Alien Architect Needs a Nanny (Alien Nanny Agency 1)

“No way,” he said. “This plant? Are you sure?”

“Yes, but it won’t self-pollinate. It has to be around other flowers,” she told him. “Maybe if we plant it outside, it will be easier to take care of,” she told him. “And it could even get pollinated so you can see the fruit for yourself.”

The poor little plant looked listless. She was impressed that he had kept it going so long. He must have a way with plants. The thought of it gave her an exciting idea.

“Yeah,” he said. “I guess we could try planting it outside.”

But he was still clutching it close. This memory of his mother was obviously very important to him.

“We’ll have to plant it carefully and check on it every day,” Emilia said. “After your hard work caring for it, we want to make sure it has everything it needs to thrive.”

He nodded and his shoulders slumped down slightly, showing her that he felt more relaxed knowing that she wanted to protect the little plant.

“Let’s make a list of everything we’ll need for it,” she told him. “Maybe your dad would let us have a little plot of land and some supplies, so we can get some friends for it and make it more likely to be pollinated.”

They had just begun to list out what they needed when Mimi flew in the door.

“Emilia,” she sang out. “Can we have leftover cupcakes for breakfast?”

“If Cook made you a fresh breakfast, that’s probably what you should have,” Emilia replied carefully.

“No, Cook doesn’t come until it’s time to make lunch,” Dyrk said.

“Then of course, you can have cupcakes,” she told them.

“What’s that?” Mimi asked, looking at the list.

“We’re thinking of having a garden,” Emilia said. “Does that seem like a good project?”

“Yes,” Mimi declared.

Dyrk smiled indulgently at Mimi, and Emilia decided it was going to be a really good day.