Page 75 of Nanny for the Firefighters

I'm so happy that times like this feel unreal. Theo kisses my forehead and takes his own mug. His happiness radiates back at me as he sips his black coffee—the masochist. Marcus takes it the same way. At least Ethan and Will have some sense.

They each have a baby in their arms. Will has Zayah with a bottle of milk I pumped yesterday. Ethan has Lily making grumpy faces as she chews on her binky. She's been teething and wants to be held a lot. It's easy to accommodate her since someone stays home with her every day now.

Marcus closes his big hands around my foot over the sheet, and he rubs my arch slowly and firmly. Too good to be true. I don't get pampered to this degree every morning, but when all four men are home, I'm treated like a princess.

And somehow, the four of them make this easier than any relationship I ever imagined.

"Remember when you first met us, Ella?" Theo asks with a chuckle. "You wouldn't have believed this would be your life, huh?"

I laugh softly, taking a sip of my perfectly prepared chicory latte. "I thought you were all just annoyingly persistent firefighters with a knack for getting in my way."

Marcus grins, his fingers working wonders on my foot. "And now we're annoyingly persistent dads with a knack for pampering you."

Lily fusses in Ethan's arms, and he bounces her gently. "Who knew you'd bring us a beautiful baby girl and a whole lot of excitement?"

Will, still feeding Zayah, glances at me with a playful smirk. "And don't forget about the late-night stakeouts and the covert missions. Life with you is never boring, Ella."

I roll my eyes affectionately. "You all love it. Admit it."

Ethan nods, a rare sparkle in his usually stoic eyes. "Yeah, we do. We really do."

Marcus shifts closer, his hand moving up to massage my calf. "But I think what we love most is this. Being here, together, with our family."

Theo leans over, his lips brushing my cheek. "And seeing you happy. That's what matters most."

I close my eyes, feeling the overwhelming love and warmth radiating from all of them. "I love you all so much."

There's a comfortable silence as we savor the moment, the only sounds being the contented coos of our baby girls and the occasional clink of mugs.

Suddenly, Lily decides to throw her binky, hitting Will squarely in the forehead. He feigns a dramatic injury, earning a giggle from Lily and a round of laughter from the rest of us.

"She's got your aim, Marcus," Will teases, rubbing his forehead.

Marcus laughs, still massaging my leg. "Nah, that's all her mom. Ella's always been a sharpshooter."

I stick my tongue out at Marcus. "Well, someone had to keep you boys in line."

Ethan, still bouncing a now giggling Lily, shakes his head with a smile. "And you do a damn good job of it."

We settle into a peaceful routine, everyone enjoying the rare morning together. Theo takes Zayah from Will, cradling her gently while she nuzzles into his chest. Will joins Marcus at the foot of the bed, taking over the foot massage duties with a grin.

"You know," Will says, his fingers pressing into the arch of my other foot, "I think we need to make this a regular thing. Family breakfast in bed. What do you all think?"

"I think it's a great idea," Marcus agrees, moving his attention to my other leg.

Ethan nods, finally getting Lily to settle back down. "As long as Ella gets to relax and we do all the work."

I laugh, my heart swelling with love for these amazing men. "You spoil me too much."

"Never," Theo murmurs, kissing the top of Zayah's head. "You deserve every bit of it."

I sip my latte, feeling utterly content. "Well, if you insist. But I get to pick the breakfast menu."

Marcus grins. "Deal. As long as there are pancakes involved."

Will raises an eyebrow. "And bacon. Don't forget the bacon."

Ethan chuckles. "And coffee. Lots of coffee."

Theo laughs softly. "And maybe some of those chocolate chip cookies Sylvia makes. You know, if she ever needs an excuse to bake."

I smile, feeling the warmth of our little family surrounding me. "It's a date, then. Breakfast in bed every Sunday."

"Perfect," Marcus says, his hand resting on my knee, his thumb rubbing soothing circles. "Here's to us. To our family."

My heart is smiling. It feels good to be home.