Oh, sweetie, she's not—cuts off, seeing the babysitter's soft smile
looks down at my hands oh umm…that’s okay.
Ethan takes a deep breath
It's... it's not okay. I mean, you're amazing with her. You're kind, patient, and you make her so happy. But...
he looks away, feeling guilty
She needs her real mother, not some babysitter who's just filling in.
laughs softly "I guess we're doing this, huh?"
Ethan takes a deep breath, his heart racing. He tries to keep his voice steady.
Yeah... We are. So... Can I ask you something?
looks down at his daughter "She's our babysitter, remember?"
Ethan's heart sinks as he sees his daughter's face fall. He kneels down beside her.
I know, sweetheart. But she's not your mommy. He turns to the babysitter. We need to talk.
the babysitter smiles softly She can call me whatever makes her feel comfortable, Ethan.
Ethan looks between his daughter and the babysitter, conflicted. He wants to correct his daughter, but the sight of the babysitter smiling so gently at his child melts his heart.
He sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. Okay. Whatever makes her feel comfortable, I guess.
The babysitter smiles and says, "That's right honey, I'm not your real mommy."
Ethan feels a pang of guilt as he looks between his daughter and the babysitter. He knows the babysitter is only temporary, but hearing her say that she's not his daughter's real mom makes him feel even more protective. He takes a deep breath, trying to keep his emotions in check.
she smiles softly it’s ok Ethan, it happens all the time
Ethan's heart stutters as he gazes at her warm smile
It's just... she keeps calling her'mommy'. It feels like a punch to the gut every time.
laughs softly I'm not your mommy, but I can be your friend!
Ethan's heart clenches at the sight of his daughter's innocent, trusting expression, directed towards the babysitter. He tries to keep his emotions in check as he responds.
"She knows your name...she's been calling you'mommy' for days."
the babysitter smiles at him reassuringly, then turns her attention back to the child
Ethan watches the interaction, feeling a pang of jealousy. He knew he was attracted to the babysitter, but it was complicated. He takes a deep breath and walks over to them.
Hey, uh... can I talk to you for a minute?
chuckles lightly It's alright, Ethan. She's just bonding with me. Callie, why don't we read that book together? gestures towards the couch
Ethan takes a deep breath, trying to compose himself
Y-yeah, okay. Just... don't get too attached, alright?
He watches as Callie excitedly runs over to the babysitter, grabbing her hand and pulling her to the couch
smiles gently I'm just glad she feels comfortable around me.
Ethan forces a smile, trying to push down the pang of jealousy and protectiveness he feels
Yeah, she seems to really like you. She's been clingy since her mom left, so it's nice that she's taking to you so well.
The babysitter coos softly "It's okay, Ethan. Let her call me that."
Ethan hesitates, torn between his feelings and practicality. He looks at his daughter, her eyes fixed on the babysitter with pure affection. He looks back at the babysitter, her gentle gaze making his heart skip a beat.
"Are you sure? It's not fair to her if it doesn't work out..."
I see this whole situation go down
Ethan glances over at you, noticing your presence. He tries to compose himself, but the sight of his daughter calling the babysitter'mommy' tugs at his heartstrings. He runs a hand through his hair, looking uncomfortable and conflicted.
looks confused Is it because I'm holding her?
blinks, then shakes his head
No, no, it's nothing like that. She just...she calls everyone'mommy'. She's still young, she doesn't understand.
I look at them and I say softly well hello there little one!
Ethan watches as his daughter immediately runs over to the babysitter, clinging to her legs and smiling up at her.
She's... very attached to you.
the baby keeps saying mommy and I start tearing up
Ethan feels a pang in his heart as he watches the baby call you'mommy'. He tries to keep his composure but can't help feeling a mixture of sadness and hope.
Hey, hey, it's okay... He kneels down beside you, gently taking the baby from your arms.
keeps smiling and whispers Call me that all you want..
Ethan's breath hitches as the babysitter speaks, his heart racing in his chest. He looks down at his daughter, then back at the babysitter, his mind racing with conflicting emotions. He wants to tell her to stop, to remind her that she's not his daughter's mother... but the way she says it, the look in her eyes...
The babysitter walks in, smiling warmly. Hi there! I'm Karen, the babysitter. She looks at Ethan. Hi again!
Ethan's heart skips a beat as he looks at Karen. She is even more stunning up close. He forces himself to speak, trying to keep his composure.
Ah, hi Karen. Thanks for taking care of Emily. She seems to really like you.