“I know you would.” I gave her a smile.
“Do you miss your mom?” she asked.
“I do, and I think about her every day.”
“I miss Nanny Kate.”
“What do you miss about her?”
“I don’t know. I just miss her.”
“Tell me what the two of you used to do.”
“She was just always there. She’d read to me, help me with my homework, pick me up from school. Now, things are different.”
“You’re angry at Nanny Kate, aren’t you?”
She slowly nodded her head.
“I was angry too when my mom died. I was so mad at her for leaving me.”
“You were?”
“Yes. It wasn’t fair, and I had all this rage inside me screaming and fighting to get out.”
“What did you do?” she asked.
“I talked to her. Sometimes I still do.”
“I wish I could talk to Nanny Kate.” She pouted.
“Why can’t you? You can text her or even call her on the phone.”
“Do you think my dad would let me?”
“I’m sure he will. Listen, Lily, just because someone isn’t around anymore, doesn’t mean you have to forget them. Do you have any pictures of you and Nanny Kate?”
She shook her head.
“I’m sure your dad does. Maybe he can print one and give it to you. I have a picture of me and my mom that I keep with me everywhere I go.”
“You do?”
“Yep.” I smiled.
“Can I see it?”
“Sure. It’s in my room at your uncle’s house. Do you want to come with me, and I’ll show you?”
“Yeah.” She smiled.
Stefan
“This is making me very nervous,” I spoke as I brought the bottle up to my lips.
“So far so good,” Sam spoke. “She’s not yelling or screaming at Alex.
“Look!” Sebastian said. “They’re coming and Lily is holding Alex’s hand.
“What the hell?”
“Looks like Alex might have gotten through to her.” Julia smirked.
“The burgers and hot dogs are ready,” Sebastian said as Lily opened the sliding door.
“We’ll be right back, Uncle Sebastian. “Alex is going to show me something.” She smiled.
“I haven’t seen that kid smile in weeks.” I shook my head.
“Seems to me that maybe she’s taking a liking to Alex,” Simon spoke.
Alex
I pulled out the picture and handed it to Lily.
“She’s so pretty.”
“She was the most beautiful woman I knew.”
“Does it hurt to talk about her?”
“Not at all. I have a lot of wonderful memories with my mom and it’s those memories that keep her spirit alive.”
“I have a lot of memories with Nanny Kate.”
“I’m sure you do. All you have to do is keep remembering them and everything will be okay. You’ll be okay.” I tapped her on the nose. “You do understand why Nanny Kate had to leave, right?”
“Yeah. I know. She got sick.”
“And you know it’s not her fault?”
She nodded her head.
“Then maybe it’s time to say goodbye to your anger. You have an amazing dad, Lily. He loves you so much, and he’s sad that you’re hurting. He needs you just as much as you need him right now.”
“I know.” She lowered her head. “I’m going to say goodbye to the anger now.”
“Do you need some help?” I smiled.
“No. I got this.”
She closed her eyes real tight, took in a deep breath and held it for a few seconds. When she opened her eyes, she threw her arms around my neck.
“It’s gone now,” she whispered.
I could feel the tears spring to my eyes as I hugged her tight.
“Good girl. Come on. We better go join everybody for dinner. I’m starving.” I tickled her.
“Me too.” She laughed.
She walked over and grabbed the handle to one of my suitcases.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“You can stay at my house tonight.”
“I think we better ask your dad first.”
“We don’t have to. I know he’ll say yes.”
Chapter 10
Stefan
“Um, bro.” Sebastian pointed.
Turning around, I saw Lily wheeling Alex’s suitcase out the door and Alex behind her.
“What are you doing?” I asked my daughter.
“Taking Alex’s suitcases back to our house. She’s staying with us tonight.”
“She is?” I arched my brow at Alex.
She smiled as she shrugged.
“Yes, Dad. She can stay as long as she wants.”
Julia leaned over and placed her hand on my shoulder.
“I think you just found your new nanny.”
I stared at her as a wide grin crossed her face.
“I don’t think I can do that.”
“Why not?” Sam asked.
“What if she doesn’t have experience with children?”
“I think she just proved herself,” Simon said.
“I think our brother is worried about something else.” Sebastian smirked.
“Shut up, douchebag.” I picked up a hot dog bun and threw it at him while he sat there and laughed.
The three of us arrived back at my house around eight p.m.
“Lily, go change into your pajamas. It’s almost time for bed.”
“Okay. Can Alex tuck me in too?”
“Of course, I will.” The corners of Alex’s mouth curved upward.
“Okay. I’ll let you know when I’m ready.”
“What did you say to her?” I asked as we stood in the kitchen.
“I just told her that I knew what she was going through. As you know, my mom passed away when I was seven, and I pretty much acted the same way at first. Do you have any pictures of Lily and Nanny Kate?”
“Yeah. I have some on my phone, why?”
“You need to have them printed for her. Also, she needs to be able to either text or call Nanny Kate.”
“We can do that. But it also depends on how Nanny Kate is feeling.”
“I know, and I explained that to Lily.”
Lily yelled for us that she was ready for bed.
“Did you brush your teeth?” I asked as I walked into her bedroom.
“Yes, Dad. I brush them every night. You know that.”
“Just making sure. I wouldn’t be a good dad if I didn’t ask. Good night, baby girl.” I kissed her forehead. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Dad.”
Alex walked over and took hold of Lily’s hand.
“You’re a brave girl, Lily Kind. Sweet dreams.”
“You too, Alex. Dad?”
“Yeah, baby girl?”
“Can Alex come with us when you drop me off at school tomorrow?”
“If she wants to.”
“I’d love to go with you.” She smiled at Lily.