Page 70 of Knot Just Their Nanny
Chuckling at the change of topic, I nod. “Yeah. There is still a lot to get from my place. It has to be cleared out for the renters, obviously. I’ll have to put a bunch of stuff in storage.”
She nods. “Did you get the washing in?”
I glance outside. “Yeah, folded and put away.”
“You are handy, aren’t you?”
“I cook as well.” I can’t resist the brag.
Her eyebrows go up. “Oh, that was a bad move, Henry. You just sealed your fate.”
Snorting, I glance at the clock. It’s late now, but I don’t think anyone has eaten yet. “I’ll get some soup on. I saw some tins in the cupboard earlier.”
“You’re a rockstar.”
“It’s tinned soup. I can do better given half the chance,” I snicker, giving her a look.
She giggles. “Still, saves me doing it.”
We’re both laughing as I turn to the cupboard and take out some tins. The simple domesticity of the moment isn’t lost on me. It feels natural, like we’ve been doing this for years rather than minutes. I grab a pot and get to work, finding comfort in the routine of preparing a meal.
The door opens again, and Liam walks in with Mia in his arms, looking a little frazzled but managing a smile. “She finally decided that sleep was for losers,” he says, rocking her gently.
“Hey, you.” Zara gets up to coo at the baby, and I watch them, this strange family we’re becoming. The warmth that swells in my chest is unexpected, but not unwelcome.
“Soup’s on,” I announce after a few minutes, setting bowls on the island. “Where’s Ben?”
“Sleeping on the couch. It’s been a rough day. I think the bond breaking has done him in emotionally as well as physically.”
“His bond broke?” I ask as I stir.
“Yeah. Zara’s heat was the thing that did it.”
Zara’s small gasp alerts me that she didn’t know that. I turn to her, but her eyes are locked on Liam, and his on her.
“Oh,” she murmurs and automatically reaches for Mia as she lets out a soft cry. “I’ll go and settle her in the cot.”
She flees, leaving me and Liam to stare at each other.
“Talk go okay?” Liam asks.
“I think so. One day at a time.”
“Best way.”
Nodding, I turn around and keep stirring, feeling like the soup is a metaphor for our lives.
Chapter 39
Zara
Carrying Mia upstairs as I leave the kitchen after my hesitant talk with Henry, I’m a bit overwhelmed and bewildered, but in a good way. The air feels clearer somehow like we’ve opened the windows and let the stale doubts out.
Henry’s honesty is refreshing, and his willingness to communicate gives me hope. The conversation we just had didn’t solve everything, but it’s a start – a promise of trying – and that’s what matters right now.
I can’t seem to wrap my head around being with more than one alpha. How does that work? Will there be jealousy? Liam doesn’t seem too bothered, and neither did Henry. Does that mean they don’t really care enough to be jealous? Is this all going to blow up in my face when it goes sideways?
I glance around the nursery, a sanctuary from whatever awaits on the outside.
