Page 32 of Nanny for the Doctor

“Really?” His big tear-filled eyes look up at Mae.

“Oh, yeah. I’ve fallen off my bike. I even sprained an ankle when I was chasing after a dog. And right before I started nannying for you, I got a concussion!”

Henry giggles shakily.

Mae smiles at him, offering another hug. “You’re so lucky to have a daddy who’s a great doctor. He’ll fix you up. Right?”

Her eyes meet mine in an expectant way, and I’m stuck standing there like a deer in the headlights.

She knew exactly the right thing to say to him, and I just make him cry harder.What the fuck is wrong with me?

Why doesn’t Henry see how much I care?

“Of course, bud. You’ll be fine.”

Henry glances at me, offering a slight nod. I gently rest my hand on his other shoulder, patting softly.

“You’re okay. Everything will be all right.”

I’m not sure if I’m talking to him or myself.

Henry calms, and the attending doctor, Dr. Holmes, lets me know he’ll ensure all the proper tests are run.

“Just stay with your boy. I’ve got it handled, alright?”

I just nod.

Sitting behind Henry on the bed, I glance at Mae. She smiles tenderly, her eyes that horrible blend of pity and concern.

If it weren’t for her being here, Henry would still be crying, still upset. And I don’t know why that bothers me so much.

Chapter11

Mae

The unexpected trip to the hospital plays out as well as I thought it might. Reed is a disaster worrying over Henry, and his go-to response of full doctor mode doesn’t sit well with his son.

Eventually, Reed seems to calm down a bit, and so does Henry. They x-ray his arm and ribs, which reveals no broken bones, just bruising.

We all breathe a sigh of relief, and Henry apologizes again for falling. The poor guy feels like he ruined everything.

“You’re okay, buddy. Don’t worry. No one is mad. We’re just glad you’re okay.”

I smooth my hand down Henry’s uninjured arm as I rock slightly. No matter how old you get, when you’re hurt, all you really want is a snuggle.

Usually from your parents, but I’ll do in a pinch.

“Shh. I know you must be tired. You can doze off on my shoulder. We’ll get you home soon.”

After a few moments, Reed comes back in, saying Henry is released to go home. I nod down to where he’s sleeping on me, and Reed offers a tight smile.

“He fell asleep?”

“Yeah. It’s been a long day for him. I’ll help you get him to the car.”

Reed nods. “Thank you. I’ve actually been relieved for the rest of the evening. Dr. Holmes is covering.”

“Oh, that’s great.” I smile. It truly is good that Reed can come home and be with Henry.

---