Page 48 of Nanny for the Doctor

Chapter16

Reed

“Alright, bud. Got all your stuff?”

I look back at Henry through the rearview mirror. Heather is waiting on the front porch, and I’m actually going to be on time for dinner.

“Yup. Will you tell Mae I said ‘hi’?”

He unbuckles and leans over to grab his little duffle packed with games and a couple sets of clothes I managed to sneak in.

“I will. I’m sure Mae will be glad to hear it.”

I step out of the car and help Henry out. Walking him to the house, I smile at Heather, who’s promptly smooshed into a huge hug.

“Hi, Henry. Why don’t you head inside and say hi to Uncle Mark? You can help him in the kitchen.”

“Okay!” Henry quickly darts to me and gives me a hug. “Bye, Dad! Love you!”

And then he’s off like a bullet. I can’t help but smile.

“So, Reed, how’ve you been?” Heather folds her arms over her chest. “I haven’t gotten nearly as many last-minute babysitting requests lately.”

I roll my eyes, nodding. “No. I’ve got some help. I hired a nanny. It’s actually my best friend’s sister.”

Heather pegs me with her patented “well, damn” face, and I stare at the sidewalk as I rub the back of my neck.

“Yeah. You’d like her. Mae gave me quite the talking to. My ass is still sore.”

“Ha! She give it better than me?” She smirks.

“A bit. Well, Mae just didn’t hold back at all. She really let me have it, from the hours to me leaving Henry hanging.”

“Hmm.” Heather nods, her smile only getting bigger. “Sounds like a pretty cool chick. I think I would like her. What about Henry? Does he get along with Mae?”

“Get along? He adores her. I have my work cut out for me between you two.” I think about how Mae makes every moment with Henry look effortless and fun. “Clara would have liked her, too.”

My voice is quiet, but I know Heather hears me when a tiny gasp escapes her. When I look up, tears brim in her eyes.

“You never…I’m really glad, Reed. Truly. I hope this is the change you both need.”

Heather’s voice doesn’t hide her emotions, and I can feel that familiar burn in my chest when I think of Clara. It will always hurt, but today, there’s gratitude in there, too.

Mae isn’t totally on board with coming back to work, however. I still need to meet with her tonight, and hopefully that goes well.

“I’m meeting her tonight, actually, to talk things over. I was a total ass and have a lot to make up for. It’s just a lot of change, and you know how much Ilovethat.”

Sarcasm rings through my words, and Heather knowingly raises her brows at me.

“I do. But try to have an open mind. This could be just what you both need to find a better balance.”

“I’ll do my best. Thanks for watching Henry. He loves these sleepovers.”

“Of course. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” She starts for the door. “Hopefully, with good news.”

* * *

Mae’s homeis in a very different part of town. As I park in front of the large building, I can tell they’ve crammed as many studio apartments into the space as possible.

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