Page 70 of Nanny for the Firefighters

We strategize quickly, using the evidence we have to track Vanessa down. Her last known location is a high-end hotel in the city, one of her favorite hunting grounds. We pile into the car, the atmosphere tense but charged with a sense of purpose. This is it—the final mission.

When we arrive at the hotel, the lobby is bustling with activity. We split up to cover more ground, Marcus and I heading toward the elevators while Theo, Ethan, and Will keep an eye on the exits. The police should be here soon.

As we reach the floor Vanessa's suite is on, my heart pounds in my chest. Marcus looks at me, concern etched on his face. "You sure about this?"

I nod, steeling myself. "I'm sure."

We approach her door, and I can hear her laughter from inside mingling with the sounds of clinking glasses. I take a deep breath and knock. The laughter stops, and moments later, the door swings open. Vanessa's eyes widen in shock as she sees me standing there.

"Ella? What the hell?—"

Before she can react, Marcus steps forward, his voice cold and authoritative. "Vanessa, it's over. You are finished."

She tries to slam the door, but Marcus is quicker, shoving it open and stepping inside. Vanessa backs away, panic written all over her face.

"You have no proof!" she spits, her eyes darting around the room, looking for an escape route.

I step forward, holding up the folder of evidence. "Oh, we have plenty. You have no idea how satisfactory this is for me right now, Vanessa."

Her face contorts with rage, and she lunges at me, but Marcus intercepts her, pinning her arms behind her back. She struggles, but it's futile. Marcus is too strong, and she knows it.

Downstairs, Theo, Ethan, and Will arrive with the police in tow. They take Vanessa into custody, reading her rights as she screams and protests. I watch, a mixture of relief and satisfaction washing over me.

As the police lead her away, I turn to Marcus, tears streaming down my face. "It's over," I whisper. "It's really over."

He pulls me into his arms, holding me close. "Yes, it is. You did it, Ella. We did it."

The officers take our statements, and we head back to the car, the weight of the past few weeks lifting off my shoulders. We did it. Vanessa is finally going to pay for her crimes, and I can finally focus on my future with my baby and the men I love.

Back at the apartment, I collapse on the couch, exhaustion setting in. Marcus wraps an arm around me, and the others gather close, their presence a comforting blanket of warmth and security.

"Well, that's the end, finally. ," Ethan murmurs, his voice steady and strong.

Theo grins. "Finally."

Will, who is seated on the floor in front of me, wraps his arms around my knees. "We've missed you."

And it is here, in the midst of all this safety, that I know for sure. I've found a home and an infinite access to love for my child and myself.

"Ella?"

Lily's voice floats from the balustrade overhead. Behind her, I notice a distinctly disheveled nanny.

"Hi, my darling girl," I coo, getting up to meet her halfway. As soon as she is in my arms, she bursts into tears.

"Hush," I murmur into the soft spill of her hair. "I'm back, and I'm never leaving again."

Two months later

A buttery, golden glow spreads over the manor's garden where the promise ceremony is about to take place. Fairy lights are strung up in the trees, twinkling like stars. I stand at the edge of the garden, my heart pounding with sweet anticipation.

Lily, dressed in a little white dress with a crown of flowers on her curly head, skips over to me, her eyes wide with excitement. "Ella, look! Pewals!" she exclaims, holding up a small wicker basket filled with rose petals.

I crouch down, smiling at her. "You look beautiful, Lily. Are you ready to be the best flower girl ever?"

She nods vigorously, her curls bouncing, throwing a few petals around in her excitement.

I laugh, giving her a quick hug before straightening up. The men are already in place, standing near the makeshift altar we've set up. Marcus, Theo, Ethan, and Will—all are dressed in sharp suits, looking every bit the strong, protective, and caring partners they are.