Page 17 of Nanny for the Doctor

“I’ll be right there, bud. I have a few more phone calls I need to make.”

Reed walks back down the far hall where I know there’s an office, and Henry lays down a set of three 3’s. I’m still staring down the hallway, clenching my jaw, when Henry speaks up.

“It’s your turn, Mae.”

I turn back toward Henry with a smile. “Sorry. My turn?”

Going through my hand to see what I can play next, I grin over at Henry, trying to put us both back into a good mood.

“It’s okay. It’s always like this.”

I frown. “He’s always late?”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

Setting my cards down, I cross one leg over the other as I sit across from Henry at the table.

“Well, that’s no fun. Does that make you upset?”

Henry just shrugs. “I don’t know. Let’s just finish the game.”

“Okay.”

I smile, but there’s sadness behind it I’m not sure I can hide. I know this has to upset Henry. Kids don’t act this numb around their parents for no reason.

As we finish our game, I can see the look of disappointment Henry tries to hold back. He’s still hurt, but he feels the need to keep it to himself.

That’s not right. Henry expects to be chastised for being sad that his father is late again.

It’s only been a day, but I’ve seen all I can take. I’ll get this family back on track if it’s the last thing I do.

Chapter6

Reed

I sigh as I get dressed for Johnny’s birthday party. The week has been so much easier with Mae around, and she’s really hit it off with Henry.

Work has been as stressful as ever, and it’s so nice to have someone I can trust to take care of Henry while I’m at the hospital. I realize it may not have been ideal when she first started.

Still, I have total confidence in her abilities after observing the results.

Henry has been in a good mood, the house is clean and tidy, with meals prepared every night, and Mae honestly seems to care about my son’s well-being. She’s always so excited to see him in the morning.

And best of all, because I’ve been able to get my paperwork done at the hospital, I can actually enjoy Johnny’s party. According to Johnny’s text, his girlfriend Stevie has apparently opened the entire house for the event.

It’s even kid-friendly, so I can bring Henry and know he’ll have a good time.

“Come on, bud! Let’s get going!”

I call down the hall for him, and we jog down to the car together.

“There’s really going to be other kids there?” Henry raises his brows at me.

“Yes. I know for sure at least two. That’s what Johnny texted.”

Henry nods. “Will Mae be there?”

“I assume so since she’s Johnny’s sister. Really liking your nanny, huh?” I ruffle his hair and smile.

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