Nanny ___ Chaesoo

Chapter 18

                        

Jisoo. 

                     

She jumped off my lap like I'd scalded her, leaving me staring at her in shock as she messed around with the dishes and lifted the tray. "Did you hear me?" 

                     

Rosé frowned at me. "Of course, but don't be ridiculous. You don't have to do anything out of obligation. Sky will realize I'm here as long as you want me to be. Marriages of convenience went out years ago." 

                     

With that, she turned away from me and stalked out of the room. I heard some clattering dishes in the kitchen before I saw her reemerge and head straight for the stairs. Running a hand through my hair, I tried to figure out where I'd gone wrong. 

                     

A groan left me as I realized in just about every way that was possible. I'd suggested it casually, and as a way to ensure Sky was happy. That was how my brain had been working, but it wasn't because that would be the only reason I wanted to marry Rosé. I guess I'd just assumed that she'd feel the same way, especially after last night. We'd been so close, and I shared so much with her. I was certain she wasn't holding back either, but had I misjudged something? 

                     

I didn't think so, and as I observed her throughout the day, watching how she interacted with Sky, while steering clear of me, I was certain she had declined because she was hurt and didn't want to be used as a convenient wife and mother-substitute. I was sure she felt as strongly about me as I did her, but she needed a better proposal. 

                     

She certainly deserved a much better one, and my brain started processing ideas. 

                     

~~~

                     

I didn't get a chance to enact any of them until a few days later: Christmas Eve. I wanted to catch her unaware, so I enlisted Sky's help. Maybe it was a bad idea, in case Rosé said no, but she seemed confident that her nanny would say yes when I confided my plan to her. 

                     

Now, she led Rosé down the stairs, and they were both dressed in coordinating red evening gowns. That had been Sky's idea, and when she'd surprised Rosé with "her" plan for a lovely evening in, she'd given her the red dress at that time. Betsy had been persuaded to provide her size a few days ago, after laundry day. Margot was in on it too, since she had cooked our dinner and the special dessert. 

                     

I offered an arm to each of them, and when they both took one, it felt so right that I stumbled. I nearly stumbled again when Rosé lifted her head to whisper against my ear, "You look good enough to eat in that suit, Mrs. Kim." Then she gave me an innocent smile and moved a few inches away. 

                     

It had been miserable for the past few days waiting to see if she would come to my room. She hadn't, and I hadn't gotten any signals suggesting I should go to her. I'd given her time to withdraw and get over her hurt knowing tonight was in the works. 

                     

Margot had outdone herself, and it was a feast from the appetizer to the entrée. As the dessert came out in parfait cups, my stomach clenched with nerves. Thinking she would agree and hearing it confirmed were two different things. 

                     

"What is this?" she asked as her spoon broke the burnt sugar shell. 

                     

"Orange crème brûlée. It's my favorite," said Sky. 

                     

"Next to chocolate cake," I added, watching avidly as she scooped up a bite. 

                     

"It's my favorite Christmas eve dessert," Sky amended. "But chocolate cake is my favorite regular dessert." 

                     

"It's really yummy," said Rosé a moment later and closed her eyes. 

                     

When she withdrew the spoon from her sweet mouth, she noticed the gift I had placed in front of her: a small, red box. 

                     

"Open it," I said. 

                     

With trembling hands, she undid the ribbon and clicked the box open. The light made it gleam, and she gasped. "Is this...?" 

                     

"It is," I said. 

                     

Sky beat me to the punchline. She jumped from her seat and ran over to Rosé. Before I could join her, she was on both her knees, hugging Rosé around the waist. "Will you marry us?" 

                     

Rosé blinked rapidly, and she patted Sky on the shoulder, but looked at me with hesitation. 

                     

"I couldn't leave Sky out of the proposal, because the truth is, if you say yes, you will be marrying both of us." After messing up and hurting her the other day, my first inclination had been to do this as a solo date, but I was certain Sky needed to be included in the process. "And if you marry us, you'll make us both so happy." 

                     

She blinked back tears before nodding. "Yes, I'll marry both of you." 

                     

I let out a pent-up breath and finally managed to join Sky on the floor, but on only one knee. In a smooth motion, I lined up the ring with her finger and asked, "So you'll make me the happiest woman alive?" 

                     

She nodded, grinning, and held out her hand. "Yes, oh yes," she whispered in a shaky voice. 

                     

I pushed the ring down firmly, anticipating the day when a white gold wedding band would join it.

                     

"I know you love Sky, and so do I, but I want to marry you because I love you, Rosé. With all my heart and soul." 

                     

A tear escaped then, but I wasn't worried, because she started laughing, a joyous sound. "I love you too, Jisoo." 

                     

I swept her into my arms and gave her a long, thorough kiss. I might have forgotten my head and kept going if Sky hadn't interrupted us. 

                     

"Does this mean I can have a sister, Rosé?" 

                     

Rosé laughed. "I can't control if it's a brother or sister, but I'd be happy to give you a sibling, if your Mom is willing." 

                     

I grinned, flashing my eyes at Rosé. "I'm always ready for that, love." 

                     

"Merry Christmas!" Sky shouted and danced around the room in her red dress. "A baby sister for Christmas!"

                     

~CONVERTED~