Page 110 of When Love Is Unexpected

"Can I hold him?" I ask.

She puts the baby in my arms. I lift him in the air and start talking baby talk with him. "You're so cute! Yes, you are."

He smiles and puts his whole fist in his mouth, deepening the dimples. I declare myself victorious right before I see a long, wet string of drool escape his mouth and land right on my face.

"Oh no!" says Loren, reaching for the baby.

I start laughing and give her the baby back before wiping the drool off my face with my sleeve.

"Let me get you a tissue," says Loren. "I'm so sorry."

"I think I can consider myself christened."

***

Later, when the baby is down for a nap, Loren and I sit to drink some lemonade.

"Where's Aaron?" I ask.

"He's at the office," says Loren. "He and Adam work at the office three days a week and two from home."

"What about Holly?"

"She's with Peter and Christina. She'll be starting second grade next month."

"That's great," I say. "And Laila? How is she doing?"

"She's excited," she says. "New city, new job, new friends."

"Is she seeing anyone?"

"Sam," she says, giving me a look.

"I'm sorry," I say, "but I have to know."

"Do you want more lemonade?" she asks, avoiding my gaze.

"Loren, please."

"No," she says, "she's not seeing anyone."

"I emailed her," I say. "Do you know if she ever saw my email?"

"Sam," she says.

"I love her, Loren. I love your sister. I've let her have her space. I've kept my distance. I haven't tried to contact her. How much time does she need before she lets me explain things?"

"I don't know," she says.

"I need to see her."

Silence.

Does she know I'm here?"

Silence.

"Loren, does your sister know I'm here?"

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