Chapter 13 - Mara Stopped Being the Nanny
Two years after she walked into the nursery at three in the morning, Mara resigned.
Adrian stared at the letter.
“No.”
She laughed.
“You can’t reject a resignation.”
“I just did.”
“Adrian.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m living here.”
“Yes.”
“Dating you.”
“Yes.”
“Helping raise Leo.”
“Yes.”
“And still receiving a nanny paycheck.”
He considered.
“That is somewhat strange.”
“Exactly.”
“So what do you want?”
“A life.”
“With me?”
She smiled.
“Unfortunately.”
He walked around the desk.
“Good.”
“But I need my own work.”
Mara returned to school.
Completed pediatric-care credentials she abandoned after prison.
Later, she specialized in family support.
Adrian attended her graduation.
He applauded louder than anyone.
Leo, now almost three, yelled:
“AUNT MARA!”
Everyone laughed.
Mara crouched and hugged him.
Adrian proposed that evening.
Not at a restaurant.
In the nursery.
Same room.
New paint.
No blue detergent.
No fear.
Leo slept in a toddler bed.
Adrian held out the silver locket that once belonged to Sofia.
Mara frowned.
“That’s hers.”
“She mailed it.”
Inside was a note.
STOP BEING IDIOTS.
Mara laughed so hard she cried.
Adrian took out a ring.
“Marry me.”
“That was not a question.”
He sighed.
“Will you marry me?”
She studied him.
“Conditions.”
“Of course.”
“No criminal empire.”
“Mostly solved.”
“No secret siblings.”
“Not under my control.”
“No fake deaths.”
“I strongly support this.”
“No deciding what I can handle.”
He became serious.
“I promise.”
Mara smiled.
“Yes.”
Leo woke.
“Why crying?”
Adrian picked him up.
“Happy.”
Leo considered.
“Snack?”
May you like
Mara laughed.
“Definitely your child.”
