Page 119 of Nine Week Nanny

"Cousin." My throat tightens as I force the words out. "I guess in around nine weeks. That's my understanding. No one tells me things, so I’m going off the original plan.”

"So Pope is doing all of this, fighting his dirty father, cutting you off, all for just a few more weeks of temporary guardianship?"

"Yep. Until Camila can take him." I lower my voice, glancing at the boys to make sure they're still absorbed in their artistic exploration.

"Tell me who this cousin is again. Sorry, I can't keep it all straight."

"Lennon's mother's first cousin, Camila, promised his mother she would raise Lennon. But I think around the time of her death, Camila was going through her own life challenges. You know, divorce, finding a place to live, stuff like that. She asked Pope to take him so custody wouldn't default to their father, Chris, while she finalized her stuff and found a bigger place. She's his godmother and was his mom's best friend."

"That's a lot. So why is Pope fighting for custody if Camila wants him?"

I rub my temples, feeling a headache forming. "Because Chris found out about Maria's life insurance and the house she left Lennon. Suddenly, he wants to play daddy for the payday."

“Ahh. Okay, I think I get it now. That's awful." Angela's face clouds with disgust. "What does any of this have to do with you and Pope? I'm so confused."

A bitter laugh escapes me before I can stop it. "Apparently, you're not supposed to sleep with the nanny."

Angela snorts, then covers her mouth. I join her in a moment of inappropriate laughter before we both sober.

"Chris is using it against Pope in court," I explain. "Pope's probably in Jacksonville right now, meeting with Chris and the guardian ad litem. I overheard him asking if Lennon could skip this one because it upsets him too much." I run my fingers through my hair. "I only know bits and pieces. It's a nightmare I can't wake up from."

Angela touches my arm, her eyes full of concern. "And you're caught in the middle."

"I put myself there. My friend warned me. I never should have gone there with him. I knew it was a bad idea, and I did it anyway.” I watch Lennon pointing something out to Micah, his small face animated in a way it rarely is.

My phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out to see Elite Nanny Agency scroll across the screen.

I stare at my phone, heart thumping against my ribs.

"Angela, can you watch the boys for a minute?" I call over my shoulder, already backing away toward a massive stone sculpture that resembles a wave. "I need to take this."

Angela nods, patting Tyler's backside through the sling as the boys continue their exploration.

I duck behind the sculpture, the cool shade a stark contrast to the heat rising in my face. My finger trembles as I swipe to answer.

"Hello?"

"Sloane, it's Vanessa Williams from Elite Nanny Services." Her crisp, professional voice sounds exactly as it did the day she offered me this job.

"Hi Vanessa."

"How is your day?"

"We’re at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens for homeschool, so not too bad. How about yours?"

"Busy. Look, I don’t want to pull you away for too long. I know you have your hands full. I wanted to let you know tomorrow will be your final day with the Carrigan family."

My breath sticks in my throat. "I’m sorry, what?"

"We were able to find a suitable nanny to finish out your contract, as you requested."

"Oh, wow. I didn’t think?—"

"Your replacement will arrive at eight tomorrow morning. I’ll be there to meet her and make the introduction," Vanessa continues without missing a beat.

"So you don’t need me to come tomorrow?"

"I’d like you to let the new nanny shadow you. Walk her through Lennon’s daily routine, your homeschooling plan, and any expectations Mr. Carrigan has established."