CHAPTER 67

Elijah’s POV

I pinched Reese's tiny nose gently, causing her to giggle. “It's too late to take you without your family's permission,” I said, trying to sound serious, but her infectious laughter made it difficult.

Reese's eyes widened with determination. “Mommy will say yes! Promise!” she declared, her voice high and full of confidence. Before I could react, she wriggled out of my arms, darted to the nanny's side, and snatched the phone from her hand.

“Reese, wait—” the nanny started, but Reese was already trying to navigate the screen with her chubby fingers.

“I'll call Mommy and ask!” Reese insisted, her face scrunched up in concentration. The nanny, looking slightly exasperated but quite a little shocked, gently took the phone back from Reese.

“Sweetie, there's no need for that,” the nanny said softly. “Remember, I'm your mommy's sister.”

I looked at her in surprise.

“Yes, sir, I am,” she reiterated. “But still, her mother will worry if we go with a stranger.”

“I want to go!” Rees