Page 30 of Knocking up his Nanny

CHAPTER 19

JUNE

It’s been a whirlwind of a few weeks. I moved in with my boss, who also happened to be my boyfriend, and I read five ofThe Chronicles of Narniabooks to the girls, spending hours on it together every night before bed. I basically inherited an instant family, and it has been hard to believe, and even harder to adjust.

Waking up on Sunday morning, I find myself in Spruce’s bed, with the girls cuddled up between us. Most nights, they still fall asleep with me after story time. The only difference, now, is that Spruce helps with the reading, and it saves my voice from getting too sore.

The girls are old enough to read the books on their own, of course. But they probably need the love and affection more than they need the stories. So, Spruce and I haven’t even gotten much time alone. However, he has dedicated himself to spending time with us 24/7 for a few weeks, to make up for our awkward start, and he’s doing a great job of it. He’s told me a little about how demanding his jobs can be, and I am understanding. I just wish I had alittlemore time with him, but it seems selfish.

Besides, I’m really quite happy. Waking up with this beautiful little family, I couldn’t really ask for more. I stare at them all, just filled with joy, my heart bursting at the seams. It would be greedy to nitpick about how my happiness could be a bit happier.

When Spruce wakes up, he looks over at me with a sleepy smile. “Hey June, can I ask you a weird question?”

“Sure,” I say, reaching across the girls to touch his hand.

“Would you like to get married?”

The question takes me by surprise. I’m not quite sure how to respond. “We haven’t even finishedThe Chronicles of Narnia,” I inform him, gesturing at the books.

“Well, after that, of course.”

“Mmm,” I say thoughtfully. “It’s not a terrible idea.”

“I was thinking we could go on a little honeymoon, and spend some time alone,” he suggests. “Without little ones always getting between us?”

“Oh, god, yes, definitely,” I say with gratitude. It’s like he can read my mind. “I will marry you for the cool honeymoon. And stay for the cute kids.”

“Perfect,” he tells me, kissing my hand. “I can’t wait.

“Me too,” I tell him, feeling so thankful.

* * *

Later that day,I call my mother to tell her the good news.

“Mum, I’m engaged to Bruce Springsteen.”

“Oh, honey! But he’s so old.”

“No—wait. I always say that wrong. Sorry. I mean Spruce. Spruce Wintergreen.”

“Oh, I see. That’s much better, dear. He’s only the hottest and richest man in town. And he basically owns the hospital, and so many other things. I think he will make an excellent husband for you. But there’s some sadness in his past. Have you two talked about everything that happened with his wife?”

“No, we haven’t,” I say with surprise. “Why—what happened?”

“Oh, it’s a tragic story,” my mother says. “I think it’s what caused him to become so private, and hesitant to share his name. He’s had some difficult times in the past.”

“I’ll ask him to share that with me,” I tell her. “He’s been more open and communicative lately. I’m sure it will be fine.”

“I hope so, dear.”

But I never really get the chance.

* * *

Spruce hadto take the kids out of town, and I got the house to myself today. Which means I get to do my favorite activity—sleep.

He knew it too, so he had the good judgment to make love to me before they left, to help me get better rest. After all, I’ve still been a full-time nanny, and now a full-time girlfriend, and now a mother in training. Frankly, it’s been exhausting.

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