Page 21 of Forever Your Touch

Jo barely closed the door before feet pounded down the stairs, and a blonde fluffball came flying at Mason. He braced for the impact then picked up the little girl and swung her around and around. The child’s laughter was musical and full of so much joy. He hugged her to him.

“Miss me, Peach?”

“Yes.” Her smile was wide, but then it fell when she spotted Jo. It was like her entire face closed off and she held on tighter to Mason. Jo’s heart broke. That poor, poor baby.

Mason, seeing the change come over Delia, turned them to face Jo.

“Delia this is my friend, Jo. She’s gonna help me take care of you and the boys this weekend. She’s really, really nice.”

“Hi, Delia.” Jo made no move to get closer to the child. “It’s nice to meet you.”

She buried her head in Mason’s shoulder, and he smiled ruefully. He had warned her it might take some time for Delia to warm up to her.

“Mason, is that you?”

They all turned to see Sara coming down the stairs. She looked worn out and haggard. Twins would definitely do that to a person. Jo had babysat one set from the time they were born until she’d moved to New York. They could be a handful.

“You look like shit, Sara.”

“Mason!” Jo gasped. “You don’t tell a woman that.”

Sara laughed. “It’s okay. I probably do.” She reached over and pinched his earlobe. Hard.

“Owww! What the hell was that for?”

She did it again. “Language, Mason. Language.”

He reached up and rubbed his ear. “There is no cause for pinching.”

“She’s been pinching Papa’s ear too,” Delia whispered with a giggle.

“Vicious.” Mason shook his head.

Sara ignored him and moved to Jo. “Hello. You must be Josephine. I’m Sara Kincaid.”

“Just Jo.” Jo took her offered hand and shook it. “I told him I’d come and keep him from having a nervous breakdown. Twins can be hard to manage.”

“You’ve been around twins before?” Sara asked, her gray eyes a perfect match for her daughter’s.

“You are looking at the most requested babysitter five years running back home. I’ve worked with lots of kids, including twins.”

“Thank God,” Sara breathed. “I was terrified about leaving him here alone with all three of them, but I need sleep.”

“Hey!” Mason tried his best to look upset. “I got mad uncle nanny skills.”

Jo and Sara both stared at him.

“No faith from either of you. I’m hurt.” He put a hand to his chest like they’d wounded him. “You believe me, don’t you, Peach?”

The little girl nodded, still not looking at Jo.

“See, at least one woman in my life has faith in me.”

“I don’t think she counts since she’s seven,” Sara replied dryly. “Come on in, Jo. I’m going to go find my husband and get him moving.”

Mason led them into the living room where he put Delia down. She ran behind his legs and peeped at Jo. He hoped she’d get over her shyness soon. She’d love Jo if she gave her a chance.

Sara came back and told him Viktor wanted to talk to him. The serious expression on her face caused him a little bit of alarm. He handed Delia off to her and went to find his brother, throwing an apologetic glance to Jo, who waved him off.

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