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This was the first time they said they loved me. There was no holding back the tears.
“Thank you. This is the best surprise ever.”
“We just wanted to see you smile,” Ethan added, only causing more tears to form in my eyes.
To say I was a little stunned about the kids saying they loved me would be an understatement.
How was I going to stop being their nanny and being present in their lives everyday?
The question beat into my head for the rest of the day, just adding more plaguing questions I’d have to face soon. There was one month left in my contract. My time with them would be coming to an end soon.
How would they handle that?
The kids were my biggest concern, especially since they didn’t have their mother in their lives. The saddest thing about that was they’d barely mentioned her since I started caring for them. I didn’t want to break their hearts.
I couldn’t.
It would kill me.
“What are you thinking about over there, darlin’?”
We were sitting at the table, eating the fish Ethan and Caleb had caught earlier.
“Daddy.” Ariel scratched her little head. “Why do you call Evie darlin’? That’s not her name.”
He smiled. “It’s a term of endearment.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s like a nickname.”
“Oh…”
We ate in silence for a couple minutes until Ariel questioned out of nowhere, “Daddy, is Evie still the love of your life?”
I choked on my drink, coughing up a storm. “Ariel,” I hacked out. “A little warning next time.”
Caleb mouthed, “You alright?”
I nodded. “I think this is where I’m going to excuse myself for the rest of night.”
“Evie—”
“I’m okay. I promise. I was going to give you guys some privacy after I was done eating anyway. I’m sure the kids would love to have you all to themselves.”
“Are you sure?” Caleb asked, concerned.
“Of course. I’m exhausted. I’d love to take a bath and finish my book. I’ll see you guys in the morning.” I kissed Ariel on her head and then Ethan. “Good night, guys.”
Caleb teased with a grin. “Don’t I get a kiss good night too?”
The kids giggled while Caleb looked at me with a mischievous expression. He knew I wouldn’t be able to call him out on his flirting with the kids around. Instead of making a big deal about it, I kissed my hand and set it on his head.
I could tell by the look on his face he wasn’t pleased with my gesture, but since the children were there, he kept his mouth closed. Before giving it another thought, I left them alone and walked down to my stateroom.
Once I was there, I realized I could still hear them through the open window in the corner of the room.
I was about to close it when Caleb responded, “Evie will forever be the love of my life, baby girl.”
