Page 12 of Night of the Living Manny
Susanna is due in 5 but all is well. She called the house phone.
Cool.That’s what he needed to hear. All was well.
See you soon.
He couldn’t wait to hear what Susanna thought about her new nanny. He would bet it was, if not profane, at best bitchy.
Liam finished up the report he’d been working on and then set the model scenario to run overnight. That way he could have the results before any meeting the brass called. Because theywouldcall everyone to an excruciating meeting where Liam would once again tell them no.
Fuckers.
He shook his head. Time to go, before he grabbed more supervisors and started growling.
He had hungry kiddos waiting for him at home.
At least he had hungry kiddos with supervision, he supposed. Tacos ahoy! He did love tacos and queso and chips.
He headed to the parking lot, frowning at the light under Greg’s office door. He knocked. “Greg? You working late?”
There was no answer, not even a shifting in the light in the window. Bizarre. He knocked again softly. “Greg?”
He jiggled the door handle, but it was locked. Greg must have just left the light on when he headed out. Either that or he was taking a break. Hell, he could be in the head. Liam grabbed a sticky note from Stephanie’s cubby so he could scribble a note.Get some rest.
Tomorrow was too damn soon.
BRENDENstared at Brittany, who stuck out her chin and crossed her arms. “Daddy’s here. I want him to put me to bed!”
“You have to get used to me doing it, hon.” He kept his demeanor calm and even, because she was trying to get a rise out of him.
“You didn’t let me feed Moose!” Lord, look at that bottom lip pooch out. She was a wee bit obsessed with Moose.
“Your dad was home, and you were having tacos. I didn’t think you would mind a night off. Why don’t you read Moose a bedtime story?”
She narrowed her eyes. “He likes it?”
“He does.” One of his kids a year back had needed extra help with reading, and Moose now had his certification as a library dog. “You do that, and I’ll be back to tuck you in.”
“What does he like? Does he like chapter books?”
“He lovesHank the Cowdog, but that might be a bit young for you. Do you have something you’re reading right now?”
“I’m readingFancy Nancy. She makes me laugh.”
“I like her! I bet Moose does too.” Thank God. Once all the kids had heard Liam was coming home, they’d dug in their heels and become mini jerks. Brenden’s feet hurt, and he wanted a glass of wine. Badly.
Susanna was pouting in her room, Pete was moaning over his homework, and Brittany was… reading to Moose.
He left to go splash some water on his face, holding down a hand to signal Moose when he left. When he returned, he was surprised to see Liam in Brittany’s room, listening to the last page of the book.
“You have gotten so good at reading, Britt. I’m so proud.”
“Thank you, Daddy.” Now she looked delighted and sleepy. Hallelujah. “Look, Brenden! Daddy came to tuck me in.”
“I see that. Moose, say good night.”
Moose unfolded off Brittany’s bed and woofled in her face before heading out. “We’ll just be downstairs, huh?”
“I’ll be right down.” Liam kissed the top of Brittany’s head. “Get some rest.”
