A Very Merry Nanny (Very Merry #2)

Chapter 37

CHAPTER 37

HUDSON

I wait on the couch for my mother to return with Colby. The air hangs thick with tension, and I can feel the anticipation in my chest as I watch the door. When it finally swings open, Colby strides in, his arms crossed defiantly over his chest, his expression a storm cloud of anger. I've never seen him this mad before. His little face is twisted in frustration, and for a moment, I wonder if I act the same when I'm upset. Probably.

He attempts to give me the silent treatment as he walks toward the couch.

“How was your weekend with Mimi?” I ask, my tone light, hoping to break through the wall he's building.

“Blah.” His response drips with disinterest as he plops down.

My mother stands in the doorway and casts a knowing smile in my direction. “That's your son. Love you, Bee.”

“What do you say?” I prod gently, nudging him towards a response.

“Love you, Mimi,” he mutters, his voice devoid of enthusiasm.

“Good luck,” she tells me with a wink.

“Won’t need it,” I retort, trying to keep my spirits high.

With a sharp snap, the door shuts behind my mother. I interlock my fingers and stare at my son knowing he's growing up in front of my eyes, attitude and all. Colby stands his ground, arms still folded tightly across his chest, refusing to meet my gaze.

I sigh. “What's wrong?”

He shakes his head, and I hope this isn't a taste of what I'll be dealing with when he's a rebellious teenager struggling with hormones. I almost groan, but then I'm reminded of how much peace Emma has brought into our home. She's pure sunshine and brought light into my dark world.

“Do you remember when you asked me about marrying Emma?” I ask.

He rolls his eyes, irritation dancing in his expression. “You let her leave, Dad! I didn’t get to say bye! It’s dumb.”

“Why would you need to say bye?” Emma's voice drifts down from the top of the stairs, a hint of amusement in her tone.

Instantaneously, Colby’s frown reverses. His face lights up as he races halfway up the staircase to meet her, wrapping his arms around her tightly.

“Emma! You’re really here?” he exclaims with a quiver in his small voice. Tears flow down his cheeks.

“Yeah, of course. I told you it was temporary, just a little weekend getaway.” She stops and kneels down in front of him. “I'm not ever leaving you, Bee. I promise you I will always come back unless I physically can't,” she assures him.

He hugs her neck, and they stay like that for what feels like an eternity. She eventually breaks hold, then gently guides him to the couch where he had been moments ago. Her presence instantly soothes him. Me too.

“I want to show you something,” Emma says, squeezing between us. Her eyes sparkling with excitement as she reaches into her pocket and pulls out a small T-Rex wearing high heels. The hot pink shines bright, and it matches the one she gifted him on Halloween.

“Aww! Can I give this to Evie?” Colby beams, and my heart lurches forward. That little girl is going to break this kid's heart; I can already see it.

“You can do whatever you want with it,” Emma says. “You have its match.”

“Thank you!” Happiness bursts from him as he bounces eagerly on the cushion with the toy clutched in his hand.

The afternoon sunlight cascades through the windows and illuminates Emma's dark red hair, and I take a moment to admire her. I place my hand on her thigh, and she squeezes my fingers.

Fuck, I love her touch. I love her . Every little thing about her. This is how love should feel—easy.

“That’s not all I wanted to show you,” Emma continues, then stretches her left hand toward him. The diamonds of her ring glint with a dazzling brilliance, catching the light perfectly and scattering sparkles like starlight across the room. Being with her is like magic.

“Oh, wow!” Colby exclaims, spinning the ring around her finger, his eyes wide with wonder. “That’s so pretty and shiny.”

I drape my arm around Emma, my heart swelling with pride and affection. “Bee. I asked Emma to marry me,” I announce, my voice steady yet laced with excitement.

His eyes grow even wider, a mixture of shock and joy illuminating his face. “Does that mean you’re staying here?” Hope vibrates in his question.

Emma’s laugh is pure and contagious. “Yes. Forever and ever.”

She glances over at me, and in that moment, I lean down to kiss her softly on the cheek.

“I asked Santa for you!” Colby proclaims, jumping up and down in elation. “Woohoo!”

“Seems like you and him have something in common,” Emma says, a playful glint in her eye as she looks at me. She was at the top of my Christmas list.

“You’re going to be my mom?” Colby asks, his voice filled with uncertainty yet longing.

“I’ll try my best,” she admits, her tone sincere and reassuring.

“And I can have brothers and sisters?” he adds. A bigger family is something we all want.

“Eventually,” she replies with a smile. “But I kinda want to enjoy hanging out with you for a little while first. And we have a wedding to plan. Sometime after that.”

I'm filled with excitement, as we embrace this new chapter of our lives together.

“Okay,” he says. “But I want like five brothers and sisters.”

She chuckles softly. “We'll see what happens.”

Colby wraps his tiny arms around her neck, the warmth of their embrace radiating love and innocence. She holds him tight, her eyes sparkling with affection as he runs his fingers through her long hair, a gesture both tender and playful. He looks at me, his round face beaming brightly. This might be the happiest I've ever seen him.

“Do you forgive me?” I ask.

He shifts away from her and pulls me into a hug that feels like home. “I love you, Daddy.”

“Love you too, Bee. Always. Hold that thought,” I say and head upstairs to the bedroom.

Just as I push open the door, a golden retriever puppy comes trotting toward me.

“Ready, little lady?” I ask, crouching to meet her big brown eyes.

As Emma and Colby share a few words downstairs, the sense of anticipation swells within me.

Suddenly, Colby's expression shifts; his mouth falls open in shock, and more tears spill from his eyes.

“Is...is...”

“She's yours,” I say gently, handing the squirming puppy over to him.

“We picked her out just for you,” Emma adds.

“But you get to name her,” I offer, grinning widely. “Anything you want, Bee.”

He sobs, but somehow manages to set the puppy down, plopping onto the floor beside her.

“Goldie!” he declares.

The puppy’s tail wags furiously as if she loves it. I’m just glad he chose something normal because he named Mr. Stinky the Elf.

“That's perfect for her,” Emma says, watching them happily.

“Goldie, welcome to your new home. This is my mom and dad,” he introduces, beaming with pride as the puppy rushes toward him and licks his face enthusiastically. He rolls around on the floor, hugging her close while laughter tumbles from his lips. I settle closer to Emma, a sense of peace washing over me.

I lean into her side, my fingertips brushing against the smooth skin of her back. “I love you.”

It’s more than three words; it's a forever promise.

She steals a kiss and I notice goose bumps form along her arm. “I love you. I love us. Thanks for bringing me home.”

“This is where you belong.”

The three of us walk into my parent's house, where the entire family eagerly awaits our arrival, the atmosphere vibrant with warmth and excitement. Jake, Claire, Mr. Manchester, Lucas, my parents, and Mawmaw are gathered around the kitchen table, playing dice. As we enter the dining room, we're bombarded with congratulations and enthusiastic hugs.

“I was worried you'd say no,” Lucas teases Emma.

“Shut up. You knew I'd never,” she retorts playfully, and he instantly bursts into laughter, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “Glad you're gonna be my little sister. Happy to not be the youngest. Damn.”

“Daaaaamn,” Colby exclaims, mimicking Lucas’s tone with youthful exuberance.

“I knew he wasn't hearing that from me,” I state, a smirk stretching across my face as I glare at him. “Was wondering which of you needed your mouths washed with soap.”

“Not me. I'm the best Uncle,” Jake says, holding up his hands in protest.

We move to the table, and Colby eagerly asks my mother for something to drink before settling in the living room with his tablet. The screen's glow illuminates his face as intrigue takes over. He's enjoyed the math and word games we loaded onto it. My son is a smart cookie, too.

“I have an announcement.” Emma clears her throat, capturing everyone's attention.

“You're pregnant?” Mawmaw exclaims, her eyes sparkling with delight at the mere idea.

“Not yet,” Emma clarifies, her gaze softening at the edges as she glances at me. I'm filled with a sense of hope and anticipation. “We're opening a cookie shop!”

Excitement ripples through the room like a giddy wave, met with a chorus of congratulations that fills the air with joy. “Were you the ones who bought that building in town?” my dad inquires, his curiosity evident.

Emma and I exchange a knowing glance. The connection between us isn't like anything I've ever experienced. We can have an entire conversation with just one look.

“Something else is going there,” I say, realizing my cousin must not have shared her good news about Sugar & Spine with everyone just yet.

“Actually, we'd like to build it on the property,” I continue, my voice steady. “If I can get approval from the family, I'll move forward with the plans. We think it would bring more business to the farm and increase the bottom line.”

“As long as I get free cookies, you have my approval,” Mawmaw asserts, a twinkle in her eye.

“We have no issues with it,” Dad tells me, glancing at Mom, who nods enthusiastically in agreement.

“I want free cookies, too,” Lucas chimes in, his playful grin infectious.

“Okay, so unlimited cookies to the Jolly family. Consider it done,” Emma says with a laugh. “A cookie shop seemed right. We love baking, and our cookies are a hit. Of course, I'll have to hire a few employees, but I think it’ll be great. Hudson and I will make the gingerbread dough every week,” she confesses, her voice tinged with excitement.

I can't wait to share the secret recipe with her, but she’s insistent on figuring it out on her own first. My girl is stubborn, but I love her for it.

“Have you come up with a name yet?” Claire asks, curiosity evident in her tone.

Emma's face lights up as she nods enthusiastically. “I think it will be called Jolly Good Cookies unless something better comes along.” The name dances on her lips.

“I love it. It's perfect,” Mawmaw says with a smile.

“So when's the wedding?” Lucas asks.

“Soon,” we both say at the same time.

“What does that mean?” Mawmaw's interest piques, which is never a good thing. She’s never one to shy away from getting direct answers.

“Well.” Emma's eyes meet mine. “Next weekend.”

I smile. “Are y'all busy?”

Everyone gasps, the sound echoing with disbelief and anticipation.

“We don't want to wait,” I explain, my heart racing. “No reason to.” The spontaneity of it all feels intoxicating, a sweet promise of our forever just around the corner.

“Oh goodness, so we’re getting a wedding soon?” Mawmaw is so damn excited that it brings a smile to my lips.

“That’s right,” I confirm as Emma asks her dad if they can talk alone. They step away, and I listen to Mawmaw chat about weddings and babies.

I glance at Emma, knowing what she’s saying to her dad. It was important for her to thank him in person for everything he’s done for us, from the presents to the engagement ring. I have given him my gratitude countless times, and I know how important it is for him to be involved. He desperately wants to make up for lost time with his daughters and has a kind heart. He’s trying to be a good dad.

Emma hugs him for a long time, and I see her wipe away happy tears. Claire notices and gives me a sweet smile. This is a new beginning for everyone.

As Jake stands to grab more eggnog, I join him, pulling an envelope from my pocket.

I hand it to him, and he sees the crisp one-hundred dollar bills inside.

“Count it. There are thirty, just like you requested,” I say.

His smile widens. “You should’ve never made that bet.”

“I never thought, in my wildest dreams, I’d actually find love. You won fair and square. We’re even.”

Jake pulls me into a tight hug. “So fucking happy for you.”

“Thanks. Me too.”

“Now we just need to find Lucas a woman and we’re set,” he says with a snicker.

I look at our little brother. “Might be impossible. He’s too picky.”

“So were you,” Jake quips. “Christmas miracles happen every year.”

After an hour of being with family, Colby grows tired, and we return home. The day has been full of excitement and emotions, and I look forward to relaxing. The first thing I do when I walk in is let Goldie outside. When she's finished, she rushes Colby, and he runs around giggling. He sprints up the stairs, and Goldie struggles to follow him.

“Carry her to your room with you,” I tell him. “With both hands in your arms, like she's a baby. Carefully, okay?”

He bends down and picks her up, placing sweet kisses on her head. Slowly, he takes the stairs, and I can't hear what he's saying to her.

“He's going to be the best big brother. Just like his daddy,” Emma says, interlocking her fingers with mine as we go upstairs. The day has been full of emotion and the three of us are tired. After Colby is tucked in with Goldie, I climb into bed with Emma.

She's researching recipes and shop ideas. When I'm settled, she rests her head on my chest, listening to my heartbeat as I draw gentle circles on her skin. Randomly, she moves toward me, capturing my lips.

I meet her kind eyes. “Are you happy?”

“I’m Jolly ,” she whispers.

I kiss her again, grateful that she’s mine and we get to live our forever together.