Page 26 of Nanny for the Bikers

“I’ll let you get to it then. Goodnight, Ayla.”

“Goodnight, Clay.”

As he leaves the room, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. My heart is racing, my mind spinning with the events ofthe evening. The flirtation with Kip, the protectiveness of Clay, the overwhelming responsibility of caring for Piper... it’s all so much to process.

But as I go back into the living room and settle onto the couch to feed Piper, feeling the warmth of her tiny body against mine, I know that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

As I cradle Piper in my arms, I can’t help but marvel at the silky softness of her hair. For a baby so young, she has an impressive amount already. My fingers gently stroke the downy wisps, and I find myself whispering to her, my voice low and soothing.

“You know, Piper, when I was a little girl, I always wanted a baby sister. Someone to play with, to share secrets with.” I pause, lost in the memory. “But life had other plans, I guess. I have an older sister who….” I trail off, not wanting to think about my complicated family dynamics. “And now, here you are. Not quite a sister, but... something special, all the same.”

Piper’s bright eyes gaze up at me, and I swear she understands every word. Her tiny hand wraps around my finger, holding tight. My heart clenches with a fierce protectiveness I’ve not known outside my mother.

A soft whine from the floor catches my attention, and I glance down to see Shadow watching us, his tail wagging tentatively. “Hey, buddy,” I murmur, patting the couch beside me. “What do you think?”

Shadow hops up, his nose twitching with curiosity as he sniffs at Piper’s blanket. I shift her slightly, allowing Shadow a closer look. “Gentle, Shadow. This is Piper.”

As if on cue, Piper lets out a delighted giggle, her arms flailing excitedly. Shadow’s ears perk up, and he leans in to nuzzlePiper’s cheek, his tail now wagging in earnest. Seems like Piper is Shadow approved too.

My heart swells with a longing for family I’ve never allowed myself to fully acknowledge before. Holding Piper close, feeling the weight of her tiny body in my arms, I realize just how deeply I’ve always yearned for this - for a family of my own, for the chance to love and nurture a child the way I never was. A family who will protect you, who will be there no matter what, with no strings attached.

It’s a bittersweet realization, tinged with the pain of my own childhood memories. But as I gaze down at Piper’s sleepy face, her eyelids fluttering as she drifts off to sleep, I make a silent promise to her and to myself.

“I’ll always be here for you, sweet girl,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. “No matter what happens, no matter where life takes us, I will love you and protect you with everything I have.”

13

AYLA

Shadow’s whine jolts me awake. My eyes snap open and I sit bolt upright on the couch, my heart racing. The room is dark, shadowy shapes looming around me. Shadow whines again, a high-pitched cry that cuts through the stillness.

Instinct takes over. I swing my legs off the couch and fumble for the lamp. Soft yellow light fills the room as I flick it on. Shadow paces by the door, his nails clicking on the hardwood.

“Okay, girl, I’m coming,” I mumble, my voice thick with sleep. I rub a hand over my face and glance at my phone on the coffee table. 4:12 AM glows on the screen. Way too early to be up, but a dog’s gotta pee when a dog’s gotta pee.

I push to my feet with a groan, my body protesting the movement after being curled on the couch for hours. Shadow’s whines grow more insistent as I pad over to the door. His fluffy black tail wags in anticipation.

“Alright, alright, hold your horses,” I chuckle as I reach for the doorknob. The metal is cool against my palm. I twist it and pull open the door, shivering as the chill pre-dawn air washesover me. Shadow darts out into the darkness like a furry bullet, dragging me with him by the leash wrapped around my wrist.

Before stepping outside, I cast a quick glance over my shoulder at Piper’s playpen nestled in the corner of the living room. The baby girl is fast asleep, her tiny chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. A wave of affection surges through me as I watch her for a moment, marveling at the innocence and peace etched on her delicate features.

Shadow tugs impatiently at the leash, pulling me from my reverie. “Okay, okay, let’s go,” I whisper, careful not to wake Piper. We step out into the yard, the door clicking softly behind us.

The inky black sky stretches overhead, stars twinkling like scattered diamonds. The crisp, early morning air nips at my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. I wrap my free arm around myself, wishing I’d grabbed a jacket. Shadow seems unfazed by the chill, his nose pressed to the ground as he sniffs out the perfect spot.

In the stillness of the night, the world feels different—tranquil and undisturbed. The usual daytime bustle is replaced by a soothing quietude, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. It’s a moment of calm, a brief respite before the chaos of another day unfolds.

I inhale deeply, the cool air filling my lungs and clearing my mind.

Shadow’s whine breaks through my thoughts, and I realize he’s finished her business. “Good boy,” I murmur, reaching down to pat his head.

As we approach the door, I reach for the handle, eager to escape the chill that’s seeped into my bones. But when I turn the knob, it doesn’t budge. Confused, I try again, jiggling it with more force. Still, the door remains stubbornly locked.

“What the...” I mutter under my breath, a cold sweat pearling on the back of my neck. This can’t be happening.

I rattle the handle again, desperation creeping into my movements. The door stays firmly shut, mocking me with its immobility. Panic rises in my throat, threatening to choke me.

“No, no, no,” I whisper, my voice trembling. “This can’t be happening.”

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