Page 49 of The Accidental Nanny

“It’s not that good. Sorry I didn’t get you anything proper,” I say, feeling ashamed.

“Gemma, it’s perfect. I love it. This is the best present ever.” He stands up, hugging me.

Mum takes it from him, looking at the drawing. “Gemma, this is brilliant.”

My brother’s face turns sour; it’s so worth it. I smile sweetly at him.

“I didn’t know you could draw like this,” Mum says.

“I’m not the best,” I admit.

Dad pulls away as Mum places it on the side next to Brody’s card.

“What about that watch? That was thousands,” Brody says, pissed that his present has been forgotten about.

“I know, and I do love it, but anyone can just buy a present. The real thought is when you make something. You don’t have to spend money,” Dad says.

I look down at Eden to find she's poking her tongue out at Brody before she hides behind me. I swallow the smirk I want to throw his way.

“It’s not about money,” Eden tells him. “We made Daddy a cake. He loved it.” That is a bit far-fetched, but we had all tried it.

“Gemma, I have something for you.” My father pulls out a shiny new credit card from his leather wallet. “I think you’ve proven yourself. You can have it. Are you moving back home?”

I look down at Eden, who looks like she is going to burstinto tears.

“Thank you, Dad, but I don’t need it. I’m staying with Alex and the children,” I say with all the confidence I can muster.

“Are you sure?” Mum asks. "Youhaveproven your point. We didn't think you would, but you did."

“Yes. I did prove a point, but I like my job.” Looking down at Eden, she melts my heart.

“It's because I’m the best,” Eden adds.

“You are,” I tell her, picking her up in my arms. I sit her on my hips and kiss her little head.

“She is just like what I imagined your children to look like.” Dad ruffles her hair.

I blush crimson and cradle Eden.

"You must want something to eat or drink, sweetheart," Mum says to Eden.

"We made a disaster breakfast for today," she says.

"Disaster breakfast?" Brody asks. "You let Gemma cook something, and your father ate it? I'm sorry to tell you, but your dad's a dead man."

Eden frowns and shouts at him. "No, he's not. You're just mean and have no friends."

My parents burst out laughing, and it's nice that, for once, it isn't at my expense. Brody falls silent, his arms crossed. Does my brother have beef with a five-year-old?

Eden starts kicking her legs and playing with my hair. "Gemma is the best," she announces. "She lets me have chocolate for breakfast sometimes, and she lets me paint in my school clothes."

"Gemma," my father warns.

"Eden, Brody is going to take you for a cookie. Aren't you, Brody?"my mother tells him.

Brody sighs. He offers Eden his hand, but she looks at it like it's the most disgusting thing ever.

They walk out, and I turn to my parents. "They've just losttheir mum. She left them without even a word. I feel like they need a little fun, a little freedom, to deal with everything."