Page 38 of The Nanny Goal

“Okay, cool beans. We’ve got this. Blueberries on top.” I look at the stove. “The next part, I need to do myself. How do you feel about sitting in your highchair, for safety’s sake?”

She blinks up at me.

“No context? Okay, baby girl. Surprise attack it is.” I scoop her into my arms and march her to the highchair.

She protests, but I remember Alexei reaching for the berries when he wanted to distract her. I scatter a couple of blueberries on her tray, and that buys enough time for me to start the frying pan.

And when I slide a tall, fluffy pancake onto her tray a few minutes later, all is forgiven.

“Yummy?”

She nods.

I let out a sigh of relief. “Excellent.”

Pancakes, check.

Next up…nap time.

CHAPTER13

ALEXEI

When I get to the hospital, my mother’s procedure has been pushed because of an emergency. Since I don’t have Emery’s phone number, I have to text Forrest.

Alexei

I need your sister’s number

Forrest

Isn’t she with you?

I’m at the hospital…she’s at home with Inessa, and I’m going to be later than I thought

Shit, is everything okay?

Yeah, just delayed

He drops her contact card in a reply and doesn’t ask any further questions.

I add her to my address book, then send her a quick update.

Alexei

This is Alexei

Emery

How’s your mom?

Procedure is delayed

Okay

Might happen at 6 pm, they say

How is Inessa?

---