The Alpha’s Nanny (Lori and Gabriel) novel Chapter 28

**The Ocean Remembers Everything**
**By Julia Allan**
**Chapter 28**

The doctor had given the green light for the baby to return home. Emilia’s fever had finally subsided, and her cheeks, once flushed with discomfort, now held a hint of their usual rosy glow. Lori felt a wave of relief wash over her as she listened to the doctor’s instructions regarding follow-up checkups. There was no hesitation in her acceptance; she would do anything to ensure Emilia’s well-being.

Yet, a nagging discomfort lingered in the back of her mind—an unsettling feeling about the way the doctor had scrutinized her. It was as if the doctor’s gaze carried an unspoken judgment. Lori couldn’t shake the thought that perhaps the physician held her responsible for Emilia’s ear infection, simply because she was the nanny. The idea gnawed at her, making her stomach twist uneasily.

“I should really talk to Grace about this,” Lori mused, but the thought quickly dissipated. It felt trivial, almost foolish, to dwell on such a matter. With a determined shake of her head, she resolved to let it go, convincing herself that it was best not to dwell on the doctor’s piercing stare.

As they made their way home, Gabriel was at the wheel, his expression focused on the road ahead. His partner, Draco, had departed well before them, citing some urgent business that required his attention. Lori glanced out the window, watching the world blur by, her mind still tangled in thoughts of the day’s events.

Upon arriving at the house, Lori’s attention shifted to the fussy baby in her arms. After a comforting bottle, she managed to coax Emilia into a peaceful slumber. The soft sound of the baby’s breathing brought a smile to Lori’s face as she carefully pumped some milk. With her task completed, she made her way downstairs, intending to store the milk in the refrigerator.

As she entered the kitchen, she noticed Grace and Gabriel engaged in a hushed conversation. Their voices were low, but the name “Suzie” floated through the air, catching Lori’s attention. She knew of Suzie, of course; she was Emilia’s mother, but beyond that, Lori was in the dark.

“Lori. Is she asleep now?” Gabriel asked, straightening his posture as Lori approached. Grace took a few steps back, creating a subtle distance between them.

“Yes. She is,” Lori replied, her voice steady as she moved past them to the freezer. She opened it and placed the milk inside, her curiosity piquing further.

“That’s good to hear. Grace and I were just discussing her visit to the hospital,” Gabriel said, his tone casual, but Lori sensed an underlying tension.

Lori nodded, her mind racing. She didn’t want to intrude on their conversation, so she contemplated slipping away, allowing them to continue without her presence. However, Grace’s next words halted her in her tracks.

“We were also talking about her mother,” Grace added, and Lori’s heart quickened. Why were they discussing Suzie? What could possibly be significant enough to warrant their attention?

“What happened with her mother?” Lori inquired, her curiosity evident. Grace exchanged a glance with Gabriel, who shrugged, his demeanor shifting slightly.

“Well, Dr. Calloway is a bit concerned about Emilia’s mother’s medical history,” he explained, his voice steady but lacking conviction.

“Why? Is something wrong with her?!” Panic bubbled up within Lori, her mind racing with possibilities. She feared the worst; perhaps something alarming had surfaced in the tests conducted. A cold dread settled in her chest.

“Oh, Suzie made life difficult for the staff here. You can ask anyone; she was far from pleasant, and that’s putting it mildly,” he said, a hint of bitterness creeping into his tone. “We clashed on many issues. The quickest way to set me off was to put me in a room with her. Eventually, we both just avoided each other to keep the peace.”

Lori nodded, understanding the complexity of their situation. “With a baby on the way, it would have made sense to at least be civil,” she acknowledged.

“I’ll admit, I never bothered to ask about her family. When she didn’t mention them, I assumed she had none. I was mistaken; I should have been more inquisitive,” Gabriel confessed, regret lacing his words.

“Hey, I don’t think it’s your fault…” Lori began, but Gabriel interjected, his voice filled with self-reproach.

“Because of me, my daughter may never get to meet any family on her mother’s side. It feels a bit unjust when I really think about it,” he said, his tone heavy with sorrow.

Lori could hear the worry etched in Gabriel’s voice, and a wave of sympathy washed over her. She shrugged lightly, attempting to offer some comfort. “Maybe Suzie doesn’t want her daughter to meet her family…”

Gabriel’s brow furrowed in confusion, and Lori continued, “I’m just saying… perhaps she was trying to protect Emilia from something.”