Page 43 of Guarded

“Yeah.”

“And it was especially tough on Summer, you said.”

“Definitely. Why, what’s going on?”

He ignored the question for the moment. “When she was really upset, what did you find worked the best to help her?”

“Matt. Answer the damn question so I know what’s going on.”

He expelled a deep breath. “Briar’s not doing so well.”

“No?”

“No.” He explained what had happened, then waited.

“Whoa,” Blackwell said. “That’s…”

Dark? Scary? “I know,” Matt muttered. “I don’t know what the hell to do about it. I just put her to bed, hoping a good night’s sleep will help.”

“Well I— Hang on,” he said, and Matt could hear Summer in the background. “Here, I’m gonna let Summer field this one.”

Matt hadn’t wanted to involve anyone else, but what the hell, and as a new mom who had been through her share of ups and downs, Summer might have valuable insight. He told her the same thing he’d told her husband. “So I put her to bed. She needed sleep in the worst way.”

Summer snorted. “Yeah, I’m gonna give you a pass on that one just because you didn’t know any better. But what you should have done? Was just hold her.”

“I did. It didn’t help.”

“And justkeepholding her until she felt strong enough to let go,” Summer said, then sighed as if in disappointment.

“Has she got…postpartum, do you think?” He didn’t know much about it, but that term scared him.

“I don’t know if it’s that serious, but it sounds to me like she’s definitely got the baby blues.”

His immediate reaction was to reject the idea, but he reined it in. She was definitely sad and overtired. Had there been signs before now and he just hadn’t noticed? “Tonight’s the first time I’ve ever seen her like this. Honest, she’s been a total trooper up ‘til now.”

“Well yeah, but hello, you do know this is Briar we’re talking about, right? She doesn’t want you or anyone else to know she’s struggling so she’s been putting on a brave front until now. It sounds like tonight she finally reached her limit, for whatever reason. Google the difference between baby blues and postpartum and do some reading, but I think baby blues usually happens sooner and it’s also really common for new moms. Pretty sure postpartum develops later and lasts longer, plus it’s more serious.”

God, he hoped it was just the baby blues and not the other. “I’ll do some research and talk to her doctor in the morning.”

“And don’t forget, Briar’s had an even rougher time through all of this because of the traumatic birth and all the extra care Rosie needs as a preemie.”

“Right. I’ll read up on all that, take care of Rosie overnight so Briar can sleep. I’ll take some time off, maybe hire outside help.”

“Good. And while you’re doing all that, just be there for her. It’s hard for her to ask or admit to any form of weakness, so you’re probably going to have to intervene and force her to talk about it. You want me to pop over to see her tomorrow?”

“No, and don’t tell her I told you guys. She’d be embarrassed.” And he’d be in deep shit.

“All right. But keep your eye on her. If it gets worse or lasts longer than another week or so, I’d think about getting her doctor or maybe a psychologist involved.”

“Okay. Thanks, Summer.”

“Of course. Call us if you need anything. I’ll lie like a rug in front of Briar if you want me to come over, pretend I don’t know anything about what’s going on.”

This was why he loved and felt privileged to be the team’s commander. They were a family and always willing to help each other out. “Will do. G’night.”

He hung up, blew out a breath and looked over at his sleeping daughter. He hated seeing Briar so upset. He wanted to help her through this, but he couldn’t if she wouldn’t put aside her stubborn pride and be honest with him.

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