Unexpected Love

by Casey Clipper

  “I'll let you feed him,” Ryan said.

  She noticed his tone was lighter than it had been the day before. His shoulders weren't slumped and his eyes were brighter. In fact, the color was mesmerizing. His hair was skewed, but looked like it was from waking rather than yanking it out.

  “Here, why don't you take him,” he said, already sliding the baby off his shoulder.

  Lynn flopped her purse onto the island and gently pulled Brady against her chest. He was not a happy little man. That bottle couldn't heat up quick enough. Instinctually she found herself bouncing Brady, but that didn't calm him in the slightest. Finally after what the baby no-doubt considered a lifetime, the bottle was ready.

  “You know how to check the temp, right?” Ryan asked, dumping a few droplets on his wrist.

  “Yeah,” she said, shushing the baby. Ryan handed her the bottle, and she adjusted the baby to cradle in her arms. She struggled for a moment, not having held a baby in years. When Brady was positioned, she quickly fed him the bottle. Talk about a truly fascinating sight. An innocent, dependent newborn in her arms. Who would have thought she'd end up here? Not her.

  “You want to sit?” Ryan asked, motioning to the living room.

  “Thanks.”

  She gently sat herself in the nook of the sofa, trying not to disturb Brady. With some practice, she'd perfect the task.

  Beth waddled into the room. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning. I'd sign but my hands are full,” Lynn said and smiled.

  Beth giggled. Sean wandered into the room, looking extremely handsome in a navy blue suit, minus tie, and travel coffee mug in hand. Beth's dress matched his attire. How adorable were they?

  “We're headed out,” Sean said. “Need anything?”

  “No, we're good,” Ryan answered. He stood in the center of the room, watching her stroke Brady's soft head and brush back his tuft of hair that stuck straight up.

  “He's beautiful, isn't he?” Beth said softly.

  “He is,” she quickly agreed. Sean and Beth both smiled lovingly at the newborn. Ryan, not so much. He wore a look that perplexed her. It wasn't a look of dislike or hatred, but it definitely wasn't adoration. Maybe indifference?

  “We'll see you later,” Sean said, escorting his wife from the house.

  “Should she be out?” Lynn asked after she heard the door close.

  Ryan slumped down on the oversized lounger next to the couch. “She just goes to their office and sits all day or lies down on the sofa in Sean's office. He refuses to leave her here alone.”

  She nodded. “How far along is she?”

  “Seven months.”

  “I can understand why he won't leave her. She could go into labor any time,” Lynn said, watching Brady gulp down his formula.

  “After he's finished, I'll show you how to burp him. It's been difficult finding a position he's able to release his bubble,” Ryan said. She picked up on the tiredness of his tone. “Also, I go back to work tomorrow. So you're officially on duty tomorrow.” He snorted at his own joke.

  “All right. Make sure to leave me numbers to contact you just in case,” she said a bit abruptly.

  He blinked, surprised at her firm tone. Hell, she surprised herself with the bite behind the order. Why would she do that to her new boss? Okay, it was weird calling him her boss. He certainly didn't give off the authority figure vibe.

  He ran a hand through his hair and nodded. “I'll also leave Sean and Beth's numbers.”

  “Good.” She set the empty bottle aside and lifted Brady to her shoulder to burp him. In less than a few seconds, she coaxed a nice little belch out of the babe.

  Ryan looked shocked. “How the hell did you do that so quickly? He won't burp for me.”

  She shrugged. “He likes me better,” she teased.

  Ryan's face fell and he looked away. Oh God, did she insert her stupid foot into her stupid mouth?

  “I was joking.”

  “No, no.” He refused to make eye contact with her. “I know. It's all right.” He stood. “Let me give you the full tour you didn't get yesterday.”

  Ryan left the room with her quick on his heels. Whatever the hell that was about, it was clear there was some underlying issue with Ryan and his son. What on earth could be the problem with a perfect newborn angel?

  ***

  What a long day that had been. Lynn walked through the apartment door at four in the afternoon after Ryan let her go early since she officially started on her own tomorrow. To say she was a tad nervous was an understatement. A newborn baby's care was going to be left in her hands. A newborn that wasn't her own. She never considered what a truly enormous responsibility that was until the drive home. She was going to be the main female presence in his life for however long she stayed at the job. Crap. That was something she should have considered sooner.

  Lynn heard the television turned up way too loud and her brother and cousin laughing.

  “Lynn?” Russ called out.

  “Yeah?”

  She went straight to the kitchen and found the two big loveable men hovering over the stove and counter, preparing dinner.

  “Thought you'd like something homemade after your first day,” Jarrett said.

  “Thanks.” She smiled and set her purse on the tiny table for two. She stopped and studied the piece of furniture for the first time. How did these two men sit their oversized frames at the thing and eat?

  “How was your first day?” Russ asked, chopping a head of lettuce in half.

  “Tiring,” she admitted. “I realized in the car on the way home how much I'm responsible for this baby and how he's raised. How do I handle that?”

  Both men nodded.

  “It's about finding your place in their lives,” Russ said. “We've been Caitlin and Daniel's nannies since they were born, but we have to make sure we raise them according to the way Mr. and Mrs. Murphy want, as well as keep them safe, instill their family values, and make sure they know their parents are their parents. We're not.”

  “It's a balance that you have to learn,” Jarrett continued. “Did you discuss this with Ryan?”

  She shook her head.

  Both boys slid each other a side glance.

  “Maybe it's because Brady's a newborn, he didn't address it,” Jarrett said thoughtful. “He's new to this himself without a partner, so he needs to learn as well. It will be a learning curve both of you need to grasp.”

  She sighed and sunk into a chair. “He goes back to work tomorrow.”

  “You can always bring him to the Murphy home and visit. They'd love to have him over,” Russ suggested. “We’ll help guide you. If you want.”

  “I may do that,” she answered. “What are you cooking?”

  “Tacos,” they said in unison and laughed. She grinned. Thank goodness she had these two in her life and thank goodness they understood after her first day that she'd need some support. They had been her backbone for so many years. She'd royally screwed up when she'd moved in with Robert and pushed them out of her life. At the time she wanted to show her independence from her family. Turned out that had been one of the worst mistakes of her life. Lesson learned. Don't repeat.

  10

  “Hey, Ryan, welcome to the daylight shift,” one of the seasoned nurses kindly greeted him.

  “Thanks,” he murmured while charting the premature baby girl's vitals. He found that if he over-concentrated on his work then he was able to leave his wrecked personal life at home. Everyone, including and shockingly his supervisor¸ had been beyond supportive. Of course the rumor mill ran amuck over what happened. Surprisingly the hospital gossip was pretty accurate. Fuckers.

  He glanced down at his watch. An hour left in his shift. A few of the guys had invited him out to their normal Friday happy hour get together. He was seriously considering joining them. Lynn had started a week and a half ago, and they'd settled into a routine that worked well for him. He might be able to go out for a couple hours and relax for the first time
since his world had been turned upside down.

  Lynn was his lifesaver. In fact, he found her easy to be around. She had an air of self-assurance that was quite attractive. It was clear she was comfortable in her own skin. He liked that about a woman. And she held her own with him and his brother. Sean was a force of nature to be reckoned with, and she dealt with his overpowering personality brilliantly. Sean didn't frighten her. Probably because she had to handle Russ and Jarrett her entire life. She didn't flirt with either of them. Which was kind of a shock. Almost all women did, even with Sean, who proudly displayed his shiny wedding band. She didn't dumb herself down to try and get into his bed. Her banter between all of them was witty with bite and sarcasm. He'd actually caught himself chuckling a time or two over her mouth. Especially when she berated herself. Also, did she have any idea how much she talked to herself or Brady? Yep. She talked to the baby as if he could answer her. Some might find it bat-shit crazy but he didn't. Not even when she answered for the newborn.

  “You coming out tonight?” Mark asked, sauntering up next to him.

  “I don't think so. I'm still getting the nanny settled in,” Ryan said. It probably wouldn't be a good idea to ask Lynn to stay for a few more hours while he got drunk at the bar.

  “How's she working out?” Mark leaned against a pillar.

  “She's working out great,” Ryan answered, saving the updates in the patient file. “I lucked out with her.”

  Mark nodded. “That's great. Is she hot?”

  Ryan's head whipped up. “What?”

  “Is she hot? You know, hot nanny.” Mark waggled his brows.

  “No,” he answered vehemently. But that was an outright lie. Lynn was downright gorgeous. Combined with that personality, she was a great catch for any man. Which brought up a good question, was she single?

  “I think thou protests too quickly,” Mark mocked.

  “She's...she's...Lynn,” he sputtered. He hadn't seriously thought of her that way until that very moment. Fuck. He was going to kill Mark.

  “Well, I hope you have fun playing house with Lynn, the nanny,” Mark said, and strolled off.

  Dumbass.

  ***

  Ryan stepped through the front door to the house and stopped.

  “Daddy should be home soon,” Lynn cooed. “Yes, he should,” she continued. “Yes, he should. Who's the most handsome boy in the world? Brady? Is it Brady? Yes it is. It's Brady.”

  Ryan choked back a laugh. He had no idea she baby-talked to his son.

  “Who's getting to be a big boy? Is it Brady? Is your belly full? Is it?” she babbled.

  Using his stealthy SEAL techniques, he ghosted down the short hallway to stand in the living room archway. Lynn's back was turned, and she was kneeling on the floor changing Brady. She was wearing a tiny, tight white tee and black yoga pants that slid down too far, exposing a sexy black thong. For the first time in weeks, Ryan's dick came alive.

  Holy hell, she was hot. Her long, dark trusses were piled high in a messy bun and her feet were bare. Her painted red toes peeked out from under her perfect heart-shaped ass.

  Ryan closed his eyes. He was going to murder Mark. Really, he was going to kill the fucker. The very last thing Ryan needed was to have it bad for the nanny he desperately needed.

  A shriek broke him of his visions of happily torturing his friend. No, it was not a girly, high-pitched shrill. Lynn screamed like a woman who was in serious danger. He gave her props for that loud sound that would grab anyone's attention.

  “For God's sake, Ryan, you can't sneak into the house like that,” she yelled. Brady startled and immediately howled. “Shhhhh.” She picked him up and tried to calm him, glaring daggers his direction.

  He couldn't help but grin. It was so damn funny. The look on her face had been priceless.

  “You quit smiling right now,” she snapped, but her eyes gave her away. They lit with humor she desperately tried to mask.

  He started to chuckle. “You scream like a girl.”

  “No. I don't. You want to go there? You want to see how I hit like a girl? Because I have a brother and cousin who felt teaching me how to toss one out was vital to my growing up,” she challenged.

  He lost it. Ryan stumbled to the floor, grabbed his stomach, and laughed so hard his eyes filled with tears. He pointed and laughed when her lips quirked. “Your face.”

  Lynn kicked him in the thigh as she brushed past him and left him there, losing his mind remembering the shocked expression on her stunning features.

  “Daddy's going to get his ass kicked for scaring us,” Lynn spoke to his son as she exited the room.

  Crawling off the floor, he followed them upstairs where Lynn lay Brady down. Ryan wiped the tears that leaked from his eyes as he continued to chuckle.

  “He just ate,” Lynn said as she turned on the monitor, picked up the portable part, then thrust it into his chest.

  “Thanks.”

  “How was work?” she asked, crossing her arms over her ample chest, pushing her breasts high.

  Ryan desperately tried not to leer after Brady's nanny, his eyes flicking up and down from chest to eyes, chest to eyes, and back again. She should at least get to know him first, before he panted after her, to realize that was just his personality and how to ward him off. He meant no offense. Actually she should be flattered by his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth as he stared at her bosom.

  When his eyes flicked back up, she pointedly but slightly nodded her head to Brady. Shit. She was right. He hadn't yet greeted his son.

  Ryan stepped over to the side of the crib and peeked in. Brady laid curled in a ball on his side. Lynn had perfectly swaddled him and he lay there peaceful. Angelic. He reached down and ran a hand over his son's soft head. For the longest time, he stared at the baby, trying to feel something. But nothing. He knew he should feel adoration, protectiveness, pride, and an all consuming love for his son. He was embarrassed to admit his lack of bonding aloud. In fact his brother, parents, sister-in-law, and cousin might thrash him if he voiced his feelings. They expected instant father/son adoration. Place an unexpected baby in his lap‒instant love. It just hadn't work that way with him.

  He turned to leave and stopped to find Lynn studying him, her gaze knowing. Shame washed over him. Amazingly she didn't say a word. She spun on her heels and left the room. He followed.

  They went downstairs and found Sean and Beth in the kitchen. His sister-in-law looked pale and sickly.

  “Are you all right?” Ryan asked.

  “She's not feeling well,” Sean said, pulling a bottle of water out of the fridge and handing it to her. “I'm taking her upstairs to lie down.”

  “It's too much for her isn't it?” Lynn asked.

  Sean looked her direction, clearly debated on whether to answer, then nodded. “I can't take her with me any longer. I'm going to call her parents to see if they'll come and stay with her during the days.”

  “You know her father will want her to go there,” Ryan pointed out.

  “Tough shit. She stays at home,” Sean snapped.

  “I can keep an eye on her as well,” Lynn offered and signed. “I mean, Brady sleeps most of the day and will for a few months. I'll be able to call you if something comes up.”

  “No,” Ryan quickly asserted.

  All four, including himself, went mute. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate Lynn's help, but she was to focus on Brady, not Beth. Ryan hired her for his son. Not for his brother's wife. That may have sounded selfish but he didn't care. Lynn belonged to him and Brady.

  Sean smirked. “Thank you for the offer, Lynn, but Ryan's right. You have Brady to take care of and Beth's a handful at this point.”

  “I'm sitting right here,” Beth said dejected.

  “Sorry, baby,” Sean soothed and kissed the top of her head. “But I'd feel better if your parents were here.”

  Ryan chuckled. “Can't believe you admitted that.”

  “Neither can I,” Sean murmured. “Com
e on, baby, let's get you upstairs to lie down, and I'll call your mom.”

  “I can call, Sean,” Beth said quietly.

  “Yeah, maybe that would be best,” Sean agreed. “I may take back the invitation if your father gets on the phone.”

  “Yeah, then you'll have no control over that convo,” Ryan pointed out.

  “Fuck, you're right.”

  “Swear jar!” Beth and Ryan blurted in unison.

  Ryan turned to Lynn. “You also owe for your little rant earlier.”

  He watched her face turn a slight shade of attractive pink. “I..I...”

  “Just because you don't live here doesn't mean you don't abide by the swear jar,” Sean chastised, helping Beth off the stool. “Dollar in the jar, lady.”

  Lynn's eyes grew wide. “Seriously?”

  “Yep,” both brothers said simulationously.

  “I hate when they start the saying-the-same-thing-at-the-same-time thing,” Beth complained. “It's irritating.”

  Ryan noticed the small grin on Lynn's features as she went for her purse, pulled out a dollar, and placed it into the jar. He smiled, a fleeting moment of pure joyful banter in their tiny family moment that they'd included her in on.

  “I was going to order pizza. Wanna stay and have some?” he asked. It was Friday night. Maybe she had plans. Maybe she had a boyfriend to go home to. Oh man, what if she did? He hadn't asked her about that part of her private life. Hell, he hadn't considered she had a private life until that second.

  She shrugged. “Sure.”

  He knew his features broke out in a satisfying grin. What the hell?

  11

  Lynn didn't consider herself a stupid woman. But the moment she agreed to stay for pizza, with beer conveniently added a few minutes later, she decided she was an idiot. The Millens were pulling her into their tiny web of family love, sarcastic quips, and all around goodness. Though that goodness came with an underlying edge that might bite if you crossed them, but still, these were great people. Devoted to each other. Watched out for one another. Considerate towards each other. Just plain loved one another. How could someone not be pulled in?