Page 64 of Owen

18

JADE

It’s been over two weeks since I called in a favor with one of the squadrons on base and waved my lovely mom off on a plane from the airfield on base.

The night before Mom flew home, I pulled an all-nighter, calling, emailing, and filling out copious amounts of paperwork to get her back safely. And with little to no sleep, I’m surprised I managed training the next day. Luckily for me, it was a ground training day, where we amended some of our maneuvers and discussed our flying and media schedules for the upcoming weeks ahead, as well as any functions we have been invited to attend; which is lots, apparently.

Mom was home after surgery within three days, and Aunt Babs assures me she is continuing to do well in her physiotherapy sessions and getting around just fine. “You’re doing that tongue sticking out of your mouth thing when you concentrate.” Gregor knocks his shoulder into mine as I stare at my phone, and he sits down beside me.

Knowing he’s right, I pull my tongue back into my mouth asthe rest of the team joins us in the break room. It’s getting increasingly hot as we approach summer in Cyprus, and following our morning flying, we’re back to have a break, rehydrate and eat before our midday slot. I don’t know about everyone else, but flying makes me hungry.

“I’ve not found a nanny yet,” I say half-heartedly, scanning my eyes over yet another resume the agency sent me to look at. None of them have been right for the position. It’s a huge ask to assume someone would be 100 percent flexible; work nights, travel with me, travel without me, and meet me in different countries.

The panic of still not having arranged any nanny interviews for next week when I’m back in the UK is turning into fear, overshadowed by enormous amounts of anxiety; who will look after Poppy?

Every part of me wants to ask Owen to do the role full-time. He’s incredible with her and I love watching them together. I can’t remember what life was like before him. He’s organized and ensures Poppy has an activity booked every day. He takes her to the park, loves going to the soft play center with her and he’s the best manny any girl could wish for. He never complains when she grumbles in the night either, getting up to see to her, telling me to go back to sleep as I have work the next morning.

The man has stolen my heart. And Poppy’s.

He’s amazing. Period. And I have seriously fallen in love with him.

But can I ask him to put his plans on hold for us?

Would he do that?

I am way too nervous to ask him. I don’t want him to think that I am taking advantage of his jobless and homeless situation, because that’s not why I would ask him.

I trust him with her.

I never want him to think that’s the only reason I want him around.

But he has his own life to live and his own dreams to chase. I can’t let my career take over his. But if I don’t find a nanny, I’m going to have to ask Aunt Babs for the interim, and that does not sit well with me at all. I feel like I’m taking advantage.

Of everyone.

I’m definitely getting pushed off the team if I don’t find a solution soon.

I pop the last of my halloumi and bacon roll into my mouth, and moan as the salty flavor bursts against my tongue. There’s no denying it. Halloumi tastes better in Cyprus than it does anywhere else in the world.

Sliding my phone onto the table, I put my head in my hands and rest my elbows against the table. I lick my lips to dust the crumbs of my sandwich off them and blow out a shaky breath as I stare at the resume on my screen. If this one—I glance at her name: Iris—if Iris can’t do every third weekend of the month, then she’s not suitable. “I need a nanny, stat.”

One by one, the guys join us around the table.

“Why?” asks Spike.

I roll my eyes as if it’s not obvious why I need one. “Because I have a baby, Spike.”

“Duh,” someone says, making everyone laugh.

“But you have a nanny.” Spike’s brows wrinkle.

I sigh. “For the time we are here, Spike.”What then?

Sometimes these guys exasperate me. It’s all good and well for them. They have their wives back home, seeing to childcare and managing their households, but I don’t have a partner to help me.

Although Owen did say he would follow me wherever I go.

Not used to having a partner travel with me or give up everything to be with me, I can’t help but hold on to that thought to bolster my hope for our future together and I can’t believe someone would do that for me. Especially after Michael ran at the first opportunity.

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