Page 6 of The Widower's Nanny

“I think it’s about time for dinner, bug.”

“Can Sugar come in the house?”

“Of course. Let’s show her the new bed. I bet she’s worn out from all the love you’ve been giving her.”

Lilly nods. “I have loved her a lot already.”

I smile. “Yes, you have.”

After getting Sugar settled into her bed in the corner of the kitchen, we go to the dining room. I glance at Laura when she comes in with three bowls of soup.

“Where’s Miss Flynn?”

“I don’t know, sir. I’ll track her down.”

Rachel comes into the dining room a few minutes later. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know I was expected at dinner.”

“Did you have other plans?”

“No, ofcourse not.” She sits down in front of the third bowl of soup. “Mmm. This looks delicious. Better than the sandwich I was going to make for myself.”

“You’ll eat dinner with us and get Lilly ready for bed, then you’ll be free for the evening.”

“Okay.”

“You can make your own breakfast. Just be here by eight. That’s when I leave for work. Laura will see that the two of you get lunch.”

“Got it.” She nods.

I busy myself with my soup and Lilly picks up the conversation.

“Rachel, guess what I named the puppy.”

“Um…hmm. Let me think. Fluffy?”

She giggles. “No.”

“Cupcake?”

“Nope, I named her Sugar!” Lilly exclaims.

“Well, that’s perfect. I love it.”

“Because she’s so sweet.”

I clear my throat. “Lilly. A little less talking and a little more eating.”

She frowns at her soup. “But I don’t like this red soup.”

“It’s tomato soup.”

“I don’t like tomato soup, either.”

I glance at Rachel, who is holding back a smile. “Eat a few bites, please. You don’t have to finish it. Then you can eat your crackers.”

Lilly eats two small bites, then pushes the bowl toward the center of the table.I guess, technically, she did what I asked.

Rachel eats a spoonful of soup. “I love red soup.”

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