“Yes. But at a new school.”
“A school where Ryder and Jill are every day. It’s going to be good. You’ve got this!”
You’ve got this. I feel my smile getting wider again. Same school with Ryder and Jill. Not as small as Price Academy was but I think I can manage it alright. I feel more and more like I can manage anything if I have to. This baby’s mother won’t be hiding at corner tables, waiting for life to find her. Maybe there’s no magical cure for my PTSD and anxiety issues but I won’t let it stop me from doing the things I love.
“Yeah. But even if they wanted to offer me a full-time position in the future, I’d have my own maternity leave to plan next year and I’m not sure if I’d want to teach while the baby’s so small. Unless I have to.”
“Have to? Quinn, Theo’s rich as-”
“I won’t be dependent on him,” I snap, my pride flaring. It’s silly maybe but I can’t bear for someone like Nadine Childress to congratulate me on my pregnancy while viewing it as an act of avarice and manipulation. “I don’t want a dime more than what’s owed for child support if he doesn’t want our baby.”
“Don’t be so stubborn. That’s my job.”
“Does that mean you’re still not replying to your Cruise Crush?”
“Ugh, don’t call him that or change the subject.”
“So, that’s a yes.”
“It was a singles’ cruise! For fun! I didn’t know he lived in Chicago. I sure didn’t know he worked at Jill and Ryder’s school or he’d be like your boss someday.”
I’d nearly fainted when Isa and I had worked out that her vacation hookup was none other than Alex Carter last night. He’d wanted his own singles’ cruise fun during winter break. They’d connected onboard but withheld last names. Once the ship had docked however, he’d wanted more time with my sister. I’d started to sing‘It’s a small world’until Isa had been hurling pillows at me.
“It’s simply not allowed. That’s why he will remain a memorable vacation hookup and nothing more.”
“Isa, he’s really a nice man and don’t let him being my temporary department head throw you off. Future couples meet on vacation all the time. Sometimes hookups can become something more.”
“Which leads us back to you, Ms. My One-Night Stand is My Boss and My Baby Daddy.”
“Yikes, Isa.”
“Look, Theo may have acted like an ass the other night when you sprung the news on him but he sounded very apologetic based on what you told me yesterday and wants to work things out. He was practically begging you to let him tell you he loves you.”
“I don’t want a love declaration born of guilt or duty.”
“You sound like some forlorn Regency heroine and I don’t think it would be.” My heart wants to believe her.
“He never said he wanted our baby, Isa. Only that he’d take care of us.” Tears start prickling my eyes and my earlier elation over getting the position feels snuffed out.
“Quinn..”
“I’ve got to go. He wants to talk later and I need to prepare for that.”
“Okay, I’ll see you at home tonight. I’ll do some shopping and make you something soothing for your queasy tummy for dinner.”
“Thank you. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“And Isa? Would you pick up some ginger tea while you’re at the store?”
∞∞∞
Several hours later, I’m heading downstairs to his office not sure what to expect. It feels eerily similar to that night months ago after he’d discovered I was his new nanny.
Around seven, Margaret and Michael had stopped by to take the kids for the night. Mr. Wolfe and Theo had spent several minutes in his office speaking. Margaret had squeezed my hand before they left and said she’d call me tomorrow. Why are the kids going to their grandparents’ house on a school night? Theo’s home and I’m here. I’ll be leaving after we speak but I’m coming back in the morning.
He’s seated at his desk when I enter, working on something with a tumbler of scotch by his side and his shirt sleeves rolled up. I’d be turned on if I wasn’t so nervous. Hell, who am I kidding? I’m still turned on.