Page 103 of Nanny for the Doctor

I sigh again, my eyes staring off into space.

“What is it?” He lifts my chin toward him.

“Oh, just Henry. I want to tell him. I want to know he’ll be okay.”

Reed laughs, pulling me into a hug. “I know. And I was actually thinking about that.”

I try to peer up at Reed from my position. “Do you know when you want to tell him?”

“Yeah. I was thinking of tomorrow. At dinner.”

Excitement blooms in my chest. “Really?”

“Yeah. I think he’s ready.”

“Oh, Reed. That’s amazing! Thank you.”

“Nothing to thank me for, love.” Reed kisses the top of my head. “I know Henry loves you as much as I do, and he actually used to beg for a sibling when he was younger.”

“That’s perfect.” I smile, my eyes brimming with happy tears. “He’s perfect. You’re perfect. I love that kid so much. I know he’ll be an amazing big brother.”

“Me too.”

Reed chuckles, squeezing me tight before snagging the covers from under us and pulling them free. “It’s all good, Mae. I know I’ve said it before, but I’m truly excited to see what the future holds. And it’s all because of you.”

“You’re very welcome. Now, please,” I say, pulling the blanket up under my arms and closing my eyes, “let the pregnant person sleep.”

With a laugh, Reed hugs me one more time. “Sorry, sorry. Get your rest, Momma. You’ve got a human to make.”

“That I do.”

Sleep comes quick and easy after that. And as it gently pulls me into some much-needed rest, all I can think is how incredibly happy I am.

Life couldn’t get any better than this.

Chapter36

Reed

Ringing the bell, Mae, Henry, and I wait for Johnny to open up so we can get this dinner started. I’ve never been one for family get-togethers, but these nights we have with my best friend and family all in one room are quickly becoming some of my favorites.

Stevie answers the door, smiling wide as she greets us, and Mae hands her the brussels sprouts she roasted.

I can officially say that Mae has not only opened me up to being a more present father and facing my grief, but to vegetables as well.Brussels sprouts, who knew?

“Thank you!” Stevie takes a deep inhale of the steaming dish. “Oh, these smell amazing. Did you do something different?”

“I added cranberries.” Mae smiles, and we’re welcomed inside with hugs for everyone.

Henry quickly dashes to the kitchen, where he knows he’ll find Johnny, and we three adults follow behind.

Sure enough, Johnny is working on the meat, placing the thick roast onto a platter to let it rest. Henry runs up to him, inquiring about the food, and I laugh.

“Hey, bud!” Johnny pats him on the shoulder. “Yeah, this is the roast beef. It’ll be delicious. Been cooking all day. What did you guys bring?”

“Brussels sprouts. And they’re actually good!”

We all chuckle at that, and Johnny comes around the island to give Mae a big hug. I still wonder how much it would have hurt Mae if Johnny hadn’t come around, and there’s not a moment that goes by I’m not thrilled he did.

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