Page 44 of The Wrong Move

“Well, when you say it like that.” I hold out my arms.

Penny gestures to the chair. “It’s easier if you sit.”

I take a seat in the leather armchair, and Penny leans close.

“Hold your arms like this.” Mom demonstrates for me, but it doesn’t make it any less awkward.

Penny places Summer in my arms, swaddled tightly in a pink blanket. I peer down at my beautiful niece. “She’s so tiny.” Her little lips are damn cute with her bottom lip tucked under her top one. Her eyes are closed, and she looks so peaceful. I cannot imagine ever being this relaxed.

Something comes over me—a warm sensation.

Unexpected joy for Franklin and Penny.

I’ve never felt so much happiness for someone else. On instinct, I want to kiss Summer, but I remember my mother’s words. If I ever have anything as precious as Summer, I’ll give my all to protect her too.

“May I?” Dad comes to stand beside me. I push up from the chair with extra care not to startle Summer. Mom takes her from my arms. Dad takes a seat and sits like a statue while Mom places Summer in his arms.

I grin at my father, sitting awkwardly. “Have you forgotten how to hold a baby?”

Dad steals a look at Franklin. “It’s different when it’s your grandchild and the father is watching my every move.”

Quiet chuckles sound around the group.

Mom pours the iced tea and distributes it around the room. “I can make more if anyone needs a refill.”

“Thank you, Sophia. I appreciate your help.” Penny reaches out to squeeze her hand.

Penny’s screen lights up on the table, and she checks her cell. “Mom and Dad will be here in the morning. The guest room is set up for them, right?”

“It is.” Franklin takes her hand, pulls her onto his lap, and wraps both arms around her waist. He kisses her cheek before looking lovingly toward his daughter.

“Heard any news on the Grace takeover?” Dad asks Jobe. He looks at Franklin. “Any updates?”

Hendricks Capital Management put in an offer to take over a construction company in London. It’s all on the hush for now though it’s a career boost for Jobe to expand his company into international commercial real estate. While it might be Jobe’s business, it also falls under the HCM umbrella by partnering with Franklin.

“Carson, please discuss all business matters tomorrow,” Mom says quietly. The room falls quiet.

“I best be going,” Jobe says. “Congratulations again. I’m glad everything went smoothly.”

I also stand. “I’m extremely happy for both of you. I’ll head out with Jobe. Can I come back tomorrow after training?”

“You can visit anytime,” Penny says in a gentle voice. Penny rises off Franklin’s lap to kiss my cheek, then steps to Jobe to kiss his cheek. “Thank you both for coming to see us. We appreciate it.”

We say our goodbyes and head out past security.

“Imagine Frank’s anxiety when Summer is older,” Jobe says as we take the elevator.

“They should have named her Rapunzel.”

He huffs out a noise. “How are the helicopter lessons?”

Earlier in the year, I began studying to become a pilot. “It’s interesting enough. First practical flight is next week.”

“I’m not sure why you need to fly it. You bought the helicopter. Just pay a pilot.”

I pop a shoulder. “It’s fascinating. And I can hire a pilot if I need.”

I open up my cell and text Giana.

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