Page 21 of Daddy's Unexpected Gift

“Did you find a resolution for your little love triangle?” she asked as I stepped up to the table. She tilted her head, and I took the seat next to her.

“Hardly a love triangle. I messed up.”

Robin took her attention away from Georgie to give me a perplexed look. “Beg pardon? Did Sterling Alexander just admit to not being perfect?”

I laughed, tension rushing away from my shoulders. Robin Johnson knew me better than I had clearly given her credit for.

“You’re a natural at this,” I said as I pointed to her and Georgie.

“I’ve had children, and grandchildren. And I raised my children. I didn’t have nannies around the clock. I learned. You can learn too. I am sorry to learn of your sister’s passing.”

“You knew Argene?” I asked.

“Not exactly. But I had met her a time or two, back when your mother was still with us.”

Robin was old money, old family. And she knew my parents, and by extension, we were friendly enough. Enough that I felt comfortable asking advice.

“How am I supposed to learn?” I eased back in the chair and stretched my legs out under the table. Georgie seemed content. She did when she was with other people.

“Hmm,” Robin hummed. She seemed to be thinking. “Well, I had help. My mother, my grandmother, and pretty much anyone who thought I was doing something wrong.”

I shrugged. “Unfortunately, my mother is no longer with us. But even if she were, she didn’t think that men raised children. That was the woman’s role in the family.”

“Well, your parents were from an older generation. Times have changed. Who was that young woman? The one who brought Georgie in this evening.”

“She’s my case worker,” I said flatly. At least I thought she was still my case worker.

Robin nodded. “Ah, I think I see. You need to get into some parenting classes.”

“Do they exist? I have some books.”

Georgie yawned and rubbed her tiny fists into her eyes.

“You need to take this adorable baby home while she is still adorable and not fussing. Monday morning, call Maurice’s office and talk to his assistant. She’ll be able to find some classes for you.”

I raised my brows at her in an unasked question.

“The children’s museum is all about education and outreach. She has the resources to find what you need. Call.” Robin picked Georgie up with her as she stood.

She pressed her lips against the baby’s hair and murmured as I got the car seat ready. She kissed Georgie one last time before placing her into the car seat. As I buckled Georgie in, Robin grabbed my arm and squeezed. A car waited for us when I stepped outside. She fell asleep on the ride home.

I had an entire weekend on my own with the baby. Wayne prepared meals, but I still was the one to feed and change the baby.

It was as if some switch got flipped to the On position inside. I was somehow better attuned to Georgie’s needs. I could interpret her signals better. I wasn’t about to get her a cat, but I did order a stuffed cat toy.

When the toy arrived and I gave it to her, her entire body shook as she laughed and squirmed. She hugged the toy in her little arms and bit down on one of the ears. She was happy and no longer stressed out because I didn’t know what I was doing.

I still didn’t know what I was doing, but I had a hint more experience with her. And I was not going to let that child down.

It was a long couple of days before Monday arrived. I needed to call Maurice’s assistant, and I needed Cecelia to come over for our appointment. I wasn’t used to having to wait for people. If I was ready to start a project, I tended to jump in and get started no matter the time of day or night. Georgia wasn’t a tech problem I needed to find a solution for. I had to wait for the people and resources that were going to help me.

I couldn’t say that mornings had settled into a routine that we had all mastered. But it wasn’t nearly the struggle as it had been even four days earlier. And there were fewer tears involved. I had Georgie in her highchair. Wayne had tepid oatmeal ready for her, and I had a hot cup of coffee. I wasn’t dressed for the day, Georgie only had on a diaper, but we were doing it. We were figuring this out.

The concierge pinged, and a moment later, Wayne announced, “Miss Cecelia is on her way up. Do you want to take a moment to prepare for your guest?”

I shook my head. I didn’t care if Cecelia saw me in sweats and a T-shirt. This wasn’t a social call, and I wasn’t trying to impress her. I continued to spoon mush into Georgie’s mouth, and she managed to get it everywhere.

“Miss Cecelia, Mr. Sterling.” Wayne introduced her as he led her into the kitchen.

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