“Okay.”
“I keep my career. I’m not your assistant.”
“Never.”
“And I still live my life,” I continue. “I have a business. I go out with my friends. I have my own schedule. I’m not stepping in as a replacement nanny.”
He doesn’t bristle. He nods. Slow. Respectful.
“I don’t want you to be a nanny,” he says quietly. “I want a partner. There’s a difference.”
That lands harder than it should.
“Good,” I say, keeping my voice even. “Because you’ll still need additional help. This doesn’t magically solve childcare.”
“It won’t,” he agrees. “We’ll hire someone. Properly. Together.”
I study him for a second, making sure he means that.
“And Daisy,” I add.
His forehead creases. “Daisy?”
“My dog,” I say. “She’s part of the deal. She comes with me.”
“Where is she right now?” he asks.
“Out with the dog walker,” I say. “Unlike some people, she keeps a predictable schedule.”
Then the corner of his mouth lifts, just slightly.
“Does she bite?”
“Only men who propose in my doorway.”
His almost-smile grows. “Then I’ll risk it.”
“And most of all, Maddie comes first. This is about protecting her, not proving anything.”
“I know.”
“And there's my brother. We tell Mason together.”
His face goes still. “He’s going to kill me.”
“He’ll try.”
“And finally,” I say, forcing myself to meet his eyes. “We don’t complicate this.”
His expression shifts. He goes still, like he’s made up his mind and is willing to live with it.
“This is about Maddie,” I add. “Not… anything else.”
He exhales slowly, like he’s choosing his next words carefully.
“Natalie,” he says, and this time my name isn’t a warning. It isn’t playful. It isn’t anything we’ve ever done before.
It’s steady.
