The Beast's Nanny (The Nannies)

Caleb stopped, aware of his men doing the same a couple of feet behind him.

Turning around, he took a few steps and stopped again. He wasn’t going to listen to his sister’s voice. She was gone. He spun again.

“I may be gone, but that doesn’t stop you from thinking about me and wondering what could be. You love me and you miss me, but without Grace, you’re going to die.”

I could kill her.

“Not possible. You’ll protect her, just like you’ll protect James, and you know she’s carrying your child. You saw the pregnancy test kit. Stop being an asshole. Go to her. Go now.”

Spinning back on his heel, he took the stairs two at a time, rushing back to her apartment. He expected her to put a lock on the door, or to do something to keep him out. When he entered, he was surprised. He stepped over the glass and saw Grace on the floor, sobbing.

“You’re wrong.” He slammed the door. “You did betray me, Grace. You were only supposed to be a fuck. I never wanted to know there was goodness in this world, and what was more, I was never supposed to have it for myself. You made me fall in love with you and if you think I’m going to walk away when you’re carrying my child—”

“How dare you … what? You knew?”

“Of course, I knew. I was waiting for you to tell me.”

“I wanted to tell you. I’ve been waiting for the right moment.”

“Being with me hasn’t taught you there are no right moments?” he asked, storming up to her. He sank his fingers into her hair and pulled her close, claiming her lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he swallowed down her moans.

She suddenly pushed against him, breaking the kiss. “Wait a minute! You love me?”

“Yeah, I love you.” He kissed her lips. “I love you so fucking much, and I want you all the time. I’ve never felt this way about anyone.” He sank to his knees. “Please, forgive me, baby. I love you, and I want to be a husband to you and a father to this baby.” He pressed kisses to her stomach.

Glancing up, he saw the tears in her eyes, and he laughed. “What’s the matter?”

“You’ve just confessed your love and told me that you love me all in one. I’m processing.”

“Yeah, and I think we shouldn’t wait to get married.”

“Why?”

“Do you want our baby to know you were a naughtier girl before she was born?”

She burst out laughing. “I’m still angry with you.”

He stood, cupping her face. “No, you’re not. You’re Grace Page. The nicest, most beautiful, and kindest person I ever met. I don’t deserve you. I know that. I can never be a nine-to-five man. I can never be good.”

She rested her head against him. “I can be good enough for the both of us.”

“Is that a yes, you forgive me and a yes, you’re going to marry me?”

“I’ll marry you, but I’m going to require a little more groveling.”

He slammed his lips down on hers. “How about I fuck you into forgiving me? Do you like that?”

“Oh, I do like that. I like that a whole lot.”

Epilogue

Ten years later

Grace stood with Allie and George by her side, watching as James stared down at his mother’s grave. Caleb was there, and she saw her two men as they struggled to keep their emotions in check.

In all of the time she’d known Caleb, he’d only cried twice. At the birth of Allie and George. Pregnancy had been difficult for her, but she loved to be pregnant, which was why they were expecting their third. Each time, he promised it would be the last baby. Of course, she’d get pregnant, and well, the last time wouldn’t be the last one.

After another few minutes, James turned around. He was so big at thirteen. Caleb was helping him to deal with a great deal of pain. It had turned to anger and without him, she didn’t know if she could handle it.

“How are you?” she asked.

“I’m fine. Thank you.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek. For a long time, he’d wanted to call her Mom. Caleb had finally been able to talk about Allie, and James he did call her Mom, but he also knew of his other mom. The one who shouldn’t have gone from this world. “I’m going to go and wait in the car.” He took Allie’s and George’s hands. He was a good big brother. No matter his anger, he was someone she always trusted.

Caleb pulled her into his arms and they turned to face his sister’s grave.

“What about you? How are you doing?”

“I still miss her.”

“It never goes away,” she said. She’d taken Caleb to her own parents’ graves. She had cried as she introduced him.