Page 5 of Knot Just Their Nanny
“Thanks, Zara,” Henry says without much fanfare, grabbing a half without looking away from the action.
Liam, on the other hand, breaks his gaze from the TV and gives me a smile that’s got more charm than should be legal. “You’re a lifesaver. I was about to eat the sofa cushions,” he jokes, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” I reply. “Think of the blockage.”
He blinks.
I blink.
And then my cheeks feel like I stuffed my head into an oven.
Liam bursts out laughing, and I cringe inwardly. “Oh, fuck. You’re quick, princess,” he snorts as even Henry breaks away from the action to snicker. Benjamin, on the other hand, sinks further into his armchair with a dark look, stuffing his sandwich into his mouth.
“Enjoy,” I mutter, before heading back to the kitchen.
“Don’t call her that again,” I hear Benjamin snap at Liam.
I narrow my eyes and feel somewhat delighted that the gruff alpha defended my honour. Not that I minded, or I’d have said so myself. I’m not shy in coming forward—not anymore, not after Eddie.
I leave the lads to their game, the shouting from the TV already a dull roar in the background as I make my way upstairs and to my new bedroom. The scent of fresh paint and a faint tangof polish from the furniture gives the room that ‘just-moved-in’ vibe.
Unpacking, I start with the clothes, folding and organising them into the chest of drawers and wardrobe. It feels nice, this simple act of putting my things away, like I’m stitching myself into the fabric of this place. Each folded sweater, each neatly arranged sock drawer—it’s like planting a flag, declaring a bit of this space mine.
With every piece of clothing I put away, the room starts to feel less like a guest room and more like mine. It’s a comforting process, finding homes for my books, my sketchpad, and the handful of framed photos I’ve brought with me. I line them up on the dresser, a smiling picture of my parents waving from between two potted succulents days before they died in a car crash.
I hope they would be happy about this move. I know they would be glad for me to get away from Eddie. Although now that I think about it, that relationship was a crutch for losing them. He found me raw and vulnerable, and he manipulated me before trying to destroy me.
“Asshole,” I mutter, but shake my head to forget about him again.
I glance over at the baby monitor perched on the bedside cabinet. The screen shows little Mia, peaceful in her crib, chest rising and falling in the steady rhythm of sleep. Just seeing her there, safe and sound, eases the tension in my shoulders from her father’s brusque and less-than-welcoming attitude.
I finish with the unpacking, only having my toiletries to organise, and step back to survey my handiwork. It’s the kind of routine I’ve always found solace in—everything in its right place, a spot for every little thing.
Stuffing the suitcase into the top of the wardrobe, I start dismantling the boxes, hoping I’m not going to need themanytime soon if Benjamin changes his mind about me being here.
The baby monitor emits a soft crackle before the sound of stirring comes through. I’m on my feet in an instant, crossing to the nursery next door. Mia’s awake, her little arms flailing, legs kicking at the blanket she is trying to get rid of. I scoop her up, and she coos, eyes blinking up at me.
“Hey there, munchkin,” I murmur as I lay her down to change her nappy. Mia gurgles and kicks her legs, seemingly happy with the attention. I glance around and notice how Benjamin has laid out everything Mia needs within easy reach: nappies, wipes, and a stack of clean onesies on the changing table. Running down the side of the room is all the bottle-making stuff, and I’m glad to see he has one of those prep machines that gives you a ready-to-drink bottle in seconds.
Massive time saver.
“Your daddy’s pretty great, really, isn’t he,” I tell Mia, even though she’s more interested in trying to stuff her hand in her mouth than what I’m saying. But it’s true—Benjamin’s done well here. He’s trying his best to be everything his daughter needs, and that’s all anyone can do. I soften slightly towards the cantankerous alpha. It would’ve been worse if he couldn’t wait for me to get here so he could take off, leaving me to take care of his daughter for him. So, I have to respect that.
Once Mia’s all fresh and happy, I place her back in the crib to make up a fresh bottle, then I scoop her back up and cradle her close, settling into the armchair by the crib. She nestles against me, ready for her feed, and I feel a sense of contentment wash over me. This isn’t just a job; it’s my calling. I’m ready to dive in, to give it my all. After all, this little girl in my arms and the man doing his best for her, are worth it.
As Mia starts to suckle, I take in the nursery. It’s a dream, with pastel hues and soft toys scattered around like clouds on asummer day. There’s a sense of calm that I haven’t felt in a long time.
I glance down at Mia, her tiny hand gripping my finger like she’s holding onto the world. Her eyes flutter closed, the rhythm of her feeding steady and soothing. For a brief moment, it’s just us, and the rest of the world fades away.
Benjamin has done more than create an oasis; he has made a safe harbour for his daughter, a place where she can grow, laugh, and be loved.
“It looks like we’re going to get along just fine,” I murmur, and even though Mia can’t understand me, I feel like she agrees, which might go a long way toward getting Benjamin to warm up to me, too.
Chapter 4
Benjamin
The front door clicks shut, leaving silence to settle over the house as Henry and Liam leave. I’m agitated and frustrated, and being away from Mia for so long, even though she is right here, has left me feeling empty inside. I push open the nursery door, my movements quiet, not wanting to disturb her.
