Page 27 of Six of Hearts
"Okay," Khloe said.
"Love you. Bye."
"You too. Bye." I hung up and answered the other line just before it would have sent Liam to voicemail.
"Hello."
"Hello there," Liam replied in a dark, sultry voice.
"How are you spending your morning off before you have to get the kids?”
I splashed the water around me a little louder on purpose.
"Just taking a bubble bath."
"I like what I'm hearing. Can I join you?" Liam asked.
I snickered. "I'd love it, but then I'd definitely be late to get the kids."
Liam sighed. "Too true. Speaking of which, I'm hoping you can take Mila to ballet after school today."
I wasn't scheduled to pick Mila up—Liam was supposed to have the day off. "Oh no, did you get called in?"
"Naturally. I work with idiots, so I suppose it's to be expected," he replied, frustration evident in his voice.
"I can take her. It's not a problem," I said.
"Thank you so much. I told Mila I was coming and now I have to disappoint her, and I hate that," Liam said, the pain of letting his daughter down clear in every word.
"It's okay," I told him.
"I'll make sure she feels extra, extra loved. And you too, if you need it."
"Oh, I need it," Liam responded with a deep laugh.
"Alright, well tell her I'm sorry and I love her.”
"I will. See you tonight." I swished the water again.
Liam let out a low growl.
"You're killing me. I'll see you tonight."
I finished my bath, got dressed, and headed out to get the kids. I felt bad for Liam that he couldn't be there for Mila, but I knew she loved having me drop her off at ballet, so I was certain she'd be okay.
I signed the kids out of their schools, loaded them into the van, and started off for the twins' baseball practice.
I'd been nannying the kids for close to a month now, so I had a pretty good handle on juggling all of their activities. It was most time-effective to bring the boys to baseball, drop Finn at karate, and then bring Mila to ballet.
Typically by the time I got those four dropped off, it was nearly time to cycle back and get Oliver and Theo, so I would bring the remaining kids for ice cream, then go pick up the twins and bring them some as well.
Then I'd bring them all home. After they were settled, I'd go back for Finn and Mila, bring them each to get a treat of their own, drop Finn at home, and then drop Mila.
I climbed out in front of Mila's ballet studio with Danielle, Caleb, and Leo.
Mila was a little sad that Liam couldn't be with her, but I snuggled her up and gave her a kiss on the cheek as I sent her off to join her friends, telling her sweetly that I'd be back for her when practice was over.
She gave me an adorable smile and a huge hug, and then as she was skipping off to join the others, she called out, "Bye, Mum!"
