Page 89 of An Unwitting Alliance
“Is everything all right?”
“See for yourself.” In a daring move, she placed her sister in his arms. She knew children sometimes made him uncomfortable, but she did not want him to overthink this. Hopefully, he would thank her later.
His eyes widened as he gazed down at the infant. Cassandra was just starting to regret her decision and form an apology when he said, “Is she supposed to be this small?”
Cassandra gave a quiet laugh. Her sister did look far smaller in his strong arms. “She’s a month early, so she has some catching up to do.”
“She’s... perfect.” His hand came up, and with a whisper of a touch, he ran the tips of his fingers gently over the yellow fuzz on the baby’s head. His lips spread into the first wide smile Cassandra had seen since the night his friends had arrived, and his whole countenance seemed to glow with joy. “I don’t have much experience with babies. Am I holding her right?”
The sudden concern in a man who always exuded confidence touched her. “You are doing it exactly right.”
His smile returned, and he went back to staring at her small sister. He carefully lifted the folds of the blanket and found her hand. With one finger he lifted it up, and her tiny hand grasped his finger in return. “Look!” Awe warmed his voice. “I can hardly believe it. Another Vail woman has found me irresistible.”
Cassandra laughed again. “It’s just a reflex, so do not be flattered.”
Her sister suddenly frowned in her sleep and whimpered.
“Oh, oh, oh!” Tom bounced the baby gently, and she calmed almost instantly. “You have offended her sensibilities.” He tucked the infant closer and leaned down and left a kiss on her forehead.
“I think you have won her over now.”
Tom beamed under her compliment. His tender gaze drew her to him more than ever, and she leaned over to rest her chin on his arm so she could stare at the baby too. “I wonder what my parents will name her.”
“Pumpkin.”
Cassandra giggled. “Pumpkin? Really?”
“Don’t question me. I am really quite good at this sort of thing.”
What sort of names would he come up with for their children? The question made her stomach clench. She did not have permission to wonder such things. Not yet. But she hoped she would soon. Sitting together while Tom held her baby sister made her long for a moment like this—one with a child the two of them created. She glanced up at him the same time he turned his head to look at her. Their faces were far too close and not close enough. How she longed to make this man her future.
Tom’s gaze seemed to caress her face. “I can see now why I was mad about you when you were a baby.”
“Did you hold me then or take my hand?” Her voice came out soft, the mood demanding it.
“If I didn’t, I was a fool.”
It was like a whole flock of birds took flight inside of her. It was all she could do to drag her eyes back to her sister, her heart pounding with unequivocal pleasure. “She is perfect, isn’t she?”
“I would wager a guess that your babies will look just as beautiful.”
She lifted her gaze to meet his again, his eyes dancing.
“Perhaps. They might take after their father.” Would he guess she meant him?
“Oh? What a shame.” He leaned his head toward her. Was he going to kiss her again?
Mama had been right. Letting Tom hold the baby was the perfect idea.
He stopped, however, inches from her, looking through her eyes to her soul. The flirtation in his expression was exchanged for a look of deep introspection. “I have witnessed life and death today, Cassie. The bitter and the sweet. Tragedy and perfection. They can’t exist in this world without each other, can they?”
Did he think to discover his answer in her? Would whatever she said make or break everything between them? She swallowed, unsure she could bring him the peace he sought. But maybe it wasn’t words that were needed. Maybe she alone could be enough. She held her breath and attempted to close the small remaining gap between them.
A door shut, jarring them, followed by a rustle downstairs. Cassandra pulled back, listening. Voices. Male voices. She gasped. “Papa’s home!”
Tom’s face clouded, like someone had blown out a candle behind his eyes. He quickly placed the baby back in her arms. He said nothing but clamored to his feet. His chest rose and fell rapidly as he moved to the top of the staircase.
Cassandra heard steps up the stairs and pulled herself to her feet.
