Page 5 of The Archer and his Rosebud

WILLA

Finishing my hourly milking duties,I burp Clem, and there’s a light knock on my door. Please don’t let it be my neighbor. I can’t let him find me rumpled all over again. Not after he stayed so I could shower Monday night. I didn’t even blow my hair dry, so it’s nothing but a straw rat’s nest.

As I tiptoe to the front door, I plead with Clem to stay quiet as I check the peephole. If it’s him, I’m ignoring the knock. He’ll have to try another day.

Auburn hair fills the small hole, and I smile before opening the door. Ruby and her girls stand with matching grins, each holding an offering. A collective wave of awes passes from one to the next as they eye Clem in my arms.

“Willa, she’s beautiful.” Ruby’s free hand lands over her heart.

My smile should, but it doesn’t reach my eyes. “Thank you.”

“No lie, she’s the cutest baby I’ve ever seen,” Cora says, crowding us.

I shift. “Come on in.”

“I know I said to expect me at six, but the girls have a birthday party up at North Beach Park at five, and they refused to miss seeing you two. We do come bearing gifts to make up for our early arrival.” Ruby marches into my dim kitchen and flips a light switch.

“I see that, and no apology needed. I told you to come whenever.”

Nova cradles a bouquet of soft-hued poppies while Cora holds a pastel pink gift bag with white tissue paper. “I helped pick out part of the present, and it’s so cute you’ll die. You have to open it.”

I chuckle at the preteen, accept the waiting handle, and set it on the kitchen table.

“I brought dinner.” Ruby places the covered glass baking dish on the counter along with a paper grocery sack. “It’s baked ziti, frozen garlic breadsticks, and a premixed salad. It’ll make great leftovers. Should last you a few days, at least.”

Nova bumps Ruby out of the way and digs in the sack. “And I made my famous everything-but-the-kitchen-sink cookies.” She shakes a tin and my mouth waters.

“Thank you. You didn’t have to.”

“There is nohaveto. I wanted to.” Ruby comes to my side and rubs my back, eyes drifting to a squirmy Clem against my chest. “Mother to mother, I know how this new gig can be. It’s tough stuff. No harm in accepting help.”

I nod. Tugging the tissue paper from the gift, I pull out a swaddling blanket with tiny ballet dancers on it. “You’re right, Cora. It’ssocute. And perfect. Think Clem will be a dancer someday, too?”

“Totally, and my mom can teach her.”

Nova rolls her eyes. “Cora, Willa is only here for school. By the time Clementine can dance, she’ll return to Michigan.”

I laugh. “Maybe.”Ninety percent yes. “But I’m sure she’d love to learn from Ruby if we stay.”

“There’s also a little noise machine in the bag. I don’t know if you have one yet, but mine was a lifesaver. I did some online searching since it’s been a few years for me, and this is the top-rated one by most moms.”

“I don’t have one. I’m sure Clem will love it. Thank you.”

Ruby gestures to the poppies in her oldest daughter’s arms. “Nova, how about you put those in some water for Willa.”

“I don’t have any vases, so you’ll have to settle for a plastic pitcher. Top cabinet on the left by the fridge.” I shift Clem in my arms when she fusses. “How are things at the academy?”

“Everything is running smoothly. Don’t worry yourself over work.”

I sway when Clem doesn’t quiet. “I don’t know when I’ll get back to the studio. Hopefully soon because I can’t afford the time off, but I need to find someone to help with Clem.”

“I can watch her,” Nova says, coming back and stroking Clementine’s rosy cheek.

“Yes. My girls can help, and you know everyone at the studio will be happy to take turns while you’re teaching, but take your time. You’re recovering from giving birth. The academy can survive. This new mom stuff is hard, and you need to give yourself a break.”

As if on cue, my mini howler lets out an enthusiastic cry.

“May I?” Ruby opens her arms, and I give up the burden without pause. “C’mere, Miss Clem.” She bounces side to side, stroking a thumb down the slope of her button nose. “Zabka.”

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