Page 112 of Nanny for the Doctor

“I got my grades. This right here says if I’ve passed the first semester. Brings me one step closer to being a teacher.”

“She’s been too scared to open it, but I thought maybe—” he switches Grace to his other side so he can wrap an arm around me “—you’d feel more ready with your family around.”

Stevie jostles Sophie to keep her eating and awake, then lays a hand on my shoulder.

“I’m sure you have nothing to be worried about. You worked so hard. Open it!”

Johnny comes closer as well, and soon, I’m surrounded by my family, the most important people in my life, and my brother nods before speaking.

“Go for it, sis.”

A nervous chuckle slips through, and I take the letter opener off the top of the fridge, sliding it through the seal to pull out the document. My heart is in my throat, my fingers shaking, and I scan the list of classes, each with their appropriate grade listed to the side.

After those, right at the bottom of the page, is the overall GPA. I got a 3.37.

“I passed.”

The room hangs in suspension and I take a deep breath before the outburst.

“I passed!”

Everyone erupts with happy cheers, careful not to scare the babies too much, but I can feel the electricity buzz through us as we all celebrate the win.

“I knew you would, babe.” Reed kisses me deeply, Grace reaching out her little hands to come to Momma. “I’m so proud of you. Next semester, here we come!”

Taking Grace, I lean into another kiss from Reed, and then Stevie and Johnny hug me with everything they have.

Henry slips under everyone, hugging my waist, and I look down at him, ruffling his hair. “Hey, buddy. Thanks for being such a good big brother. Your help made such a difference.”

“I’m really good at giving her cereal!” He smiles, the grin fully stretching from ear to ear.

“You are, honey. Thank you so much.”

“I think this calls for champagne!” Stevie calls out. “Please tell me you have some.”

“I’m not sure. I mean, it wasn’t like I—”

“We do, in fact.” Reed steps to the fridge, moving aside a few jugs of almond milk and sliding out a thick glass bottle.

“How…” But I stop myself before I finish. “You planned this, you sneaky devil.”

“I may have hoped it would be easy to convince you during Grace’s play date.” Reed opens the champagne, pouring it into four glasses. “Here’s to next chapters!”

I smile, the sting of tears not strong enough to keep me from holding them back.

“You’re so sentimental.”

We all clink glasses, Henry lifting up his Gatorade as well, and we toast. My heart continues to stretch to accommodate all this love, and Reed pulls my face to his again, kissing my cheek before whispering in my ear.

“I can’t wait till this evening when we can properly celebrate.”

Even after the months have settled our lives into a routine and the intrigue of our slightly off-limits romance is gone, it only takes a few words from Reed, and I’m ready and raring to go.

Johnny takes Grace and motions for Henry to follow him and Stevie into the living room. He knows I need just one moment alone with Reed.

When the room is empty, his arms come around my waist, and he pulls me close. The kiss we share is hot and heavy, alluding to so much more to come when it’s evening and we’re alone in our bedroom.

“Thank you for making this possible, Reed. Without your help, it would have been nearly impossible.”

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