Page 90 of Mr. Wolfe's Nanny

“And, they’re going to have a baby,” she whispers next. The family knows but to Jill it’s still an amazing secret we shared that day at the park.

“Yeah, I heard about that. A little brother or sister for you.”

She grins so widely before asking, “When will you get married, Uncle Oliver?”

Oliver doesn’t even miss a beat. “When the sun sets in the east, kiddo.”

We’ve been discussing things like the moon cycle and Earth’s orbit and rotation so her face scrunches up. “When does that happen?”

Oliver chuckles and sinks two balls with one shot. “Never.” I’m not sure why that leaves me feeling deflated on his behalf. Maybe because I’m so happy in love.

“Why?” A child’s favorite question.

“Because me and marriage don’t mix.”

“Why not?” Their second favorite question.

“I’m allergic to it.”

Jill’s brow furrows. She knows he’s a doctor so she would generally take his word about anything medical-related seriously. Not this time. She cocks her head to one side and says, “I think you’re fibbing to me.”

Oliver rubs his hands over his face and snorts. “You’re right, kiddo. I’m a big fibber. What woman would want to marry one of those?”

Jill gasps before primly telling her uncle, “It’s bad to fib.”

Deciding to ‘rescue’ the handsome doctor, I step in the room to join them. “Oh, don’t worry, Jill. Your uncle’s allergic to fibbing, too. Any second now, he’s going to have an enormous sneeze for the one he told you.”

Right on cue, Oliver plays along, making Jill shriek with laughter.

We grin at each other after she runs off to tell her dad the story. I like all three of Theo’s brothers but I’ve spent the least amount of time with this one. His hours are crazy I’ve been told. I think he’s also a bit of a lone wolf for whatever reason, too.

“Theo says you’re going to be in a bachelor auction for charity next month.”

He rolls his eyes but nods. “Yeah, my oldest friend from New York called in a favor. His kid sister’s organizing it and I agreed. I’m supposed to call her back about it… or I was yesterday. Damn.”

“Well, call her back now before dinner’s served. You might find the love of your life there,” I tease.

“Don’t bet on it but what’s one night of dinner and conversation for a good cause, right? Hopefully, I won’t leave the lady regretting her donation.” He winks and, even if there’s no chemistry like that between us, I imagine Dr. Wolfe will raise a lot of money at that auction. Hopefully, he won’t leave any lady with real regrets over it.

“Besides,” he adds, “it’s not like I’m allergic to women, just marriage.”

“Well, keep your marriage allergy away from my fiancée then,” Theo says, coming into the room with Jill on his shoulders.

“Will do. And I’m not allergic to other people’s weddings… orelopements,” he says, teasing me now. “If you want family there when you tie the knot, you tell me where and when and I’ll be there.”

He heads out of the room with Jill scrambling to follow and Theo and I are left alone. He pulls me out back to the house’s huge wrap-around porch. We can see Lake Michigan sparkling in the distance. It’s beautiful out here, romantic. He circles my waist which has started to expand with his warm, strong arms. His hands cradle my little bump and I’m so content I think I might melt.

“We know the when. So, the real question is where, sweetheart?” he murmurs in my ear, making me shiver with excitement and happiness.

“As long as I’m with you-”

“That’s kind of a requirement in this case.”

“Hush, you,” I say with a light-hearted shove backwards. He kisses the back of my neck in penance and holds me again. “As long as I’m with you and the kids, I’ll be happy.”

“Funny. That’s all I really need, too.”

And it’s true.

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