Billionaire Daddy and Nanny 2(193)

“Merry Christmas!!” Their voices called as they came inside of the house. Lauren popped into the kitchen first with a big smile as she looked at us. “Thanks for being so understanding about this. We had such a good time and brought you goodies.” I exchanged a look with Payne that made her frown. “Are you okay?”

“Of course,” I replied as I stood to hug her as well as Dad, who walked in a few minutes later. “Merry Christmas. I am guessing that you don’t want any breakfast?”

“Her mother made a feast. I’m not eating until dinner,” Dad told me as he looked at both of us. “I’m glad you stayed here, Payne. I don’t know how much she likes being alone these days. It used to bother you.” He smiled at me.

“It was good, but I never sleep well the night before Christmas,” I joked as they laughed around me.

I washed the dishes for some time alone to gather myself together while they sat by the tree and talked about the night before. Lauren was glowing over a diamond necklace Dad gave her last night and Payne gave me a wide-eyed gaze for a moment. He was going to give me something but we got distracted and he flashed me an apologetic smile as I looked away.

We went to the tree and finished opening gifts. Mine were all beautiful but I was so distracted by what was happening that the day was a blur. I excused myself to take a nap before I started dinner, closing my door as I dropped onto my bed. It still smelled like us and I closed my eyes as I turned to my side, picturing a future with Payne. Next year, we’d have an infant that wouldn’t quite know what Christmas was. We would, though.

I woke up later, realizing that I’d slept longer than planned. I hurried downstairs to find everyone in the kitchen getting the turkey and sides done, apologizing as I grabbed another cookie. I was suddenly starving and I pulled out the vegetables that I’d purchased to snack on as Dad offered me some wine. I looked at Payne and declined, grabbing a cold water instead. That was always the part in the movies where people guessed that a woman was pregnant and I waited for it, relieved when the conversation just carried on.

Dinner was delicious and I felt a lot better when I sat down to eat. I felt the love that always surrounded me at Christmas with my small family. This year, as scary as it was, I knew that I had a promise of something better to come.

We were up late watching Christmas movies before Payne headed home with a long look at me. I knew that we’d be telling Dad soon so we wouldn’t have to be apart too long. It was too sad when I was carrying his baby. I hugged him a beat longer than normal and watched him drive away before I excused myself to go to bed.



I texted Payne all night as we planned our future. I was still scared to death, but he was a good man and Payne would give me a great future. It would be stable and full of love and he would cherish this baby once he or she was here.

I reminded myself of all of that when we met Dad for dinner at his favorite steakhouse. We wanted to tell him in a public place to try and make it a reasonable discussion. I parked and walked in, touching the diamond drop necklace under my shirt as I entered the building and glanced around. Dad was already there, sipping a beer and smiling as I hugged him. I sat down and looked through the windows as I sipped the water. “I have a feeling that we’re here for something serious.” I looked at my dad and licked my lips. Should I start this so soon?

“Hey,” Payne said as he took over the room and sat down in between Dad and me. I looked at him with a warm smile and he gave me a look before we both gazed at Dad. “Thanks for coming.”

“What’s going on?” Dad asked as Payne looked at me.

“Let’s order some drinks and food. We’ll get to that,” Payne said, knowing how hungry I was. Over the last week, I’d been snacking constantly and he provided anything that my heart desired. Luckily, the waiter came by and we placed our orders before Payne looked at Dad. “Matt, you know that you’re my best friend and have been for years. You’re like a brother to me.”

“Absolutely,” Dad agreed as he leaned back and looked at Payne.

“I…I am in love with Vienna,” he jumped right in and I watched as Dad narrowed his eyes.

“She’s like a daughter to you. What are you talking about?” He asked as his face started to redden.

“Vienna is not my daughter. I have watched her grow up into a lovely, smart woman and somewhere along the way, we fell for each other. We didn’t want to tell you for a while because of so many things, but it’s time. I want to be with her out in the open and we want you to accept us.” Payne was direct and I appreciated that as I reached for his hand.