Page 22 of Spring UnVeiled
Genevieve beamed.
After the day they’d had, Evan was ecstatic to see her so happy.
He’d put the nursery on speed dial and had set up the Bluetooth in the SUV.The call was answered on the second ring.
As soon as the nurse had identified herself and area, he spoke, “Good afternoon.This is Captain Evan Hubbard.You’re on speakerphone in my car and I have Genevieve Hubbard with me.We’re calling to check on Ian.I apologize that we haven’t been able to make it back to see him but there was so much that we needed to prepare for his homecoming that it’s taken hours to select and purchase everything.How is our grandson doing?”
“Ian is just fine.For just less than twenty-four hours old, we’re happy to tell you that he has gained an ounce.”She lowered her voice when she told them, “The woman from social services was in checking on him and asking about the two of you.”
“We should’ve taken a break from shopping and gone back to the hospital.”Genevieve glared at him.
“I wasn’t going to leave thousands of dollars of brand-new baby equipment sitting in the hospital parking lot,” he explained as he turned onto the bridge back to Coronado.
“No worries,” the nurse reassured them.“We told her you’d been here that morning and were shopping for the nursery at your home.She was more concerned with Ian’s health.It’s a miracle, but his fever is now normal.”
All three laughed.
“I told her that he needed to go twenty-four hours without a fever before we could release him.Does that give you enough time?”The nurses at the Naval hospital were so kind and understanding.Evan was going to get the name of each one who had cared for Ian and helped them gain custody of their grandson.He’d write them a personal thank you note as well as a letter to the captain in charge of the hospital specifying their names, touting their professionalism.
“Thank you.That’s wonderful.We’re headed home right now to get things set up…after I get everything run through the dishwasher and laundry.”Genevieve looked resigned to the fact that she might not see the baby until tomorrow.“Is it all right if we come after visiting hours?”
“Certainly.Babies at this age only sleep for an hour or so at a time.There are plenty of feedings before sunrise.”The nurse went on to say, “Ian is special to all of us and so are the two of you.Come anytime.”
They gave their thanks and said goodbye.
“Let me see what I can get done in the next few hours, then we can go visit him.”He gave Genevieve a worried glance.“Even though the judge talked with someone over at C.P.S., it wouldn’t surprise me if they showed up within hours after we brought Ian home.I want to be completely prepared.”
Genevieve’s eyes went huge.“They’re going to inspect my house.I’ll have to clean everything from top to bottom.I think I mopped the kitchen floor on Thursday.I think.Oh, damn, I can’t remember.”
He reached across the center console and patted her thigh.“It’ll be all right.You were always a meticulous housekeeper.I doubt that changed after I left.”
“I have no idea what condition Kylie’s room is in.”She sniffed.“And my office will have to be cleared out for Ian.”
He hated to make the suggestion, but it was the best solution since Genevieve was going to need her office, “How about we put Ian in Kylie’s room?I’m certain you use your office every night.Just because we have a baby doesn’t mean that you’re not going to have papers to correct.”
“I called my principal this morning and explained to her what happened.She’s assigned a substitute for the next week while I’m on bereavement.I have a lot of time built up that I can take off and the school year ends in a few weeks if I had to stretch it out.”She put her hand on his thigh as he turned down the street to her house.“Ian is more important than my job.”
He glanced at her before returning his gaze to the street.She wasn’t being a martyr; she’d meant what she said.She’d take off work to take care of their grandson.Her job had always been more important than anything else, including their marriage.
“I’m not the same person I was nine years ago.”Determination filled her voice.She must have read his mind, or he needed to work on his poker face.
Evan put his hand over hers.“Neither am I.I’d like to think that I’m not just older but a lot wiser.”He gave her hand a squeeze.“We’ll get through this.”
He looked at cars, trucks, and SUVs parked up and down the street.“Your neighbor must be having a party.”
“Usually we tell each other when the street is going to be crowded.”Genevieve shrugged and pulled out her phone.“I don’t see any texts.”
Her driveway was crowded but had a clear spot for them in front of the garage.When Evan turned off the engine, he looked at Genevieve.“Looks like the word got out.”He slid his hand under hers and interwove their fingers.“Are you ready for this?”
Before she could answer, Marta Merkel stepped out of her front door with Vice Admiral Trevor Maddox right behind her.
Men poured out of her house.
Evan instantly knew they were SEALs.His SEALs.
Lieutenant Commander Harrison started giving orders.Boxes and bags were lifted out of the truck bed and carried into her house.Evan mentally braced.He hadn’t been in that house since before the divorce.The home he’d shared with Vivi and Kylie for so many good years.
Genevieve’s truck door opened and Marta stood there with her arms open.“Oh, Gen, I’m so sorry about Kylie.”The older woman smiled through her tears.“But I’m so excited to meet Ian.”
