The Nanny

Chapter 34

"Jess", he takes my hand into his. "It's still not too late to return back home."

"No", I utter quickly. "I'm fine. I'm sorry it's just that I have never actually been to a party like this before."

"You'll be fine", he smiles reassuringly. "Trust me."

"Mama", Liam says and climbs into my lap. It's as if he's saying we'll be fine there as well. I hug him back and smile back at Stefan. We'll be okay.

We reach the hotel after a few minutes and Stefan helps me out. He holds Liam in his arm and his other hand is wrapped around my waist, supporting me. Ciara and Leo wave happily at me when they sees us.

One look around and I already have sweaty palm. People are everywhere and I think Stefan might have understimated the number of people here.

"Here comes my grandchild", Esme smiles warmly as she takes him in her arms. "I miss you so much my love."

She gives Liam a kiss before turning her attention to us.

"How are you feeling now darling?", she asks me with concern.

"I'm fine now thanks", I smile. "Happy anniversary."

"Happy anniversary mom", Stefan hugs her.

"Thank you to both of you. Oh here comes Robert. Rob meet Jess", she introduces us. "And Rob this is Jess."

"The one who stole everybody's heart", he takes my hand and kisses the back of it, causing me to blush.

Stefan grins and wraps his arm around me.

"Happy anniversary", I wish him.

"Thank you", he smiles charmingly. "I hope you are fine now. I apologize I couldn't visit you in the hospital. I was out of town."

"That's okay", I assure him.

"Thanks for saving Liam", he states with a serious face and his expressions soften when he looks at Esme. "It means a lot for us."

Liam smiles at Robert and he takes him in his arms instantly. "Mind if I take him with me for a while?"

"No", Stefan says. "Just keep him with you and mom"

I watch as he takes Liam for a walk, away from me. Esme gives my arm a reassuring squeeze.

"He's safe with him."

"Do you want to sit down?", Stefan suddenly demands with worry. "You have been standing for a while now."

"No I'm okay"

"Jess", I hear Ciara as she comes closer. "You look so gorgeous."

"Right back at you", I grin.

"How's the leg?", she questions.

"It's fine now", I shrug.

"Come with me then", she hooks her arm into mine. "I'll show you around."

"I don't think that's a good idea Ciara", Stefan butts in. "She can't walk too much."

"Oh come on", she pouts. "We are just going to look around for a little bit and then we are going to take a seat. I promise. Besides we girls need some time on our own. I need to show her something."

Stefan is about to talk but I interrupt him.

"It's okay. I'll be fine."

Esme is looking at us like a loving mother all the while we have been talking to each other. She looks at Stefan with a little glint in her eyes.