Xavier stands and turns to face Arthur.
Arthur sighs heavily. “It seems that this whole bodyguard business may not be a good fit for you."
Just as Xavier’s face falls, Arthur smiles at him. “Would you ever consider a career change?” He tosses Xav a white T-shirt with purple writing that says, ‘WORLD’S BEST MANNY.’
When Xavier unfolds it, his face goes from worried to ecstatic in under a second. "Are you sure about this, sir? I know I have a tendency to get under your skin at times."
"About that...I owe you an apology. It wasn’t you I was irritated by. I think I was just feeling a little bit...unsure of myself as far as this whole fatherhood thing went. But I’m over that now. I feel that I have my legs under me—in part because of your help, actually. Tessa and I would like nothing more than to have you help out with the babies permanently. You’d have the same pay, and we'll hire another bodyguard to cover your other duties."
Xavier holds the shirt up and looks at it again. "I've never thought about being a manny before."
“But it would suit you perfectly,” I say. “After all, you love to learn and teach. You know basically everything there is to know about health..."
“You mean I’m a terrible nag," Xav says.
“No, not at all,” Arthur says. “You’re...unfailingly helpful and trustworthy.”
"In that case, I'm in." Xavier takes James from my arms and grins down at him. "I'm your new manny. That's right. I’ll be here every day to play with you and feed you and teach you new things." He holds him up above his head while James tries to eat his nose. "I'm going to teach you everything there is to know about exercise, nutrition, gardening, oh...and astronomy. I've been getting into that lately. You’re going to know the names of all the constellations. Yes, you are. Because you’re very brilliant and very special.”
