Page 111 of Nanny for the Doctor

Johnny comes up behind Henry, ruffling his hair as they all come over. Henry immediately plops down next to the girls, helping them reach the rings and pushing all the buttons on the turtle at once.

The toy blares loudly, and I’m seriously considering taking the batteries out of it, but then Grace laughs, and I positively melt.

“How’d the match go, dear?” I look at my exhausted partner, and Reed smiles through his heavy breaths.

“Henry is way too fast. I’m not made for this anymore.”

Reed walks over, leaning down to plant a warm kiss on my lips, and I giggle through it as he lingers just a moment longer than expected.

“I think you’re doing quite well, Dr. Finnigan. And isn’t physical exercise good for you?” I cock a brow at him, teasing.

“It is when I’m running on a full night’s sleep. That rocking chair does not a long-term sleeping position make.”

“Ha! I know, babe. Thank you for getting up with her so I could sleep.” I hold Reed’s face in my hands, peppering him with more kisses.

“You’re very welcome, love. But now—” he looks over at Henry, who’s entertaining himself with the babies “—it’s time to relax.”

“Oh, that looks heavenly. Are there more?” Johnny eyes Stevie’s beer, coming up to her after tossing the football back in the storage bin, kissing her on the top of her head.

“I believe so.” She reaches up to take his hand. “Just remember, one of us has to drive home tonight, and it’s notmyturn.”

“Of course, babe. You definitely deserve this one.” Johnny only nods his head as Stevie eyes him, and it’s yet another moment that convinces me these two are meant to be together.

As Johnny starts for the door, Grace begins fussing and whining, and I glance over to see Henry looking to me as Grace holds his fingers.

“She’s sucking on my fingers.” Henry laughs, and I stand to go pick her up.

“That means this little one is hungry. Come here, you.” I lift her into my arms, soaking up that delightful baby smell, and follow Johnny into the house to make a bottle.

“Wait up, would you?” Johnny stops, holding the door open for me as I bring Grace inside. He kisses her sweet red-haired head as I walk past.

“Hungry little devil.” My brother walks with me to the kitchen. “Though, I have a feeling that means Sophie isn’t far behind.”

He reaches into the fridge to pull out a beer, taking one of Grace’s bottles and one of Sophie’s out to get warmed up.

“So, how’s it going? I know Stevie is stressed. How are you holding up?” I take the bottle, giving it a shake before putting it in the bottle warmer.

“It’s…” Johnny cracks open the beer and takes a swig. “It’s a lot, sis. Sophie is my whole damn world, but this lack of sleep is tough. Stevie needed this day so much. I just wish I could help more.”

“Thisishelping. She did need today, and she needs to remember that she’s not just a mom. She’s still Stevie.” I sigh, knowing it’s always easier said than done. “We both do. Man, I remember how excited I was to finally sleep on my stomach. Now, I’d kill not to have bottles and diapers taking up my entire life.”

“Oh, Mae. Well, it’s not your whole life. You also have to study for class.”

I chuckle as the warmer signals, pulling out the bottle and shaking it up again to make sure it’s all heated evenly. Grace holds her tiny hands out for it, and when she’s got her “baba,” she settles immediately.

“Well, the hard studying is over. I just took finals. Now, there’s just worrying if I was able to pass. Studying and early motherhood are hard to juggle.”

“Speaking of.”

Reed enters through the back door, the entire troupe behind him. Henry runs up and stands over Grace as I feed her, always loving watching her like this.

“Did you want to open it now?”

“Open what?” Stevie looks between Reed and me, taking the newly warmed bottle from Johnny.

I look at Reed, rolling my eyes a bit. I should have known he’d pull a dirty trick like this because he knows I’ve been too nervous to open it.

Handing Grace to Reed, I walk to the counter, going to the catchall where we keep the mail. I pull out the letter and go over toward Stevie.

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