Page 135 of The Nanny and the Nerd
“And Penelope? What did she say?” he asked.
His mother leaned forward and folded her hands on the table. “Nothing, she didn’t have to say anything, sweetheart. It was written all over her face.”
“She loves you,” Mrs. Sullivan began. “You know that, don’t you? She puts on a brave face for Phoebe, but I’m in the house. I see her when she doesn’t think anyone is looking.”
He rested his head in his hands. “How did you even figure out something was going on between us?”
Mrs. Sullivan chuckled. “Oh, Rowen! You were smitten with her from the moment you brought her home. Don’t forget, dear. I’ve known you for a very long time.”
He turned to his mom. “Was it that obvious?”
“Heavens, yes!” she answered, patting his cheek. “What I don’t understand is why you’ve pushed her away.”
“She’s better off without me,” he said, the words tasting acrid and bitter.
“But are you okay, Rowen?” Madelyn pressed.
He blew out a slow breath. “No.”
“So, what happened?” his mother asked gently.
“Didn’t Phoebe tell you?” he asked, trying to read her.
“I want to hear it from you, son,” his mother answered, pegging him with her gaze.
There was no use holding back.
“I lost focus, and things slipped at work. I slipped. You know what I’m like, Mom. You know about my sensory issues, my challenges,” he said, his voice a low rasp.
“Yes, I do know your challenges,” she confirmed.
“Then you have to understand that I’m not meant to be with anyone—not like that. I’m not like you and dad or Andy and Melanie.”
She shook her head. “That’s where you’re wrong.”
“You admitted you know my challenges,” he countered, frustration lacing his words.
“I know that youriseto a challenge, Rowen,” she corrected.
“You’re not that scared little boy anymore,” Mrs. Sullivan added. “Everyone deserves to love and to be loved, Rowen. Even you—especially you. And Penny loves you.”
He sat there, taking it in, unable to speak.
“Love isn’t a liability,” his mother said, taking his hand into hers. “One of the best decisions your father and I made was adopting you. Love isn’t always easy. It involves risk, but the rewards last a lifetime.”
“She’s right, Rowen,” Mrs. Sullivan agreed.
He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. “I know you all mean well, but I’ve run out of time. I’ve only got seven days to turn a complete catastrophe into a success. I have to put my work first.”
The hint of a grin pulled at the corners of Madelyn’s mouth. “A lot can happen in one week.”
“I don’t think a complete personality overhaul is possible. This is who I am,” he answered.
Madelyn glanced toward the playground, and he followed her gaze as she focused on Phoebe. “What do you want for your niece? Forget money and material things. What’s the one thing you hope she finds in life?”
Rowen stared at the child. The pain in his heart dialed back at the sight of her. But what could he give her besides money and privilege? He could only hope he didn’t screw her up too much.
“What would Andy want for her,” his mother added.
