The Nanny Trap

“When did you realize something changed?”

“The first time I felt him kick. By then it was too late. And Blake was so excited about becoming a father.”

“Are you in love with him?”

“More than anything.”

“He asked your father permission to marry you.”

“Really?” Bella was utterly charmed that Blake would do something so old-fashioned. It wasn’t what she would have expected.

“Are you going to marry him?”

“I don’t know.” She grinned at her mother. “Did Dad say yes or no?”

“That’s between them.” Her mother was silent for a long time. “You probably don’t think I’ve realized just how much you’ve done for this family.”

Bella scrunched up her face. “I would do whatever I could to help you.”

“You’ve given more than your fair share of time and money to help us out. That stops now. Living in New York City isn’t the dream I had for you, but I can see Blake and Drew make you happy. I’m glad you found a man who loves you the way your father loves me.”

And love was what made her mother’s burden lighter, Bella realized. Love for her husband. His for her. The love she had for the farm and her children. The financial struggles, the vast amount of work that needed to be done on a daily basis, the petty spats between her kids, all of that rolled off Stella’s back because she was happy with the life she’d chosen.

What a blessing that was.

“It’s time for you to get a little selfish,” her mother continued. “Promise me you’ll put yourself first at least once a week.”

Blake appeared in the doorway and grinned at both women. “I intend to take excellent care of her.”

Bella’s mother smiled. “It’s nice to see someone worrying about you for a change.” She stood and plucked Drew from his mother’s arms. “I’m going to take Drew downstairs and find him a snack.”

Once they were alone, Blake came to kneel beside Bella. He pulled out the diamond ring she’d returned to him earlier that week. “The last time I did this all wrong. I’d like to try again.”

Nodding, unable to speak past the lump in her throat, Bella stared at the ring Blake slipped on her finger.

“Bella McAndrews, I love you with all my heart. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

She slid her hands around his neck and leaned forward until their lips were inches apart. “Blake Ford, you are my heart and my life. I will marry you and spend the rest of my days making you happy.”

A reverent kiss sealed their commitment to each other. When Blake released her, Bella’s whole body was tingling with passion and joy.

“Shall we go tell your family the news?”

“I’m sure three of them are outside the door listening to us,” she retorted, kissing him hard and fast. “In this house there is no privacy.”

Blake stood. “Then perhaps we should go downstairs and accept their congratulations.”

“We should.” She let him pull her to her feet.

As they left her childhood bedroom, Bella thought back over all the nights she’d lain here and plotted how her life would go. Not once had she contemplated living in New York City, being married to a billionaire and raising a family.

With her fingers laced with Blake’s, she marveled at how despite her best efforts to avoid it, she’d gotten what her heart truly wanted all along.