Free Falling for the Nanny by Jacqueline Diamond

married, thought about what kind of parent their partner would make? Or how they might act in a custody battle? Even if anyone tried to warn him about Sabrina, he doubted he’d have listened.
    â€œI wish I could have the baby at Safe Harbor, but my sister insists on me using a doctor in L.A.,” Bailey was telling their tablemates. “She’s going to be my birthing coach, so that should be fun.”
    â€œWhat about your brother-in-law?” Mark Rayburn asked. “Surely he’ll be involved in the pregnancy, too.”
    â€œBoone’s a funny guy.” It was the first note of uncertaintyAlec had heard from the nurse. “He doesn’t show much excitement, considering how lucky he is to be having a baby that’s genetically his own. It’s probably because they’ve had a few ups and downs recently with their investment company. Men tend to have one-track minds, don’t they?”
    â€œI’m sure he’ll warm up,” said pediatrician Samantha Forrest, who was married to Mark. “How are you feeling? Carrying a baby for another woman must be quite a challenge.”
    Bailey patted her abdomen. “I’m glad I can repay Phyllis for all she’s done. She’s twelve years older than me and acted more like a mother than our real mom. Plus, she and Boone have already doubled my savings through investments. I should be able to start my courses to become a nurse practitioner as soon as I recover from the birth.”
    â€œGood for you!” Mark broke off as, at the head table, someone rang a bell for attention.
    The best man stood and raised his glass. “I’d like to say a few words about my brother.”
    The groom stared at the ceiling. “Uh-oh. Here we go.”
    â€œI promise not to mention what a holy terror you were as a child.”
    â€œYou just did.”
    â€œOops.”
    Alec grinned. He didn’t know these men very well, but there was something endearing about their obvious rapport.
    â€œAll joking aside, it’s hard to believe that only three months ago, Leo was best man at my wedding.” Tony, who as hospital attorney had been helping Alec review construction contracts, beamed at the pretty woman sitting beside him. “My wife and I never expected to have another wedding in the family so soon, or to be welcoming a nephew.”
    When he paused, a ripple ran through the room. “Are you telling us it’s a boy?” Samantha called.
    â€œOh, did I let something slip?” Tony teased.
    Cheers rang out. The bride and groom, who’d obviously authorized this leak, smiled at each other and clasped hands on the table.
    â€œI understand they’re planning to name him Socrates, is that right?” the best man went on.
    â€œEinstein,” Leo corrected, while Nora poked him in the side.
    Alec chuckled. How easily and naturally this family interacted. He tried to remember the toasts at his own wedding, but they’d long since faded. His best man had been a fellow PhD candidate with whom he hadn’t spoken since graduation.
    â€œTo a wonderful couple that I’m proud to call my family. To Leo and Nora!” Tony took a swallow of champagne, and everyone else followed suit, although it appeared Nora was drinking water, as was Bailey.
    At the head table, Mike gave Patty a meaningful look. Alec could have sworn she mouthed the words, Do I have to? At his nod, she got to her feet and raised her glass. The room fell silent again.
    â€œI better warn you guys that there are police officers present, including the groom, so if you’ve had more than a few glasses of this stuff, you better sleep it off before driving home,” she announced, and pretended to sit down. “Oh, I’m not finished?” She straightened. “Sorry about that.”
    â€œGive ’em heck, Patty!” called a fellow with short hair and a trim mustache. Most likely one of the officers, Alec mused,