Page 63 of Knocked Up in Alaska

Big blue owl eyes blinked up at him. Her mouth curved in a little smile that could have meant anything but had a devilish quality to it.

“You look a lot like your daddy right now.”

He heard footsteps behind him, which meant someone had come in from the lobby entrance. “We open at eleven,” he said before turning.

Rose stood by the pool table. “I know what time you open.” Her eyes locked on the baby.

Well, hell. Why not? Why shouldn’t this happen now? “What can I do for you?”

She didn’t spare him a glance. “I want to see my grandchild.”

“Fine by me.” He turned and started taking chairs down from tables. “Go see your daughter first. Clear it with her.”

“I’m her grandmother.” She crossed the room like a bullet. “I have a right—”

He stopped, straightened, and let out a sigh. “I’m not a lawyer. I don’t know about your rights, Rose, and I don’t really want to debate this.” Keep it simple and straightforward. “Talk to Lilah. Clear it with her.”

“I can’t talk to Lilah. You know this!” Frustration and desperation put a wobble in her voice. “You won’t even let me hold my granddaughter?”

Just…perfect. Here came the tears. And yes, he’d signed up to be the buffer, but after last night’s epic failure of self-restraint, he no longer trusted his own judgment. He also didn’t feel up to withstanding Rose’s misery.

“I…want…to…hold…my…grand…daughter.” Every word came out a sob.

Now Shayla started to fuss, too. One more second and he’d be joining them. He reached over, pulled Rose into a hard hug that put her practically face-to-face with the baby, and repeated, “Clear it with Lilah.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his phone. “She’s at a doctor’s appointment. Call her and talk to her.”

“Why is she at the doctor?” She backed up to stare at him, and to his guilty conscience, her glare looked accusing. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know. Nothing. Probably nothing.” Maybe he’d hurt her last night when he’d groped her and rutted up against her like an animal. She’d given birth the first week of June. How long before stuff healed? “Look, all I know is she called this morning and asked if Mia could watch Shayla while she went to see Doctor D. She sounded fine and didn’t ask for the day off, so whatever it is, it’s not serious.” He prayed.

Rose backed away. Wiped her tears. “Tell her I want to speak with her.”

Oh yeah, that would work. “Okay.”

“Tell her the baby is beautiful. Black hair, like mine.”

Or Shay’s. “Yep.” He resumed flipping chairs down from the table. “How’s Ray?”

She blinked. “He’s fine.”

“Not missing his cottage this summer, or has he found another place to park his boots when he’s in Captivity?”

She crossed her arms and huffed out a breath. “You think you’re smart, don’t you?”

“Not really. No.” He braced a hand on a chair back and looked at her. “But I think you are.”

“Hmm.” She tickled the baby’s cheek. Shayla tucked her chin adorably. “Baby looks like her granny. She’s smart. See her bright eyes? And this.” She ran her thumb along the baby’s forehead. “Smart. Where’s Mia?”

Good question. Where was Mia? “She ran to the store. Why?”

Rose shrugged. “Another smart girl. I like her. I think she should stay.”

His pulse jumped at her pronouncement. “That’s complicated.” Though his feelings weren’t. He thought she should stay, too. If she wanted to. If Jen and Jack would consent. Lots of “ifs.”

Silent Mike arrived through the kitchen door, waved, and went to pour himself a cup of coffee. Rose tickled the baby’s cheek again. “Many things are complicated. Some are worth the effort.” With that cryptic bit of wisdom, she muttered, “I have to get back to work,” and walked out.

Ford looked down at Shayla. She waved her arms and danced her legs back and forth, enjoying her freedom from the car seat/carrier. “Good luck, little girl. You can run, but you can’t hide. There are stubborn roots in your family tree.” To Mike, he called, “Did you happen see Mia on your way in?”

He nodded and pointed toward the kitchen.

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