NANNY FOR THE SILVER FOX INSTA-DADDY

I bailed on my wedding the night before the big day—straight out of town and into a job as a live-in nanny for a scorchingly sexy firefighter’s new baby. 

Okay, not his baby. A doorstep baby. 

And technically, he’s not just gorgeous—he’s also my much older boss. I’m going to have to burn my retinas out to be able to keep my hands to myself.  

Still, Will’s house is cozy, baby Xavier is adorable, and for the first time in years, my life feels like it fits. So why do I want to run again? 

Maybe because after weeks of secretly crushing on each other, we gave in. Completely. (Multiple times, if you must know.) 

But just as everything seemed perfect, my ex-fiancé showed up, dragging all my messy baggage into the middle of our post-coital glow. 

Now Will’s kicked me out—or maybe I left first—and I’m back to square one without a job, terrified I’ve ruined the one place that felt like home. 

Except neither of us wants it to end this way. 

Then fate steps in for a second time, and the death of a loved one brings us together again. But it’s not just our hearts on the line—it’s Xavier’s future. And this time, running isn’t an option. 

“This looks great,” I said, picking up a hard-boiled egg and grinning. “Can’t wait to dive into your eggs.”

Her eyes flicked to mine, a playful smile on her lips. “Hope they’re hard enough for you.”

I nearly choked, shifting as my body reacted. Thankfully, Xavier chose that moment to roll onto his stomach, stealing our attention.

“Good boy! Look at you!” Anna clapped, her face lighting up. “He’s been working on that. He'll be crawling in no time!”

I watched her as she beamed down at Xavier; her freckles seemed to deepen, gathering warmth in the sunlight as she smiled. She looked so happy, so at ease. It stirred something deep inside me.

“Nice job, little man,” I said, though my eyes stayed on her longer than they should have. She was good with him. Really good.

“What’s the date today?” she asked suddenly.

“Uh...July something?”

She laughed. “Real helpful, Will. Never mind, I’ll check when we get home. I’m keeping a milestone journal for Xavier—like a scrapbook. Something you can give him when he’s older. You know, for when he turns 21 or gets married.”

A scrapbook? Not exactly what I’d expected, but the thought of her doing that for Xavier tugged at me.

“Sounds interesting,” I said, nodding. “I can't wait to see the finished product." Thinking further, I added, "How do you know when to stop? He’ll always have milestones.”

“Good point,” she said, smiling softly at Xavier. “I guess I’ll keep adding to it until you give me the boot. You'll have to carry it on.”

The words made my stomach lurch, hitting harder than I expected.

“Not sure how I’d manage,” I joked, forcing a smile. “I’m terrible at gluing things.”

She rolled her eyes, nudging me. “You can use tape.”

“And my handwriting’s awful.”

"Don't be silly. No one cares about your handwriting. It's the thought that counts."

"I'm bad at dates."

"Look at a calendar! There's one right there on your phone, you know?"

I don't want you to go anywhere. Shut up, dickhead. Don't say it. 

"I don't like looking at my phone."

“Oh, stop it! You’re being ridiculous.”

We laughed, but the mood shifted. Was I too obvious? 

 "I love all things Ashley Ellis, and this does not disappoint! Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters."