Page 229 of Nanny and the Beast

Helena must have overheard the conversation because she joins in, squishing me in the middle of the hug. Both of the women start crying happy tears.

If someone told me a month ago that I would be a willing participant in a group hug with two older ladies, I would ask them to stop dreaming.

The kids run toward me. Emma is behind them, picking up the tired little puppy and holding him close to her chest. The sight of the kids and my woman coming toward me makes my heart feel like it’s going to burst.

“Hi, Uncle Klaus,” James says, barreling into my knees and hugging one of my thighs.

Rosalie is more skeptical. She stands at a distance as she watches us.

“Why is everyone acting so weird?” she asks.

“You want a hug too, don’t you?” I ask.

“No,” she says.

I extend an arm toward her. She rolls her eyes but joins in on the hug. She’s sassy sometimes, but she’s still a sweetheart. Looking at my niece doesn’t hurt anymore. Yes, she still reminds me of my sisterevery time I look at her, but this little human is also her own person. She needs my adoration and unconditional love.

“I love you kids,” I say, mussing their hair.

I can feel Emma watching me.

Her smile makes everything light up inside me. I don’t remember the last time I felt thishappy. It’s so strange for me to feel this light and buoyant.

“You told them?” she guesses.

I nod. The group makes space for her. She fits like she’s the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle. She fits like the two of us were meant to share this life together.

“Tell us what?” Rosalie asks. “I want to know, too.”

Emma and I share a smile. We’ll tell the kids about the baby eventually, but not today.

“Uncle Alaric’s having a party,” I say. “And you two need to take a shower before the guests come.”

The puppy settles down for a nap,drowsy after all the playing. The kids race upstairs to their bedroom. The older ladies also retreat to their rooms.

“What’s the party for?” Emma asks.

I shrug. “You know Alaric. He likes to celebrate everything. Your friends are coming, by the way.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, they got in touch with Alaric because they were worried about you,” I say. “So he invited them over.”

“Oh, that’s so sweet of him,” Emma says.

There’s a spark in her eyes. She’s excited to see her friends.

“So it’s just a small get-together then?” she asks.

“Nothing’s ever a small get-together with Alaric,” I say. “He has a tendency to get carried away, especially when it comes to his parties.”

“What should I wear?” she asks, biting down on her bottom lip.

“You look beautiful in everything,” I say.

“You’re not being helpful, Klaus,” she says.

I grin at her. “I had a stylist put together a wardrobe for you and the children. There should be plenty of clothes for you to pick from.”

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