Page 130 of Safe and Sound

After opening the backdoor, I eyed the booster seat. How the hell did it work? Fuck. I should’ve paid attention to when Callum put Julianna or the twins in one or when Rafe put Dario or Matteo in one. Even Quinn had a better advantage than I did because of Henry.

Throwing a helpless look at Niall, I asked, “Do you know how one of those work?”

“Not a clue.”

“Now I wish you hadn’t traded with James,” I grumbled.

Niall held up his hand. “Give me four more months, and I’ll be an expert.” After being around Summer, one of Isla’s friends from university, they’d married two years ago and were now expecting their first child.

Piper tugged on my hand. “I know how to do it.”

“You do?”

She rolled her eyes at me. “I’s not a baby.”

“Right. You’re not.” Moving out of the way, I said, “Go for it.”

With fascination, I watched her hop in the back seat and climb into the seat. Effortlessly, she slid her arms into the strappy things before snapping them in the middle. When she was done, she gave me a cheeky look. “See?”

“Amazing job!”

“Tanks.”

Nodding at Niall, I then climbed into the backseat with Piper. As Niall gunned the SUV into reverse, I saw Ava was chatting with Nick and Brody on the front porch. “Wave to Mommy,” I instructed.

Piper happily waved both her hands as we pulled out of the driveway. Since Nick and Brody were with Ava, I didn’t worry about waiting for them to see her safely inside. Once we got on the road, I realized I was officially alone with my daughter for the first time.

And I had to admit, it was scary as hell.

“Are you hungry?”

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“I just ate bweakfast.”

“Right.” I thought for a moment. “Are you thirsty?”

“Uh-uh.”

“Do you need to potty?”

“Uh-uh.”

Easing back in my seat, I said, “Okay then. I guess we’re good.”

Piper peered up and down at me. “Why are you sweaty?”

“Am I?” When she nodded, I replied, “I’m nervous.”

“What’s that?”

“Uh, well, I guess it’s like when you’re scared of something.”

Her blue eyes widened. “Are you scawed of kitties?”

I laughed. “Not that I’m aware of.”

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