Page 81 of Nine Week Nanny

Angela leans closer. "I don't want to be nosy, but..." She glances at the boys to make sure they can't hear. "What's the deal? Is Pope a single dad? Guardianship meeting? I’m confused and totally being nosy.”

“I get it. I had the same questions. Lennon's mom passed away recently. Pope is actually Lennon's half-brother. He's the temporary guardian until Lennon's cousin, his mom's first cousin, can adopt him."

Angela's hand flies to her chest. "Oh my god, that's heartbreaking. So Pope just stepped up?"

"Yeah," I say softly. "He did.”

She studies my face for a long moment, then breaks into a knowing smile. "You're smitten with him, aren't you?"

"I—um—what?" I stutter, my face burning hotter than the afternoon sun. "No, that's not—I just?—"

Angela's eyebrows rise higher with each fumbled word.

"Okay, fine." I exhale dramatically. "It's kind of hard not to admire what he's doing. Taking his half-brother in like that. Not to mention, especially when he looks like that. You saw him.”

We both burst into laughter, mine nervous, hers knowing.

"Say no more." Angela winks, bouncing Tyler on her knee. "I get it completely."

I'm grateful she doesn't press further. There's an opening now, though, a crack in my professional façade that might lead to deeper conversations later. For now, I need safer ground.

"So, about Monday's lesson plan," I pivot. "I cannot thank you enough for that syllabus. I was honestly panicking about where to start."

Angela's face lights up. "That's what homeschool moms are for! Supporting each other through curriculum crises."

"It's still wild to me that I'm technically a homeschool teacher now." I shake my head, watching the boys measure something in the sandbox with sticks. "Yesterday's planning session saved my sanity."

"We're going to make this so fun for them." Angela leans forward. "Micah hasn't stopped talking about having a 'learning buddy.' He's already picked out his favorite shells to show Lennon during science time."

My heart squeezes. “Five weeks will fly by, but we'll make them count."

The moment I mention the timeframe, Angela's smile falters. "I keep forgetting Lennon's situation is temporary. I'll miss having another homeschool mom to bounce ideas off."

"Hey, I'm not going anywhere," I reassure her. "My big girl job will be ten minutes from your house. I'd love to keep helping with Micah's lessons."

"Really? Even without Lennon?"

"Absolutely. I think I'm going to love doing it. Plus, we can hang out." I glance at Lennon, who's now laughing at something Micah said.

"They're peas in a pod," Angela agrees. "Two little scientists discovering the world. Meeting you two has been such a blessing."

"Speaking of which, I grabbed those marine biology flashcards you mentioned. Target had them on clearance."

Angela gasps dramatically. "Clearance educational materials? Now you're speaking my love language!"

Our conversation flows easily between teaching strategies and ridiculous mom-humor that Angela brings, and I somehow understand, despite not being a parent.

For these moments, I can almost forget that I'm falling for my boss, living in his house, and avoiding thinking about the day I'll have to say goodbye to Lennon.

Almost.

As if on cue, Tyler's face scrunches up, his bottom lip quivering before he lets out a frustrated wail.

Angela checks her phone and sighs. “Eleven-thirty on the dot. You could set your watch to this kid's nap schedule."

"He's consistent, I'll give him that." I reach over to tickle one of Tyler's chubby feet. "Hey, why don't I drop the boys off at Seabreeze? You should get that sweet baby to bed."

"Are you sure? I don't want to burden you with Micah duty."