Page 221 of Bossy Hero

I fasten the last snap of Logan’s onesie and hover over the changing table, bringing his foot toward my face. Making obnoxious cooing sounds, I rapid-fire kiss the smooth skin along the arch of his foot.

Ah. That’s better.

Mostly.

My heart still stings a bit, but nothing that a baby cuddle won’t cure.

I scoop him up from the table, wrapping him in my arms. “Let’s go see what Mommy’s doing. Maybe she needs Grandma’s help. I hear sissy fussing.”

When we get into the living room, Sammy’s struggling to get her daughter latched on for a feeding.

“Need help, darling?”

“I don’t think she’s hungry. Just fussy.”

“Gas, maybe?”

“Well, that’s rather rude of you,” she quips, moving Laci to her shoulder for some back pats. “Putting the baby’s digestive woes on blast.”

I join them on the couch, keeping Logan snug against me. His little head fits perfectly in the crook of my elbow.

Sammy studies me, her lips pursed and a brow arched. “What gives? Considering the perfect little bundle of happiness you’re holding, you seem down today. Something wrong?”

My breath hitches. “Yes, sweetie. I have the boyfriend blues.”

“Aw, Mom.” Her lip juts into an overpronounced pout. “Worried about Miami? I can relate.”

“Are you upset with Sawyer for going?”

She glowers at me. “We’re talking about you, not me.”

“Excuse me for being concerned for my daughter.”

Her eyes go for a roll around her head. “How silly of me to forget you’re incapable of thinking of yourself when someone you love might be upset. To ease your mind, I’m not mad at him. I’m proud of him for wanting to be there for his Redleg family when they face off with the devil. Big Al told him he wasn’t required to go, and Sawyer deferred to me entirely. I knew he’d regret it if something happened while he wasn’t there to help. So no, I’m not at all mad at him. But I am worried for his safety.”

“That’s very mature of you, darling.”

“Back to you. Are you upset because you’re worried about him? Mad that he went?”

I lift one shoulder in an uncertain shrug. “Yes and no.”

“Hmm. So it’s something else bothering you.”

“You’re wiser than you look,” I tease.

“Trouble in paradise with the silver fox?”

I nod slowly, my eyes falling to the sweet boy in my arms. “Little Logan’s falling asleep,” I whisper.

“I’m not surprised. He’s had a busy morning of pooping, eating, and vomiting.”

“Sounds like Laci’s happier now.”

“She gave me a ladylike burp. Very demure.”

“Chip off the old block, considering her dad’s quite the windbag.”

“Hey, now. Don’t go projecting Big Al’s issues on my devastatingly handsome and utterly perfect husband.”

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