Page 16 of Manny Included

“Okay.Cool.I hope she decides to eat after her bath, though.”He’d seen her eating precious little between yesterday and today.She needed to eat.

“I hope so.Maybe I’ll make her a milkshake…”

“A treat?For not eating her supper?”Was that a thing now?He certainly didn’t remember anything like that when he was a kid, that was for sure.

“No.I just… Of course not.”Pete fed the baby, and it was a messy, loud situation.

Why on earth did Tony make four children and then die?Inconsiderate asshole.

It was easier thinking that than focusing on the fact that he was gone.Gone for good.Bay blinked and shoved a couple fries in his mouth.

Eric frowned at him.“Who you?”

“I’m your Uncle Bay.Your father is—” He cut himself off and swallowed hard.“—was my brother.”

Eric looked to Pete, face confused.

“Uncle Bay, honey.That’s Uncle Bay.”

“Uncaby?”Merida tilted her head.

Pete nodded to her.“That’s right.”

He guessed that was close enough, and he gave her a smile.This was insane.This whole situation was insane and shouldn’t be happening.These kids needed their folks.

“All right.Eat eat eat!Let’s do this.”Pete clapped his hands, and the little ones cheered.

How did one person manage to remain so even keeled and cheerful in the face of this?Pete was a better man than him when it came to the kids, and Bay was thankful that Tony and Cindy had had the forethought to make sure the will included provisions for Pete to stay on.

He could only hope that things would get easier as he and the kids got to know each other.

Maybe he should just hire a bonus nanny.Was that a thing?Bonus nannies?He thought it would make things easier.Pete might have said he didn’t mind not taking his time off right now, but everyone needed a break.

And he thought that Pete might need a break more than anyone on earth.

He would consult with Will.His assistant would know what to do and who to call.

ChapterFour

“Mommy!A monster!”

Pete went running before he was even awake, heading for someone’s bedroom.He didn’t even know whose until he made it in and found Eric sobbing.

“There’s no monsters.”

“Want MOMMY!”

So did he.Maybe he’d call his, but not right now.

“I’m right here.”

“YOU’RE NOT MOMMY.”Eric was going to wake the entire house and all the neighbors at this rate.

His heart was breaking.“I know, sweetheart.I’m Pete.Let’s go down to the kitchen and have some milk.”

Bay met them in the hallway.“I heard the shouting.Is he okay?”

“Nightmare.”