Page 473 of The Winslow Brothers

“So…how about that walk?”

“Okay. Yeah.” She lets out a soft breath, and some of the tension eases from her shoulders. “A walk in the park sounds nice.”

“Good.” I stand up to get Izzy out of her swing. Her eyes are open now, but she’s mostly just peering at the world. No fussing or cries for help. “Why don’t you get some stuff together that you think we might need for the bambino here, and I’ll occupy her time.”

She nods gratefully. “Sounds like a plan.”

Little does she know, I’m planning a little something else.

When she retreats down the hallway to Izzy’s nursery, I snag my phone out of my pocket and scramble to text the one person I know can help me. I wish I had enough time to do it all myself, but just like I’ve been telling Maria, sometimes you need to outsource.

Me: Hey, I need your help. I need your housekeeper who does the rental properties to add another one to her list. I’ll give you the money, but just get her on the books.

Winnie: Okay, I can do that. Did you just buy another rental place or something?

Me: No, just helping a friend.

Winnie: You have friends?

I very nearly roll my eyes. My sister is the nicest smartass I know.

Me: Very funny.

Winnie: I know, right? I’m hilarious. And I take it this friend is Maria?

Me: That would be correct.

Winnie: She doing okay?

Me: She’s doing as well as a mom with a baby can do.

Winnie: So, she’s trying to survive, then.

Me: Exactly.

Winnie. Send me the address, and I’ll call them. When do you need them to come?

Me: In the next two hours. I’ll leave the door unlocked when we leave.

Winnie: If this weren’t for Maria, I’d definitely bitch at you for the last-minute request. Luckily, the whole fam has FINALLY left my house, and I have some time on my hands.

Me: You say that like you don’t secretly love playing hostess for Winslow get-togethers.

Winnie: I say that like a woman who loves playing hostess but has to clean up after Uncle Brad.

Our uncle has always been a bit of a sloppy dude. I’m certain that’s why Wes never lets him grill alone.

Winnie: Oh, and you can thank me later. Wes has my list of jewelry needs.

I have to mute my guffaw as it rolls up and out of my throat.

Me: Jewelry? You take an awful high hourly rate for this stuff, huh?

Winnie: It’s all supply and demand, dearest brother. You need me, and I need jewelry. It goes hand in hand, really.

I roll my eyes at her again but laugh at the same time.

Me: Send me a link and sizing.

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