His Nanny Mate - Season 4 Episode 39

Ella

Leonard’s surprise was palpable. His usually stoic face now registered a mix of confusion and, was that disbelief?

The bustling restaurant patio, filled with the scent of seafood and the ocean air, seemed to fade into the background. All that remained in focus was the tense standoff that had unwittingly begun our corner, all thanks to Harry.

“Your parents don’t know?” Leonard’s voice was barely above a whisper, but in the quiet space that had formed around us, it felt like a shout.

The distant hum of violins, the sound of the ocean lapping against the barrier, and the clinking of glasses felt intrusive as I searched for words.

“It’s not quite like that,” I began hesitantly, wording my lies carefully. “It’s just… It’s been a whirlwind, and we haven’t had the right moment to…” I trailed off, desperately hoping Logan would step in.

Leonard’s piercing eyes locked onto mine. “Are you ashamed? Ashamed of Logan? Or perhaps it’s our family you find unworthy?”

Before I could reply, Logan jumped in, his voice laced with both irritation and urgency. “Dad, of course she isn’t. Harry is just trying to stir things up. Ella’s parents know about us. Isn’t that right, Ella?” His eyes, imploring and tense, sought mine.

Attempting to muster up a semblance of confidence, I nodded, hoping that my words would align with his. “Yes, they know. We just… haven’t gone into all the details yet.”

Harry, leaning casually against the intricately carved mahogany bar, smirked. The twinkling fairy lights decorating the venue cast playful shadows on his face, making him appear even more devious.

“Details?” he asked. “Like being engaged? Such a small detail indeed. I’m sure if they’re as aware as you claim, they’d love to come over for an engagement party. Wouldn’t you say?”

I could feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on us, the atmosphere thick with anticipation and the faint aroma of roses from the lavish flower arrangements adorning each table. The situation was spiraling, and it felt like we were dancing on the edge of a precipice.

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Leonard, clearly contemplating Harry’s words, tapped a finger on his chin thoughtfully. “Actually, that might be a good idea.” His voice had that calm, chilling certainty that I had come to dread.

Logan’s hand, cool and firm, wrapped around mine. “Dad, there’s no need for that. This isn’t about public displays or parties. This is about Ella and me.”

Harry chuckled, lifting his wine glass to his lips, his green eyes glittering with mischief. “You always did like to keep things private, Logan. But family is family. Surely there’s no harm in sharing the good news with both our families in a more… official capacity?”

Leonard nodded slowly, his gaze moving between Logan and me. “It would certainly put any lingering doubts to rest. If there’s nothing to hide, a simple gathering would be in order.”

I swallowed hard, the intricate lace of my dress suddenly feeling too tight around my throat. The patio, despite its open air and fresh ocean breeze, almost seemed to close in on me. “An engagement party is… significant. We wanted to ensure the timing was right.”

Leonard’s eyes softened just a touch, but the firm set of his jaw left no doubt about his resolve. “One month. Organize an engagement party. Invite both families. If your relationship is as real as you claim, this shouldn’t be a problem.”

Logan, visibly trying to contain his frustration, responded. “This isn’t about proving anything. Dad. Our relationship is our business. Why does it matter so much to you?”

Leonard leaned in, the scent of his musky cologne briefly overwhelming the floral undertones in the air. “Since you’ve been with Ella, I’ve been more supportive of your ventures, haven’t I? Increased investments, more leeway in your projects. If this relationship isn’t what it seems, it’s only fair that I reconsider.”

Harry’s laughter echoed in the tense silence. “Dad has a point, Logan. If everything is above board, why not celebrate? Or could it be that there’s something amiss?”

Logan shot Harry a dark look, his voice icy. “You’ve always had a knack for drama, Harry. Why don’t you mind your own business?”

But Harry’s smirk only grew. “Just looking out for the family’s best interests.”

“The family’s best interests?” Logan asked, narrowing his eyes. “Or your own, Harry?”

Once again, I found myself shocked by the fact that Leonard did absolutely nothing to quell the fires of his sons’ arguing. In fact, he said nothing. There was a palpable silence for several long moments, before Leonard clapped Logan on the shoulder and shot both of us a terse grin.

“Well then,” he said, glancing back and forth between the two of us, “do consider it. I’ll be waiting.”

Before Logan or I could answer, Leonard turned on his heel and walked away. Harry trailed behind him, shooting us both a maniacal look before disappearing into the crowd. I let out a deep sigh and turned to face Logan.

But instead of saying anything, Logan suddenly whisked me away to the dance floor.

The world around me blurred as the velvety sounds of a saxophone began to envelop the space, matching the mood of the afternoon. The sounds of the party intermixed with the sounds of the ocean made for an almost hectic, yet surprisingly calming, atmosphere.

As we swayed to the music, Logan’s gaze remained fixed on mine, a storm of emotions swirling in his clear blue eyes.

“Don’t worry about them,” he said, glancing over his shoulder. “I’ll deal with it.”

I looked down at our feet as we moved, a blush creeping up into my cheeks from our closeness and the feeling of Logan’s arms around me. “Thanks.”

But Logan’s face took on a curious expression. “Speaking of figuring things out…” he hesitated. “What was that I heard about you and Devon at the jazz club?”

I blinked in surprise. “Oh, that? It was nothing. We just happened to run into each other. He mentioned he owned a jazz club and said I should drop by. Even offered some free food and drinks. It was just a friendly gesture.”

Logan’s jaw tightened subtly, the playful rhythm of the music contrasting with his growing tension. “Ella, I’d prefer if you stayed away from Devon. Something about him just doesn’t sit right with me.”

Taken aback, I pulled slightly away to get a better look at his face. “Seriously? Devon’s been nothing but kind and helpful. Is this jealousy I’m detecting?”

He blanched, his fingers digging lightly into my waist. “No. I’m not jealous. I’m just… cautious.”

I couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled up. “Logan, do you hear yourself?”

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His lips pressed into a thin line. “It’s not like that. There’s just something about him that gives me bad vibes. Please, trust my instincts on this.”

Shaking my head, I sighed. “You have to trust me too. I can handle myself. And I can make friends without you feeling threatened.” I lowered my voice, shooting him a stern look. “And besides, we’re not together, Logan. You have no right to feel jealous.”

He hesitated, then finally responded, his blue eyes narrowing. “I think I have every right to protect what I care about. Or do I need to prove myself?”