“Mine is Elsa,” Ellis replies. “But I like the mermaid too.”
Studying my nanny, I ask, “Why Ariel?”
“Because she gave up her gift for the man she loved. I mean, the whole movie is completely unrealistic, but she was willing to sacrifice her voice to follow her heart. I think that’s pretty brave.”
“My daddy says that girls should never give up anything for a man,” Ellis counters. “That’s why we like Elsa and Anna.”
Rhonan nods proudly. “That’s right.”
“That’s a very valid argument. I think in a movie, it’s romantic. But in real life, it’s not a wise decision.”
“Can I go play on the playground again, Daddy?” Ellis asks Rhonan, already bored with this conversation.
“Yeah. Let’s go.” Rhonan lowers her to the ground and takes her hand. “I’ll catch up with you guys later.”
Wondering if Remy will love playgrounds when she’s older, I watch them walk away. But after a few seconds, I realize that Dilynne has picked up the conversation that Elliot and Ellis interrupted.
“So, about our girl’s night…”
“I mean, I’d love to. I’d just have to ask my boss for the night off.” Elodie looks up at me and winks.
Fucking hell. The idea of Dilynne going out to a bar with Elodie makes my skin crawl.
But you don’t have a reason to be jealous right, Henley?
“I’m sure he won’t have a problem with it,” my sister says, winking over at me now. “I mean, the last thing he wants to be known as is a demanding boss. And besides, you’re young. You need to have some fun, maybe stay out all night. Taking care of a baby has to be exhausting.”
Elodie reaches for Remy as my daughter reciprocates. Once the baby is safe in her arms, Elodie kisses her on the forehead. “I’m honestly having the best time with this little baby bear.”
“Aw, you call her baby bear?” Laney interjects.
“Yeah. My mom used to call all of the kids that were in her daycare her cubs, so it just felt natural.”
Laney’s hand covers the center of her chest. “That is just too freaking adorable.”
I want to say that I thought so too, but I refrain.
My sister claps her hands together, startling our group. “Well, then it’s settled. We will make plans for next week.” Then she turns to me. “Your nanny is gonna need a night off, big brother. I’m gonna take her out and show her a damn good time.”
“Wonderful,” I mutter between clenched teeth because the calculated grin on my sister’s lips makes me want to throw Elodie over my shoulder and carry her out of here. I could lock her up inside of my house like Rapunzel and never let her leave, that way no other man could hit on her.
Where the fuck did that thought come from?
Laney pouts. “Well, now I’m sad that I’ll miss it.”
“Don’t worry,” Dilynne says, wrapping her arm around Laney’s shoulder. “We’ll plan another night out soon.”
My daughter may not have an aunt for long if my sister doesn’t stop talking.
“You guys could go out when we have our blackjack night next,” Elliot suggests.
“Uh, I kind of need my nanny to watch my daughter so I can go, unless you want to change dirty diapers in between hands,” I explain.
“Have you ever considered letting the girls play during blackjack nights?” Elodie asks.
Elliot and I answer simultaneously. “No.”
Elodie’s mouth drops open. “Why not?”
