asked the nanny to just take out the trash and leave for the day. Then, I walked over to Patrick’s room and <nocked softly.
The nanny’s gone. When you’re hungry, you can come out and eat.”
A long moment passed. Finally, the door opened. He peeked his head out, checking to make sure she wa: eally gone before cautiously stepping into the living room.
Buddy, his tongue lolling out, wagged his tail excitedly and trotted circles around the little boy.
‘atrick looked uncomfortable. He tugged at his slightly-too-small t-shirt, then shyly reached out and patter
uddy’s head. He quickly snatched an egg tart from the shopping bag and stuffed it into his pocket.
he
nanny hadn’t prepared lunch, so we ordered from a restaurant nearby and ate together.
Is she my mom?”
‘atrick, sitting across from me, asked the question out of the blue. Buddy, who was lying at his feet, let ou
No sharp barks.
‘atrick looked up, his wide, hopeful eyes shifting between me and Michael.
lis eyelashes were long, and his cheeks were still plump with baby fat, flushed a rosy pink. He looked like a elicious little strawberry shortcake.
Michael was right. Patrick was actually quite adorable.
Yes,” Michael said softly. “Would you like to live with her?”
You’re a liar, Daddy!” Patrick’s eyes filled with tears, but he spoke with a stubborn defiance. “My mommy is lead!”
The mood at the table instantly soured.
smiled, peeled a shrimp, and placed it on his plate.
I’m not your mommy. You can call me Auntie Clara. Of course, if you want to, you can call me Mom.”
‘Like the nanny?” he shot back, a deceptively innocent, almost cruel, smile on his face. “Is that what you
are?”
“No. I’ll be living with you. I’ll be the one to discipline you for your dad. The nanny won’t spank you, but I will.”
His eyes welled up with tears again.
