AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Me: Appreciate the heads-up.
I slipped my phone back into my jacket, doing my best to keep any signs of unease off my face. There's a saying about being honest with your lawyer, but I wasn't quite ready to admit that the new nanny had hung me out to dry.
"Everything copacetic?" Angelo asked, his eyes narrowing just a touch.
"Forgive me," I said, "just a little business matter to attend to. I'll be right back."
"By all means, Mitch," Angelo said, glancing at his watch. "We can pick up where we left off when you return."
I stepped outside into the afternoon breeze, a welcome respite. After taking a deep breath, I dialed Amy. She answered on the first ring. "Hey there, was just about to give you a call! How's everything going?"
"Bit of a mixed bag," I said, my voice tight as I filled her in. "Amy, I need your help. Ella can't make it, and I need someone I trust with Ava. Can you fill in for her?"
Amy hesitated, her voice laced with concern. "I don't know, Mitch. I've only taken care of Jonathan at that age, and just briefly. And... where are you meeting, at the foster parent's place?"
"No, at the chalet."
"Oh, I just... I'm not certain..."
"Amy, please! You don't have to stay the night or anything. I'll book a hotel room. It's just for a few hours... You don't have to visit any place that brings back…."
"Alright. That helps. I just can't go into the bedroom. Don't remember much else about the place, though."
"You won't regret it... I promise," I said, relief lifting my voice.
"When do you need me?" she asked.
"Not sure yet. Just catch the first flight out tonight or in the morning. Then, I'll meet you at the Vail airport." Gratitude washed over me, and I couldn't help but smile at her selfless response. I thanked her profusely before hanging up and heading back to Angelo's office. As we waded deeper into the murky waters of the legal process, my emotions swirled with equal parts confusion and excitement.
"All right, first things first, you'll need to head for this lab and get that paternity test squared away. Once that's done, I'll give you a ring after I've had a chat with the caseworker to nail down the perfect moment for you to come face-to-face with your stunning little girl."
As I turned to go, Angelo thrust a folder into my hands, a sly grin on his face. "Oh, and before you go, take a look at these fresh snapshots of your baby. Trust me, you'll get a kick out of them — she's the spitting image of her old man!"
* * *
The morning came, and I was all pumped up and ready to get things done. I had one goal in mind--make the chalet super cozy for Amy and impress the case worker by getting rid of any party vibes. So, I spent a bunch of hours moving stuff around, swapping out a tacky Bud Light fridge magnet for one of Ava's cute pictures.
I texted Amy on and off all morning till it was time for her to leave San Diego, and I found a more chill bedspread in an old trunk to replace the blue and yellow one. At the same time, I booked us a room at the Vail Hilton for another night together. Amy was supposed to show up around noon, just in time for Margaret to come by at two o’clock after Ava had her nap.
Dressed in my new pants and shirt, I was on my way to the airport, getting super excited about seeing Amy. When she finally walked out of the gate, she was dressed like the perfect nanny with a bright blouse and comfortable pants. We exchanged some nervous but excited looks before I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and told her she looked perfect for the part.
Amy blushed and smiled shyly. "Thanks, Mitch. Did you hear from Ella?"
I shook my head, feeling a little worried. "No, but I can't help but feel that something's off."
"I don't think it's a big deal that she canceled today," Amy said seriously. "You wouldn't want her here if she's sick. Plus, it sounds like there'll be plenty of time to sort things out with Ella before Ava heads to California."
When we got to the chalet, Amy seemed to relax after seeing some new pics of little Ava. She started fixing up the place, moving pillows on the couch, and checking the bathroom for clean towels. "Got any air freshener? It's kinda stuffy in here like it's been closed up for a while."
I was bouncing between the window and the door like a little kid, and finally, the big moment came. "Come on in," I said, with Amy trying to peek around me. Margaret walked in, carrying a sleeping Ava in her baby carrier. I couldn't help but touch her face and whisper, "God, she's so tiny."
After a quiet moment, I grabbed the carrier and sat Ava next to me on the couch.
Amy said hello to Margaret, who plopped down in a nearby armchair. They both laughed together. "Oops, my bad for not introducing Amy earlier," I said, grinning but still staring at my baby girl.
Margaret showed us how to get Ava out of her seat, and when I held her for the first time, I was filled with love and a need to protect her. She was so tiny, her little fingers wrapping around my thumb. When Ava's eyes opened and met mine, I was amazed at her grip and felt a deep connection to this little, precious being.
"She's beautiful, Mitch," Amy whispered, her eyes shining with warmth.
