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Morning sickness hadn’t been a real problem. I had an underlying queasiness sometimes and I was lucky to have escaped most of it. That is until two days later when instead of spending the morning on the objects, I was sick.
“I’m sure it was that stew,” Ivy fussed.
“It wasn’t. I had that two days ago and I was fine yesterday. It’s normal. Before I knew about the baby, I was eating whatever and popping antacids if I felt iffy. Now I know better and I’m eating more carefully. Sometimes it’s tricky.” I’d been reading the info from the doctor.
“Well, stick to a smoothie for lunch or maybe some toast.” Ivy frowned. “But you have to eat.”
“I know, and rest.” I headed for the stairs. “Good thing it’s the weekend. Paul is home. Darla is fussing over something in the kitchen. Frankie is testing the paint in one of the far bedrooms.”
“Maybe it is the fumes?” Ivy followed me down. “Let’s go outside with Paul and Gunner. Fresh air.”
“Tomorrow I’m going for a drive,” I announced.
“Where?” she asked.
“Anywhere. To see Greg. Oh, his hearing is coming up. I just don’t want to feel too cooped up in the house, especially if the paint is part of the problem. Even with windows open and fans on, the smell is hard to miss,” I explained.
“You and Paul own a rehab center with beds available, if you want to reserve a room for peace and quiet,” Ivy suggested.
“That’s not a bad idea.” I cut through the kitchen and found Darla basting a turkey. “Smells like Thanksgiving in here,” I said.
“I’m just practicing. You don’t have to eat it if you’re not up to it,” she said.
“Thanks, we’ll see. Baby is making the food choices today,” I said.
Ivy and I headed out back.
“I like blaming stuff on the baby,” I grinned.
Ivy laughed. “You’ll be doing that for the next twenty some years.”
The gardener rushed past us and climbed into his truck.
“Wait, what’s going on?” I called.
The man didn’t reply, just started his truck and backed out in a hurry.
“Gunner! Paul!” I called.
I found the nearest bench without going deep into the garden and sat.
Ivy paced as her heels sunk into the grass.
Finally, Paul appeared. “Sorry, I know the gardener was shocked but he’ll be back. I’ll call and talk him through it.”
“What are you doing in there?” I asked.
“It’s a surprise. I will smooth it over with the gardener. But I’m done for now.” Paul walked over and kissed me on the cheek.
He smelled like mud and sweat. “You need a shower. Where is Gunner?”
“Helping Matt put up some security cameras around the property. Just an extra precaution against common mortals,” he said with a grin.
“Okay, but why can’t I see what you’re doing now?” I asked.
“It’s not ready yet,” he insisted.
I let my powers flow and search out this surprise. That didn’t help me identify it at all but I was fairly sure it wasn’t a threat.
“Okay.” I got up and started heading for the house.
“Okay? That’s it?” Ivy asked.
I shrugged. “I can’t micromanage it all. I have to trust you guys.”
Paul jogged ahead into the house and up the stairs.
“Come on, rest on the sofa and I’ll tell you about the three nanny candidates I screened. I want you and Paul to interview them and see who feels right.” Ivy smiled.
I headed for the couch and put my feet up. “When? I did put little junior’s name on the waiting list at the best private Catholic school.”
“I’m sure one of those will work.” Ivy nodded.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing. Demons and all that will follow her no matter what. The Catholic one will help but nothing is foolproof.”
“Thank you for your positive attitude.” I smiled.
She handed me three folders with pictures clipped to the top of each.
“Two men?” I asked.
Ivy shot me a look. “I don’t discriminate.”
“No, I don’t either, but I’m pretty sure I’m having a girl. I don’t want it to be weird,” I said.
“They’re both gay,” Ivy replied.
“I don’t mean it’d be a problem. I guess there are a lot of men around already. Paul, Matt, Gunner, Frankie and Greg. Another strong female influence wouldn’t be bad. Me, Darla, and you are sort of outnumbered.” I shrugged.
Ivy nodded. “I hear that and it’s a good point. But I want you to read those files, see if you want to meet any of them. I’ll do another round of interviews if you want to see if I can find any more female candidates. What do you think of a drag nanny? The strength of a man and the essence of a strong woman?”
“You? You’ve got a club to run,” I reminded her.
“No, not me. Like I used to do home health care for your Gran, there are performers who nanny or clean during the day so they can be onstage at night. Or do we need a night nanny, too? Live-in?” Ivy asked.
“Live-in would be ideal. I don’t mind them going and performing a few nights a week. But it’d be nice to be able to go out to dinner and having a trusted sitter. I’ll be around so I do watch my own child during the day at times. The nanny idea works because we’ll need someone whose only job and focus is the baby, if we have a demon coming after us or another emergency. It’s stupid to think my life will be normal, even if we try to make it that way.” I absently patted my stomach.
“I agree. That’s why I wanted the nanny in place. Backup. And these nannies have supernatural backgrounds. Experience. But I’ll get some live-in drag options.” Ivy winked. “Cute ones.”
“Do you ever hear from Brody?” I asked.
Ivy shook her head. “I screwed that up too much. I tried.”
“Time has passed, it might be easier now. He might be more willing to listen. It happens. Paul got a little possessed that one time, but I still love him. We’re in a tough business and no one is perfect.” I yawned. “I’ll read these later.”
“Okay, take a nap. I’m going to work. Frankie will wake you for dinner.” Ivy dimmed the lights in the room.
“Paul will be here sooner. I can feel him, he’s amped with energy,” I replied.
“Darla will keep him away so you can sleep. She’s good for things, too,” Ivy said softly.
“She is good for stuff like that. Night. Thanks.”
“What are friends for?” Ivy asked.
“Call Brody again.” I rolled over to face the couch and smiled. I’d never lost the feeling that they were right for each other. One day I’d be vindicated.