“It’s fine,” she assures me, picking him up and placing him on the floor in front of her.
“Arthur likes you!” Sabrina announces, beaming.
Charlotte laughs, gently scratching Arthur’s head. “He’s an adorable little creature,” she remarks, her eyes meeting mine for a moment before focusing back on the children.
I can’t help but notice how effortlessly Charlotte connects with each child. She listens intently as Sabrina regales her with tales of Arthur’s adventures, nods encouragingly as Phaedra shows off her latest drawings, and joins Zayer in building his dinosaur.
I’m so lost in the scene unfolding before me that I don’t notice Sebastian slip into the room until he places a gentle hand on my shoulder.
“Seems like they’ve taken quite a liking to her,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear. It’s the most intimate he’s been with me since we got home from the hospital. I nod, biting my lip as I consider the implications of what I’m witnessing.
“Your Majesty.” Charlotte stands and curtsies at him, her cheeks flushing ever so slightly. “Thank you for having me in your home today.”
Sebastian walks over and shakes her hand. “The pleasure is ours. Welcome. I’ve known your father my entire life.”
“Yes. He speaks very highly of you. I’m grateful he suggested me for this position. I’ve loved meeting your wife and children.”
“Thank you,” he says, visibly pleased by that before he rejoins me.
“You two go talk,” Althea suggests. “I’ll stay here.”
I thank her and then Sebastian and I slip out, heading across the hall into a bathroom.
“She seems lovely,” he notes.
“Sebastian…I think Charlotte might be the one,” I admit softly, my voice tinged with both relief and uncertainty.
“Are you sure, Bellamy? You had reservations about hiring a nanny and after meeting the first one, you’re already sold?” His tone is gentle but firm.
“You’re the one who wants one.”
“Because I think we need one, but you also don’t have to hire the first one who comes along simply because she’s the one I suggested.”
“I know,” I agree, leaning back against the door. “But seeing her with the children…it feels right. She’s kind and experienced, and she lived in France just like I did. There’s a connection there that I can’t ignore.”
Sebastian squeezes my hand reassuringly. “If you believe she’s the right fit for our family, then I trust your judgment. I think you’d be harder to please than I am at this point. Hell, I hired you.”
I laugh, reaching out and smacking his shoulder. “Ass.”
“That’s King Ass to you.”
“His Royal Highnass.”
He laughs, coming in and crowding me against the door. “How did I ever smile before I met you?”
“You didn’t,” I remind him. “The first time I saw you smile I didn’t realize you had that many teeth.”
His forehead drops to mine. “Do you still love me?”
“Unfortunately, yes.” And since this is the most he’s touched me in three days, I’ll take Charlotte and hiring a nanny as a win.
“Are you sure?”
“About you or the nanny?”
“Don’t be cheeky.”
“Oh, but it’s so fun.”
