Page 47 of The Accidental Nanny
“We’ll sort it later,” I say as I help Ace put the bread in the toaster. I fry the eggs and bacon, then place the beans in the microwave for five minutes.
Soon, we have burnt toast, half a cup of orange juice, a cold coffee, sticky beans, and crispy bacon covered in brown sauce. I don't even want to think about the eggs in the burnt pan in the sink. There is a painting of the four of us on our picnic that Ace made and a handprint from Eden.
The kids lead the way upstairs, and Ace opens his father’sbedroom door with a loud bang against his dresser. Eden follows with the paintings, and I bring up the rear with the tray of food and drink.
“Happy Father’s Day,” we all shout.
Alex sits up, looking around in a sleepy confusion. “What?” he asks, rubbing his eyes.
“Happy Father’s Day,” we shout again.
“Thank you.” He sits up straighter and gets settled before he takes the tray from me, looking at the delights we made for him.
“Great,” he says with a hint of sarcasm. I feel a bit annoyed by his tone of voice; we spent a lot of time coming up with this idea.
“Eat, Daddy,” Eden orders him.
Taking his first mouth full, I quickly put my hand over my mouth, trying not to laugh as he chews through the food.
“We made you this.” Eden gets into bed next to him, showing him the paintings.
"It's beautiful, thank you," Alex’s tone has changed. "Best Father’s Day gift yet."
“I forgot the cake,” I remember, running back downstairs to retrieve it. When I come back, I overhear them talking amongst themselves.
“Why don’t you marry Gemma? She makes you smile,” Ace asks with so much innocence.
“Because I don’t love her and we aren’t dating,” Alex says with a lower tone.
Eden quickly quips, “She loves you. Her face turns pink.”
Does it? God, if the kids notice that, then Alex notices.
He chuckles.
“And you both always look at each other when the other one isn’t looking. I think she wants to kiss you,” Ace teased.
How have the children picked up on that? They’re still so young.
“That’s enough,” Alex tells Ace.
“Daddy, can I be your flower girl?” Eden’s voice floats through the door.
My heart beats faster. I better stop this before Alex gets upset with them.
“I’ve got the cake,” I call while still in the passage. I walk into the bedroom, stopping the conversation and saving Alex from further inquests. “It’s a Victoria sponge.”
The cake has sunk overnight, somehow. I should have checked it this morning.
“It’s dropped in the middle. You two are the worst cooks ever!” Ace exclaims, flying himself backwards on the bed.
Alex smiles. "I'm sure it tastes fine."
"I need to go and wish my own dad a Happy Father’s Day. I'll be back later," I say.
"I'll go with you to meet Grandpa," Eden says, climbing off the bed and running to change.
I look at Alex, and Iknowmy face is pink now.
