Page 57 of Embrace Me Forever

As Georgia-May strokes her, Poppy stretches into a downward dog pose, emitting a happy coo. Coco’s laughter fills the air as she edges closer to Poppy, making good ground despite her limited leg movement.

“Puppy!” Coco cheers again.

As Coco and Georgia-May play with my robot pet, I assist Pedro with unloading. He manages the suitcases, and I take the groceries to the kitchen.

“So, Pedro, how does it feel trading those luxury cars for a Ford?” I tease, knowing he’s accustomed to Rob’s and Clay’s high-end vehicles.

“Well, it doesn’t purr quite like a Jaguar,” Pedro quips with a grin. “But to be honest, sir, behind the wheel of this one, I feel more important,” he adds, acknowledging our need for discretion. “I’ll return tomorrow with Coco’s medications.”

Thanks to Isabelle, we managed to replenish Coco’s prescriptions for the month.

“Before you leave, could you do a quick sweep around the neighborhood?” I request. “I don’t think we were followed, but it’s best to double-check.”

“Absolutely, sir. Need anything else?”

“That’ll be all. I really appreciate your help today.”

“My pleasure,” Pedro responds respectfully, then retreats to his car and drives off.

Inside, the girls remain captivated by Poppy. Who would claim a robot dog is merely a device? Yet, I confess, a real puppy might have added an extra layer of joy. Resolving to review the suitcases, I’m determined to ensure that if anything is missing for Georgia-May, I’ll procure it without delay.

Georgia-May’s eyes light up with joy as she rifles through the bounty. Cute clothes, blankets, pillows, and everything elsebaby. “Oh, they’re so thoughtful! These are exactly what Coco needs.”

“Clay told me they’ve collected tons of baby stuff over the years. Now their places are like treasure troves of baby essentials, and we get to reap all the benefits.”

“Indeed, but they didn’t just pack any items. They chose with care. Look at these,” she muses, her fingers brushing against a set of adorable overalls and charming dresses. Then she picks up a bag full of baby care items. “These are brand new. Those ladies went shopping for me.” She observes the content. Baby powder, lotion, wipes, the lot.

Meanwhile, Coco’s attention shifts from Poppy to the open suitcase. She chatters away to herself, immersed in her own little world of ‘window shopping.’

“Look, Coco, all these are for you, from Aunty Isabelle and Aunty Amber,” Georgia-May coos, introducing our little one to the concept of familial love through fabric and thread.

“They might prefer we drop the ‘aunty’ bit,” I quip.

She laughs. “I can’t wait to meet them.”

Then she discovers a note in one of the suitcases. It’s from Clay.

“Hey, that’s for me!” I exclaim, but it’s too late. Georgia-May is already reading it aloud.

“I asked my wife not to include certain items specifically for Georgia-May. It should be your responsibility, Blake! Ensure she has everything she needs.”

I look at her, silently conveying a promise of generosity. “I know you don’t have a credit card, but that won’t stop me from letting you indulge to your heart’s content. Online for now, at least.”

She fixes me with a curious stare. “What don’t you know about me?” she challenges, rising and stepping closer.

I encircle her waist with my arms, but she twists away, her laughter muffled.

“Hey?” I remove my hands from her waist. But then I realize. “Hey…you’re ticklish! Now, that’s something I didn’t know.”

Her face begs me not to exploit that knowledge. She then takes Coco upstairs.

“I’m sorry I haven’t managed to get a crib for you yet,” I say, welcoming her to the guest bedroom, a space she’s already familiar with. Our first time together here seems so long ago. “But if you let me know what kind of crib she needs, I’ll get it right away.”

“Oh, that’s okay. We can sort it out later. Coco will sleep with me on the bed tonight. We’ve got lots of pillows to create a fortress around her so she doesn’t fall over.” She observes the bed. “Although, if I may ask, would you push the bed so it’s flush to the wall?”

“Of course. You don’t have to be shy. Ask me anything, got it?” I assure her, seeing her tentative face.

Seeing the open bathroom door, Coco says, “Duck!”

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