Page 6 of Faking It With My Pucking Protector

As we pull in, she straightens in her seat, eyes drifting over the sprawling house like she’s trying to decide if it’s real. Her gaze lingers on the warm lights glowing behind the windows, on the porch swing swaying gently in the breeze.

“This is your house?” she asks, barely above a whisper.

I nod but keep my voice low. “It’s quiet. That’s the part I like most.”

She doesn’t answer, but something in her posture softens, and that’s all I need to see.

I don’t say much. Just kill the engine and let the quiet settle.

“I wasn’t planning on company,” I say finally. “But I’ve got plenty of space. You can stay as long as you need.”

She blinks. “Are you sure?”

I nod. “Of course.”

Miss Taylor steps out onto the front porch, drying her hands on a dish towel. She doesn’t say a word at first, just watches with quiet concern as I round the truck and help Ava down.

Her brows knit, her eyes softening when she sees Ava step out of the truck in a torn wedding dress. Ava freezes, as if unsure what to do next.

“This is Ava,” I explain, rounding the truck. “She’s a friend. Needed a place to crash.”

Miss Taylor nods once and steps aside. “Well, come on then, sweetheart. Let’s get you inside. It’s chilly out.”

Ava stares at her with wide eyes, timid and uncertain, as if taken aback by her kindness.

“Miss Taylor is the nanny for my boys. She lives in the guest house out back. She’s a lifesaver, and I don’t know how we’d function without her.”

I place a hand at the small of her back and gently steer her toward the steps.

The screen door opens again, this time with a thump and the sound of sneakers on wood.

“Daddy! You’re back already!”

Liam and Noah come bounding out in matching dinosaur pajamas, all elbows and energy.

They skid to a stop when they see Ava.

Noah’s eyes widen. “Whoa. Are you a princess?”

Liam tugs at his brother’s sleeve. “You’re not supposed to say that out loud.”

Ava blinks, then lets out a soft, stunned laugh.

“This is Uncle Greg’s sister,” I explain.

Liam’s face lights up. “Wait, the cool doctor? The one with the skeleton in his office?”

I almost smile. “Yeah, that one.”

Inside, the house is warm and softly lit. Hardwood floors, high ceilings, and a fire crackling in the fireplace. Ava steps in hesitantly, like she’s afraid she’ll leave footprints where she shouldn’t.

Miss Taylor disappears into the kitchen, murmuring something about tea. The twins linger, eyes still wide.

“Can she stay for a sleepover?” Noah asks, bouncing on his toes.

“Noah,” I warn gently, shooting Ava an apologetic look.

But she gives him a small smile and crouches slightly. “Only if you have extra pillows.”