Page 116 of Nanny for the SEAL

“You’re both welcome. For now, let’s just start with those statements. Okay?”

Ivy collects herself and lets out a long breath. “Of course. Let’s do it.”

We’reout of the police station a few hours later. It took about as much time as I expected, and I called Mason while Ivy was chatting to Pembrook about Daisy.

He’s agreed to watch her for the evening, and she doesn’t seem any the wiser that something so dangerous happened, which is exactly how I like it.

Ivy comes out when she’s finished, and I hang up the phone, thanking Mason one more time for watching Daisy.

“Hey. Finished?” I open my arms as she walks toward me, taking Ivy in my arms again.

She nods against my shoulder. “Yes. Done. For now, at least. There’s the trial to deal with and all that stuff, but today is over. And I’m so damn ready to relax.”

Ivy looks up at me with an exhausted smile. “I might fall asleep right here.”

With a chuckle, I start walking us out to the parking lot so that we can go home.

“Well, how about a movie night with take-out dinner? Mason is going to watch Daisy so that we can…come down from all this.”

After a moment of surprise, Ivy’s expression melts into one of utter gratitude. “Oh, that’s…yes, yes,please. I need that.”

“Of course, babe. You know I’ve got you.”

Leaning into my side as we walk, Ivy pauses for a moment, pulling my face down toward her.

“I do, Xaden. I do know that. And I’m sorry I ever let fear make me doubt it.”

I kiss her, holding her cheek cupped against my palm. “It’s fine, babe. I understand. Let’s just get you home.”

Stepping into my arms all the more, Ivy wraps herself around me. “I’m already there.”

We stand there for a moment, but it’s cold and chilly, and we both want to relax on the couch. So, we set off for the car and hop inside to head back to the house—toourhouse.

The drive is quick, thankfully, and when we get inside, I make sure Ivy is set up on the couch—warm and cozy—before I put in the order for some Chinese food.

Snuggling into the sofa, we turn on some stupid movie, nothing intense or scary, and I revel in the way Ivy’s weight relaxes against my chest as she sits in front of me.

“Do you think I’ll be a good mom?” Ivy asks, and I scoff, making a face at her.

“You’re going to be an incredible mother, Ivy. I don’t doubt it for a second.” I kiss the top of her head, and Ivy hums in appreciation. “I’m a little rusty, but I’m sure changing diapers will come back to me like riding a smelly bike.”

She giggles, swatting playfully at me, and then Ivy leans back over her shoulder, staring up at me.

“We’re going to do this whole family thing. I’m actually going to get this reality I’ve always wanted, and it’s because of you. I love you, Xaden.”

I kiss her, letting my lips press into her for a minute before leaning back to say, “I love you, too, Ivy.Sodamn much.”

Food eventually comes, and we dig in while we talk over the TV like it’s not even on. As the quiet movie plays in the background, I stare at her, mapping every detail of Ivy’s face until the question bursts out.

“Why did you move to Red Lodge, of all places? I’ve been wondering since that first day you moved in next door.”

Laughing lightly, Ivy finishes her bite of sweet and sour chicken and then smiles as her stare drifts off to the side—like she’s remembering something fondly.

“There was a rough day back in New York, which, you know, when wasn’t there. But I was sitting on a bench in Central Park after watching a particularly brutal fight between my parents.”

Ivy sighs, chuckling through her nose. “I was just a teen, and I didn’t know what to do. I was about ready to give up on life when a woman came up next to me and sat down. She asked if I was okay.”

The emotions are so clear on Ivy’s face, and I watch her recount this story with rapt attention.

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