She tucks them into her purse with a smile, and I watch the way she fits into this moment so naturally. It’s like she’s always been here, a part of this family.

“Alright, girls,” I say, drawing their attention. “Ready to head home for Christmas Eve dinner?”

They both nod, eyes gleaming with excitement as they race toward the car. We all pile in, the driver pulling away, the city lights flashing past as the girls chatter nonstop about tomorrow—what Santa might bring, what they want to do first thing in the morning. Ms. M chimes in, trying to keep them from getting too hyper, but I can see she’s losing that battle.

As I listen to their voices, my phone buzzes. I glance down at the screen.

Sal:The Rossis are keen to meet after Christmas. They’re ready to discuss terms for a formal peace treaty.

I read it over twice, a sense of satisfaction settling in.We’d been on the brink of war not long ago, but now we’re about to seal the deal and make sure it doesn’t happen.

We pull up to the townhouse, and the place is lit up like a damn Christmas card. The lights, the wreaths, the trees—it’s all decked out, festive as hell. I can’t help but smile. This is what Willow’s brought to my life—warmth, life, a real home. She’s made this place feel like more than just walls and security.

The girls pile out, racing inside, and we follow. The chef is in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on the Christmas feast.Roasted prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a pear and walnut salad. Dessert? A classic—chocolate Yule log with whipped cream.

The girls and Ms. M head into the den to finish wrapping the last of the presents. I watch them go, but Willow hangs back, lingering near me with a mischievous look in her eyes.

“I’ve been meaning to check out what you’ve been doing with the gym downstairs,” she says, her voice low and teasing.

I grin, stepping closer, lowering my voice to match hers. “You can unwrap that present in the morning.”

She winks, not missing a beat. “I’ve got something in mind you can unwraptonight.”

I smirk, reaching out to give her a playful squeeze on her ass. She gasps, but I can tell by the way her lips curl into a smile that she loves it.

“Careful,” I murmur, leaning in close. “Or I’ll unwrap it right now.”

Her laughter fills the air, and damn if it doesn’t make me want her even more.

Dinner’s perfect. Once we’re done, the girls rush into the den, begging to watch a Christmas movie.

We settle onHome Alone—classic enough to keep everyone entertained, including Ms. M, who’s already into it.

The girls do their best to stay awake, determined to catch Santa in the act, but it’s no use. Within minutes after the movie’s over, they’re curled up in front of the fire, out cold, their tiny snores mixing with the crackling flames.

I scoop up both Lucia and Giulia, one in each arm, carrying them up to their room. Willow’s right there beside me, helping me tuck them in under their cozy blankets. The warmth of the moment settles between us as we watch them sleep, their little faces peaceful.

“They're perfect,” Willow whispers, leaning into me. “I’m so happy they’re in my life.”

I don’t say it, but the thought hits me hard. She’s the right woman to be their new mother, to stand by my side.

As we quietly leave the room, Ms. M catches us at the door. She gives us a knowing look, waving her hand. “Go on, you two. I’ll take the monitor and stay in the guest room tonight.”

“Thank you, Olivia.”

We make our way back down to the den, where the fire's still burning low, casting the room in a warm glow.

Willow grins, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Time for a little holiday cheer."

In a heartbeat, I pull her close, pressing my lips to hers. The kiss is deep, intense, like we’re making up for all the moments we’ve held back. Her hands are in my hair, and I’ve got my arms wrapped around her, pulling her tight against me.

I pause, just for a second, breaking the kiss. "I love you," I say, my voice low, serious. "And I’ll do anything for you."

Her face softens, and I catch the glisten of tears in her eyes. She smiles, the kind of smile that tells me she feels it just as much as I do. "I love you too," she whispers, before pulling me back in.

Before long, we’re on the floor in front of the fire, our hands working quickly to slip each other out of our clothes. The heat between us has nothing to do with the flames burning nearby—it’s all us, wrapped up in each other, lost in the moment.

I strip her bare, taking my time, and when I finally sit up to take her in, I can't help but grin. Her skin practically glows, that subtle shift happening already, even though she’s only six weeks pregnant. It’s like she’s got this new light about her, and I feel this surge of pride knowing she’s carrying our future inside her.

---