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She nods, something in her posture softening. “Thank you. But I just wanted you to know that I’m okay before I brought this up. I know you want to find a more permanent solution for Otto sooner rather than later. But with this new development, me moving in March, it opens things up for me for the next three months.”
My head snaps up, eyes meeting hers.
She lifts a single shoulder. “And so, if you wanted me to, I could—”
“Yes!” I don’t give her the chance to finish before I rock back, pumping my fist in the air. “A thousand fucking times, yes.”
“Axel, if you need a minute to think about it?”
Is she kidding me? “I don’t.”
I crawl over Otto and look my son in the eyes. “She’s saving us again, bud. Yes. We get to keep Nora for three more months.”
And then, because I know she’s going to worry, I clarify it for her. “I wasn’t happy with any of the people the agency sent over. They have a great reputation, and I know they’re going to have someone perfect for us. You staying means I can be patient and picky and wait for that person to show up. Okay?”
She nods, giving me another gorgeous smile. “Okay. So, this works for both of us.”
“It does.”
Three more months. I get to keep her for three more months.
No more faking. I’m not going to fuck up. I’m putting that kiss behind me.
* * *
Nora
It’s been two weeks,and the relief I feel about staying on with Axel and Otto is immense. I’m not interested in becoming a career nanny. But I’m attached to these guys, and being able to stay feels right.
Correction, being able to stayfor nowfeels right.
It’s only three months. Time enough for Axel to find a replacement he’s comfortable with, and not too long for me to wait for the next phase of my life to begin.
In Paris.
Geez, just thinking it stirs a nervous flutter in my belly. I used to imagine myself living there when I was little, wearing a beret and bicycling past the Eiffel Tower with one of those long loaves of French bread in the basket.
A little girl’s fantasy.
Maybe I’ll be able to take a selfie like that for Caroline.
I set aside the onesie I’m folding on my bed and pause theLearn to Speak Frenchapp Axel got me. Otto’s on his back beside me, and I give his legs a gentle squeeze before bicycling them slowly.
“Almost time to talk to Daddy. Are you excited?”
His arms do a baby flail I take as yes, so I scoop him up and carry him to the living room for our video call.
“I’m excited too.”
More than I should be, probably, but there isn’t much better than catching up with Axel Erikson.
The man makes me laugh. He makes me feel like what I’m saying matters. He makes me feelgood.
According to Caroline, that’s my problem. She nearly lost her mind when I told her I was staying on. I had enough self-preservation not to admit to the kiss. But even without knowing about that little slip, she warned me I was getting too close.
I assured her I wasn’t. It’s what I’m hardwired to do, reassure the little girl who’s been looking to me for comfort and security since I was six years old. Even if it’s stretching the truth. And in this case, it may well be. Because I haven’tentirelygotten over that kiss.
I think about it more than I should, remembering the rush of being in Axel’s arms. The way he groaned my name. How he pressed me against the wall.
