Page 102 of Nanny for the SEAL

In my head, I silently thank Maeve for helping Xaden become the man he is while she was here, and I promise to keep him safe.

I won’t let you down. I’ll be here for him every step of the way.

THIRTY-FIVE

Ivy

Slinging my purse over my shoulder, I head out the front door, calling out to Xaden, who is giving Daisy a bath upstairs.

“I’m out of here, hun! I’ll see you in a few!”

“Love you!” He calls back.

“Love you, too!”

The door closes behind me, and I see Sam’s car in the driveway. I head down the porch steps with a smile, waving.

As I get inside the warm car, I buckle up after a quick hug.

“There’s Momma. You ready for some pampering?” Sam is all grins, and I can’t help but laugh.

“I’m only six or so weeks pregnant. It might be a little early for some pampering.”

She shakes her head, turning the car around and getting to the top of the driveway, where she flicks on the turn signal.

“No such thing.” Sam giggles, and I shake my head with a grin. “This is going to be a fun night out with your bestie, who you haven’t seen inwaytoo long.”

“I’m sorry. It has been a minute. Well, regardless of timing, I am excited. I haven’t really gotten all gooey about baby stuff yet.”

“Oh, well, I have you covered then, Momma.”

I cock my head, putting a hand on her shoulder as she pulls out into traffic, and we start into town. “You’ve been incredible to me, Sam. I truly appreciate it.”

“Any time, chica. What’s the man up to?”

Snuggling into the seat, I think back to Xaden at the house. “Giving Daisy a bath. She managed to spill like an entire cup of maple syrup on herself. He shouldn’t have let the four-year-old pour it herself.”

Sam barks out a laugh. “Oops! Ha! That’s awesome. Well, he can deal with that while we get you a mani-pedi.”

I will admit to being very about that life, but then I remember one of the numerous things I’ve been told about by my doctor.

“Oh, did you mention that I’m?—”

“I already told them you’re pregnant and early. No ankle or wrist pressure points for you.”

I relax as Sam smiles over at me. “I always forget that you’re a big sister and have seen this a bunch.”

“I’m practically a midwife at this point. I can even tell you about cervix shit if you ask.”

I grimace slightly, laughing as I wave her off. “No! No, thank you! I’ll be keeping that information for later.”

Sam chuckles, certainly at me, but I don’t stress about it.

I’ve been trying that a lot lately. When you’re growing a person—and stress is particularly bad for you then—it really sets your priorities straight.

Soon enough, we get into Red Lodge proper, and Sam drives us to the nail salon. The smell is a little intense at first, but the very nice technician moves us near a window since she knows I’m preggers.

“What are you going with?” I ask, looking over the colors as we wait for the foot tub to fill.

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