The Nanny

Flourishing Friendships

"Do you have to go?" Roland asked as Regina tried to get the squirming boy into his pajamas.

She nodded, fighting to get his arm in his sleeve. "I have to go see my papa."

"Can't he come here?" Roland asked after his head emerged and as she tugged his pajama shirt down.

"No, he can't." Regina sat down on his bed, pulling him onto her lap. "My papa is sick and can't go to too many places."

"Oh. Will he get better?" Roland asked.

Regina's smile faltered a bit. "I hope so."

She laid Roland down, pulling his blankets up to his chin as she smiled again. "Now, what story do you want tonight?"

"Pinocchio!" he chirped, holding out the book. "Please."

"Okay." Regina settled on the edge of his bed, holding the book so he could see the pictures. "Once upon a time, there was a wood carver who always wanted a child..."

By the time Pinocchio was turned into a real boy, Roland was almost asleep. He yawned and rubbed his eyes as Regina closed the book. "Good night, Roland," she said.

"Not yet," he whined. "Can I have another story?"

Regina shook her head. "It's getting late. You need to get some sleep."

"Not until Papa kisses me good night." He yawned again.

"He had to work late, Roland. You'll see him in the morning."

The boy shook his head. "Have to see him now."

Regina sighed, trying to keep her patience as Roland's fears reared their head again. She ran her hand through his curls. "How about I sing you a lullaby? Would you like that?"

"Okay," Roland said, clutching his teddy bear closer.

She began singing, soft but sure, as she kept running a hand through his curls. Roland put up a good fight and she watched as his eyelids would droop before he'd open them up wide again. Over and over until finally he stopped opening them. His breathing evened out and Regina brought the lullaby to an end.

Regina couldn't resist and dropped a kiss to his forehead. He sighed, rolling over as she turned on his nightlight and slipped out of his room. She leaned against the wall and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

"You have a lovely singing voice." She jumped at the sound of Will's voice, turning to find the butler leaning against the opposite wall.