Page 99 of Nanny for the Doctor

Once we’ve devouredthe entire pizza, and I’ve thankfully avoided giving my son the Heimlich maneuver, we head back home. It’s a later night than usual, and Henry falls asleep in the car.

The street lights and gentle hum of traffic have lulled all of us into a state of supreme relaxation, and I’m half convinced that I’ll need to carry Mae into the house after I take Henry in.

“You going to make it?” I whisper to her.

“Yes, yes. It’s just dark and warm in here. And I’m always exhausted, okay?”

I chuckle. “I get you. I’m going to carry Henry up. Why don’t you put your feet up on the couch, and we’ll find something to watch that we’ve seen a million times. You can pass out whenever you want.”

Mae smiles over at me, her eyes half closed. “Sounds perfect.”

Pulling into the garage, I’m thoroughly impressed that Henry hasn’t woken up from all the noise and that Mae has managed to stay awake long enough to walk inside with me.

She holds the door open as I carry Henry in and then promptly collapses onto the couch.

“I’ll be right back, okay?”

“Yup. I’ll be here.” Mae waves a hand as she lies back on the sofa with her eyes closed.

It’s fucking adorable, and I grin as I carry Henry up to his room.

Laying him down in the bed, I switch on the star shaped lights and pull the covers over him. Just as I’m about to leave, I hear him shuffle around.

“Hey, bud. We’re home. Go to sleep.”

I turn to see Henry sitting up, so I walk over and tuck him in again, his eyes already closing.

“Dad?”

“Yes, buddy?” I smooth my hand through his hair.

“Today was really fun. I’m glad you taught me to fish. Even if it was kind of gross.”

I chuckle lightly, trying not to disturb the quiet. “It was fun. I can’t wait to teach you more stuff. Maybe even more gross stuff.”

Henry laughs, and I gently ruffle his locks before leaning over to give him a huge hug.

“Get some rest.”

“Is there water?”

“Yes, buddy. On the nightstand like always.”

“Dad?”

I sigh, chuckling once more as Henry stalls. “Yes, bud?”

“I’m excited, too. You’re the best.”

And just like that, I couldn’t care less about Henry’s continued efforts to prolong my presence in the room.

“I love you, Henry.” I give him another hug. “Now get some sleep, or I’ll sell all your toys.”

“No, you won’t.” He giggles with his eyes closed.

“No. I won’t.”

“High five?”

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