“They love you Laney. You gave them a way to maintain their way of life without dying, that’s a pretty big gift.” My woman was amazing. She had a big heart, she was kind and generous and she didn’t even realize how special those things were about her.
“Well they’ve been cooking all day and those smells are delicious, so of course we’re going. I just meant they didn’t need to feel obligated to go through such a hassle for us.”
It was all for her but she felt better including me. My engineering skills helped build the pump, but this was all Laney and I didn’t mind. Her brilliance astounds me, awes me and I’m proud to say she’s mine.
“A big party is the perfect way to say goodbye to this place.”
“Yes. It’s time.”
I couldn’t agree more. We were headed back to Virginia but I had an important stop to make first.
***
“Why are we stopping over in Paris when we could have gotten a direct flight?” She’d asked the question at least ten times from the time the plane landed until we got to our hotel.
“Because we’ve worked hard for the past six months with the barest of necessities and I wanted to give you a weekend in Paris before we went home. Is that okay with you?”
She froze, eyebrows crinkled adorably in confusion. “Of course it’s all right, I just didn’t know.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at my little genius. Even though she’d worked hard to talk like a regular person, sometimes sarcasm flew by her. “That’s why it’s called a surprise, sweetheart.”
“Okay. How long will we be here, or is that a surprise as well?”
“We can stay as long as you want, but I’ve booked us for a midnight flight Sunday. We have a three hour appointment tomorrow and after that we can do whatever you want.”
She flashed a grin. “I accept that. Now how about a shower and a nap?” She yawned the question, exhausted from the long drive to the airport in South America, the lengthy flight to Paris and the monstrous traffic we’d been stuck in until she forced us to abandon the cab in favor of the train.
“That’s sounds like just what we both need.”
“Mostly,” she agreed with a coy smile. “Maybe we need a little more than that, to aid with sleeping.”
“Of course,” I agreed and kissed her long and hard. In fact, I didn’t stop kissing her until we were showered, sated and half asleep.
We woke up early the following morning and walked around the city before we stopped at a small Parisian street where we ate crusty bread, pate, eggs and fruit.
“So where are we going today for my surprise?”
“You are aware the nature of a surprise is that you don’t know what it is ahead of time?” Her gaze narrowed in my direction but I wasn’t at all concerned. The woman hated surprises and it was my absolutely favorite thing in the world to do for her. She hated them up until the very moment it happened and her face in that moment, the most stunning view I’ve ever seen.
So we finished breakfast and took a boat ride on the Seine watching as the city came alive in front of us. “There are many sights I would enjoy taking a closer look at in this city. Some of the architecture is stunning.”
“We have the time to see whatever you like.”
“I know but I really am eager to finish writing up our findings,” she rubbed her hands together with a wide smile. “Let’s see how we feel on Sunday, after my surprise.”
We were on our way to the surprise right now, only she didn’t know it. Not yet, anyway. “What’s the number one thing you want to see in Paris?”
“Obviously the Eiffel Tower because it is-,”
“Pure mechanical and engineering magnificence?” I asked, repeating her favorite words when it came to the tower.
Laney paused mid-smile and smiled even broader, “Yes.”
“But also the catacombs, I can’t imagine the horror imagery it induces to be in a small enclosed space with thousands of skulls and skeletal remains.”
“Wow babe, that just took a really dark turn.” I wrapped my hand around hers as we strolled through the grassy patch leading to the Eiffel Tower.
“Well I didn’t put them down there!” She stopped and looked up. “Your appointment is at the Eiffel Tower? With whom?”
“With you. I planned a private tour for us.”
With a smile she pulled me along until we stood outside the small room of elevators. “Well come on!”
She practically vibrated with energy, bouncing from one foot to the other in front of the elevators while we waited for our tour guide. I couldn’t help but laugh at her childish excitement. When the guide finally showed up Laney hardly heard a word the woman said because she was so busy looking through the glass walls at the inner workings of the masterpiece.
“Is there a way to pause it so we can see the machines working?”
“No Mademoiselle, there isn’t.”
“Oh well. That would have been amazing if it were possible.” She flashed a grin and the guide relaxed, probably prepared for her to make a scene. That’s not how Laney rolled. She was easygoing about all things but her work. “This thing is even more magnificent up close,” she said when we reached the top to look out over the city as the sun began to set.
“I definitely get what the big deal is,” I told her as I wrapped my arms around her waist and rested my chin on her shoulder. “This feels magical, being here with you.”
“It feels perfect to me. I love you, Sailor.”
“I love you too. And I think we should have champagne to toast our accomplishments.” I bought two overpriced glasses and held one out to her. “To clean water, beautiful scientists and the men who love them.”
“I’ll drink to that.” She tapped her glass to mine and we tipped our glasses back, drinking down the cool bubbles. “This was great! I guess that means we can see the catacombs tomorrow?”
“Sure but first there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”
“Sounds serious.”
Hell yeah it was serious. The most serious thing I’d ever done. Ever considered. “In a way, it is. You know how much I love you Laney and how much this last year with you has meant to me.”
“Of course, and I feel the same way,” she smiled, but it wobbled at the uncertainty of what I had to say.
I couldn’t worry about that because she would see how unnecessary her concern was in a moment. “Good. Because I want you to be my wife. I want to marry you and make babies and spend the rest of our lives making this world a better place for them.”
“I want that too. More than anything.”
“Dr. Delaney Watson, beautiful genius inventor extraordinaire, will you marry me?”
“Of course, Sailor. I’ll marry you anytime, anyplace.”
I slid the emerald engagement ring on her finger, knowing she would refuse a diamond unless I could trace the mine it came from as well as the miner who pulled it from the earth. “I can wait until we get back home to make you my wife.”
“I’m already yours in every way that counts.” She smiled gently and pulled me closer to wrap her arms around my neck. Her lips slanted over mine and we kissed at the top of the Eiffel Tower for what felt like days, before she pulled back with a devilish grin. “Promise me one thing?”
“Name it.” Because I would do anything for this woman, just as she’d proven time and again she would do for me.
“Let’s get married before the baby gets here.”
The baby. Our baby. “The baby?”
“The baby.”
Now life was perfect.
***
The End.
Dear Reader, hope you enjoyed Laney & Bennett’s story. If you’d like another sexy glimpse into their world, I’ve included an extra Bonus Scene which didn’t make it into the final cut at the end of this book. This scene takes place outdoors ;P. This scene doesn't add anymore to the development of the story's arc, but it's certainly steamy!
Feel free to use the Table of
Contents to help you find it.
***
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Nanny’s Halloween Down Under
Prologue
“Hey, sis. What are you thinking?”
I turned around from watching surfers hang ten on the Surfer’s Paradise beach. Cara watched me closely. I could tell she was concerned; her forehead was furrowed. I had seen that look my entire life. Well, Cara was my big sister, and she had a habit of worrying about me.
“Just thinking about where it all went wrong,” I answered, leaning against the balcony railing. Then I smiled, trying to take the sadness out of my words. “Don’t mind me. I’ll get over it.”
“It’s not your fault,” she said. “You shouldn’t blame yourself.”
I knew she was right, deep down. But it was hard to think rationally at the moment. My fashion business, which I had been working so hard to establish back home in San Francisco, had gone belly up. My major investor had suddenly pulled out, due to sickness. I had no choice but to close it down, at least until I found another. Cara had suggested Bryce could invest, but I didn’t know him that well, yet. I just didn’t want to put it on him.
At least I was somewhere beautiful to lick my wounds. Queensland, Australia. I had been here a week, visiting Cara and her new husband, Bryce. And Charlie, Cara’s stepson. They lived in one of the most stunning places I had ever seen in my life. A waterfront mansion, where you could step out onto the beach. Cara had certainly won the jackpot. Bryce was great, and Charlie was the cutest thing ever.
Yes, all up it wasn’t a bad place to think things through.
“Bianca,” Cara said, looking at me gently. “It will be okay. Do you want to start getting ready? I said we’d meet Bryce at the restaurant at seven.”
I nodded. “Of course. I’ll have a shower and be ready in fifteen.”
We were chauffeured to the restaurant. I still couldn’t believe Cara’s new lifestyle. I saw Bryce on the restaurant steps, waiting for us. But who was with him? He was a tall man, with sandy colored hair and a rugged appearance. I turned to Cara.
“Is someone else dining with us?” I asked. Cara looked out the car window, frowning.
“It’s Zane,” she said. “Zane Connelly. One of Bryce’s friends. Funny, Bryce didn’t tell me that he would be dining with us. I didn’t even know he was in town. He lives on one of the largest cattle stations in the Northern Territory.”
I studied the man, surreptitiously. Very handsome, if you like the rugged outdoorsy type. But he looked preoccupied, like his mind was a million miles away.
“Cara! Bianca!”
Bryce came to open the car door for us. He leaned in, whispering to Cara. “Zane turned up unexpectedly, and he’s a bit down. I asked him to join us. You don’t mind, do you?”
Cara smiled, touching his face tenderly. “Of course not. He’s very welcome.”
Introductions were made, and then we all sat down at our table. I looked around, impressed. It was a fancy restaurant, there was no doubt of that. Waiters hovered around us like flies, anticipating every whim. Bryce ordered champagne, only the very best, of course. Well, he was a billionaire; it was an everyday occurrence for him. Whereas I had never even tasted this label before. I took a sip. The bubbles rose to my head like steam in a shower.
I looked at Zane, sitting across from us. He barely touched his champagne. Instead, he kept checking his phone, frowning.
“What’s the story, Zane?” Bryce sipped his drink, staring pointedly at the phone. Zane took the hint, and put it in his pocket.
“Sorry, buddy,” he said. “I’m a bit preoccupied. You know how I’ve been fighting for custody of the kids? Well, I suddenly got them. Jo has relinquished them, completely. She’s taking off with Billy Baker, the rock star. She’s been seeing him for a while, now. They’re jetting off to his chateau in France. Apparently, the kids don’t mean that much to her, after all.” A thread of bitterness ran through his words.
“But this is good, isn’t it?” Cara questioned. “You’ve been wanting the kids back.”
“Yes,” Zane sighed. “It is. But the timing is all wrong. Jo is just dumping them at the Station, with no nanny. The nanny apparently quit as soon as she heard that Jo was going overseas. And Mrs. Price, my housekeeper, is an old lady. They have no one to look after them.”
“Wow,” said Bryce. “That’s a pickle. Especially as you are going to Singapore, aren’t you?”
“I’m catching the flight tomorrow,” he answered. “It’s an important business deal, and I can’t get out of it. It’s been booked for a while.” He sighed, running a hand through his sandy hair. “All the nanny agencies I’ve called can’t help me at such short notice.”
“Bianca could do it,” Cara said, looking at me, her eyes widening. “Couldn’t you, Bianca? It would be like a working holiday. You could save money to open your business, again.”
“Cara…” I looked at my big sister like she had lost her mind. This was all too sudden. Nannying? Me?
But now Zane and Bryce turned to me, entreating me with their eyes.
“Bianca,” Zane said, looking at me beseechingly. “You would save my life. Honestly. And I would compensate you well, don’t worry.”
“Well…” I was put on the spot. Yes, I had been planning on staying in Australia for another month. Cara and I had been planning a trip to Melbourne to visit her best friend Amber. But that didn’t mean that I wanted to go to the middle of nowhere, to mind some brats. Where was the Northern Territory, exactly?
“Please,” Zane said. His eyes shone with fervor. “I could get you on a flight tomorrow, all expenses paid, of course. Business class.”
“Alright,” I sighed, downing my champagne. “As a favor, just until you get a real nanny.”
“Thank you,” Zane breathed. He suddenly smiled, in relief. He really was a handsome man, especially when he relaxed.
Our eyes met, holding a second longer than necessary. I felt a sudden jolt of attraction, right down to my toes.
“You won’t regret it,” Zane said.
Famous last words, of course.
Zane
“Almost there, Mr. Connelly.”
I looked up from my tablet at George, my personal assistant. He was staring out the plane window as we circled over Ayers Rock. I smiled wearily.
“It feels like I’ve been travelling forever,” I remarked, stretching. It had been a whirlwind week. I had just returned from Singapore, having completed talks with some potential partners. And now were heading home to Birrimba, my family’s cattle station in the Northern Territory.
The plane circled, slowly. I looked out the window. The famous Rock was receding. It was an amazing landscape, one that I never tired of watching.
Massive salt lakes spread over the land, with rivers veering off them like a mass of spider veins. The earth itself was reminiscent of opal: speckled and lined, colors merging and spreading. The vast deserts of my homeland, folding out as far as the eye could see.
Through my weariness, I felt excited. It was always like this, when I returned home. I was constantly travelling the country and the world, but the old adage was true, there was no place like home. And my home had been in my family for generations. It was one of the first cattle stations built in the Northern Territory, and it was the biggest.
I could see it approaching, now. It was spread out like a small town; various buildings and yards. In the center was the homestead, a huge weatherboard built in 1894. I smiled, again. George looked across at me, giving me a thumbs up. He knew how tired I was, and how grateful to be home.
Roland, my personal pilot, spoke over the intercom. “About to land at Birrimba, Mr. Connelly.”
The plane circled, again. Then I felt the descent. We were about to land.
George and I clicked on our seatbelts in preparation. It was a small plane, and th
e landing was often bumpy.
Yes, I was grateful to be home. But then the personal problems that I had managed to put on the backburner of my brain suddenly reared up at me. There was a lot going on. I wouldn’t be able to get home and relax. I had three children who had been uprooted once again, who were suddenly home – and without their mother.
Oh, and let’s not forget a new nanny. Hired only last week, spontaneously. I thought of the woman who was now in charge of my children. Bianca. An American on holiday.
She was the sister of Cara, who my good friend Bryce had recently married. It had happened so quickly it still made my head spin.
I had been on the Gold Coast for some last-minute business, when I had taken the call from Jo, my ex.
“Zane,” she had drawled. “Your wish has come true! I’m bringing the children to Birrimba tomorrow.”
“Hang on a minute.” I adjusted the phone to my ear. “What are you talking about? It’s not my scheduled week. I’m flying out to Singapore tomorrow.”
Jo had laughed. “Oh no, you’re misunderstanding me,” she had said. “It’s not just for the week. It’s permanent. You’ve got what you wanted. I am relinquishing custody, once and for all.”
“What?” I almost dropped the phone. I had been battling Jo for custody for over a year, now. She had been adamant that the children belonged with their mother. What had suddenly changed?
“I have to leave,” she continued. “Billy and I are heading to his chateau in France.” She paused. “Billy doesn’t think the kids should come. He wants to spend some quality time alone with me.”
I should have known. Jo had been seeing Billy Baker, the famous lead singer of the Vultures of Energy, for a while now. Not that she had told me much about it. I had read of their volatile relationship in the papers. They were always being snapped at wild parties, and premieres; they were the paparazzi’s new darlings. Ex-wife of billionaire Zane Connelly and the most famous rock star in Australia. They were a tabloid magazine’s wet dream.
It was also one of the reasons I had been pressing so hard for custody. Billy Baker was not a stable person, and he seemed to be leading Jo into his degenerate lifestyle. It wasn’t an environment I wanted my children to grow up in. I was sincerely worried about their welfare.
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