Page 60 of Nanny for the Doctor

“Why do you say that?”

But before Reed can answer, Henry chimes in. “Dad likes a small, unbuttered popcorn with just a smidge of licorice.”

I can tell Henry is actually quoting Reed’s concession stand order, and I laugh hysterically as I imagine the two of them trying to get their food at the movie theater.

“That sounds utterly disgusting.”

We pull into the parking lot, and in just a few minutes, we’re inside, and I’ve convinced Reed to update his “old man” order.

“Come on. Processed butter is the whole point. Just live a little.”

“All right, all right. We’ll take a large, extra butter popcorn with salt and a pack of Reece’s Pieces. Oh, and I guess three medium sodas.”

I smile like I’ve won the lottery and take my cup from the cashier to fill up at the fountain beverage station.

I go for a mixed flavor Sprite with blueberry and lime, and Henry goes for a Dr. Pepper, to which he adds cherry flavoring.

“What’s it going to be, Reed? A water?” I tease him relentlessly as Henry grabs way too many napkins. Although, knowing him, they might all be necessary.

“While that would actually be a good idea, no. I’m getting a root beer. It’s always been one of my favorites, and I don’t usually let myself enjoy it.”

“Root beer, huh? That is somehow more ‘old man’ than a water.”

With his son well out of earshot, Reed steps slightly closer and whispers under his breath. “You’re going to get it now, Lil Bit.”

God forgive me, but I absolutely cannot wait to see just what he means by that.

Once all the food and drinks are purchased, we go into the theater with Henry and find a seat about halfway back and right in the middle. It’s the perfect spot in the house, and thankfully, Henry sits right between us.

After all, a dark movie theater? I’m not sure even I would have the restraint. The outing goes great, though, and the movie’s not half bad.

There’s tons of slapstick comedy, and the bit where the kids actually have to save their parents is really fun.

We laugh, having a great time, and when the credits roll, we’re all up and ready to head back home.

The trip back to Reed’s is another round of funny anecdotes about Henry’s time with Heather, and the more I hear about how she is with him, the more I’m glad that he’s had a strong, loving woman in his life.

When we reach the house, we decide since lunch was essentially popcorn and candy, eating isn’t something we need to do, so we play cards.

The best part is that Henry picks the game and he deals.

We’re two hands into War when Reed’s pager goes off. I eye him, wondering, but he just nods slightly and walks over to where it sits on the counter.

“Are you on call?”

“No, I’m not, actually. Let me just give them a quick call.”

My pulse quickens in that way when you know you’re about to be disappointed, and Henry and I wait while Reed phones the hospital.

“Hey, I got your page. Is it an emergency?” There’s a pause as Reed—all of us, for that matter—listens for a response. “No. Oh, Jenny can’t make her shift. Well…”

Reed looks over at Henry, who just waits calmly like he has so many times before.

“I’m actually not available to come in. Yeah, I know I usually don’t hesitate to help out. Is Dr. Taylor available? Yes, you should call him. He’ll probably jump at the chance. Okay, great. Thanks.”

Reed hangs up, and before I can say a word, Henry launches himself at his dad.

“Thank you. For not leaving.”

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