Page 42 of Grumpy Player

He bites into his lower lip, and he watches me, his eyes raking up and down my body.

“He told me to get married,” he says tersely. “My best option is to have a spouse.”

My jaw drops.

“Did you tell him you’re single and not dating?” I ask.

He gives me a get real look. “Obviously, but judges will always rule in favor of the child having a stable family environment.”

“Shit,” I hiss.

“Tell me about it,” he says, his blue eyes wild. “How do I find someone to marry in under a week?”

I tilt my head from side to side.

“I may have a solution,” I say. “But I need you to sit down. You’re making me nervous. Should I get you a chamomile tea?”

“Ellie, what solution do you have? I’m losing my mind here. I’m terrified of losing Syd,” he declares and his voice cracks. It makes my heart fracture just thinking about it.

“Take a seat.” I motion to the recliner. He listens. I can still see he has pain from certain movements. “You won’t lose Syd. I’ll marry you. I love Syd and I know there is nothing between us, but I’ll be your wife.”

“Were you smoking something while doing yoga?” he asks, watching me like I’m crazy.

“I don’t smoke anything,” I assure. “Seriously though, it makes sense.”

He watches me, his face is serious, and his eyes bore into me.

“Why would you do that? Do you understand what you would be committing to? It could be years that you would be tied to me,” he says.

“I love Syd. I think you’re a great dad.” I take a seat on the couch next to the recliner. I suddenly feel cold as a shiver runs through my body. I’m questioning my sanity on the one hand and thinking it makes perfect sense on the other.

“And . . .” He’s waiting for the ball to drop.

“My nana is running out of time. She told me she would have loved to see me settled and happy before she dies. She wants a wedding for me, and I want to give her that last wish. She’s always been there for me, all my life. She is the only person who has supported me with no questions asked. I’m losing her and I want to give her the peace she would feel knowing I am loved.”

“But it wouldn’t be real,” Connor says.

“We don’t need to mention that. I’ve been telling Nana how much I love Syd. She knows I’m attracted to you and want you. I could tell her that things moved fast, and this is what we want.”

“This would be a commitment, Ellie. I may need you to stay married to me for years,” Connor reminds.

“That would be fine as long as I don’t have to commit to taking care of Syd full-time. I love her with all my heart, but she is growing, and I always want to be here for her, but maybe not as her nanny.”

“That makes sense. I would never expect that of you. I know you have dreams and wants. If you’re in this with me, I don’t plan to hold you back. I just need you to understand that Syd is already attached to you.”

“I’m attached to her too,” I confess as if it isn’t obvious.

“I can tell,” he says softly. “How would this work? How are we getting married?”

“We walk down an aisle. I don’t want city hall. If this is for Nana too, then I want to make it meaningful for her.”

“Okay, but you do understand, I just told my ex I want the nanny to come for the day when she takes Syd to meet her fiancé. How exactly are you going from my nanny to my wife?”

“Maybe we shouldn’t go from nanny to wife. I should be your fiancée first,” I say. “No way would I get married within a week. We need to have an engagement to make it believable.”

“As long as we marry before Sybil marries Warren,” he says dryly. “That woman has never been able to settle down. I don’t know what’s changed or if she’s fallen in love. . .”

“Maybe she’s finally growing up and wanting to settle down and accept responsibility,” I retort, knowing Connor may not like that option if it means his custody is at risk.

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