Page 156 of Say I Do

“She had some ice just a second ago. She should be soothed for another hour or two.”

“Benito!”

I was done. Nope. There was no way in hell I was dealing with his mother.

One of the doors opened and he came rushing out. “What?”

I glared at him and then at his mother and our crying baby.

“I’ll handle it.” He raced over to his mother, picking Emica up. Gabriela shook her head at him.

“If you two keep picking her up, she will be spoiled rotten.”

“Mom, she’s hungry. I told you to feed her,” Benito groaned. He looked at me. “I went to take a phone call.”

Gabriela looked at Emica. “Are you trying to make her fat?”

“What?” Benito and I said in unison. I knew Gabriela was insane, but I had no idea she was this bad.

“Women put on weight a lot easier than men. All you’re doing is creating an eating disorder.” She folded the blanket she’d used to shield her white dress.

“Mom, I don’t even know what to say to that.”

“I do,” I muttered. “She’s batshit insane.”

Gabriela ignored us as she stood and checked her watch. “It’s time for me to go.” She moved toward Emica and Benito. “Benny, I’ll be by some other time. Make sure my granddaughter is taken care of.” She wiped under her eyes as if she’d shed a tear. “I can’t believe I’m a grandmother at my age. I don’t even look like one.”

The moment the door closed behind her, I turned to my husband. “How in the fuck are you alive?”

“No idea. I’d say my dad, but I’m pretty sure he isn’t any better.”

“The meeting’s happening in a bit.” I pointed at the door. “And your babysitter is a shit choice. Why was she the option?”

Benito shrugged. “She called as soon as I laid Emica down. She showed up talking about doing a destination wedding.”

“Fuck no.”

“That’s what I said. She took one look at Emica and said she’d watch her while we got some rest.”

“And you let her?”

Benito’s mouth opened and closed. “I didn’t know it would be this bad.”

I shook my head. “She is not to be left alone with Emica.”

Benito sighed but didn’t argue. “We will have to take her with us.” He grabbed her bottle and warmed it up, testing it before giving it to her. “It’s about her anyway. She should be there.”

I nodded. “Fine, did you ever figure out the car seat?”

Benito groaned. “Let me go do that.” He passed Emica over and raced out of the penthouse.

“I’m so sorry you were born into a rough family and then given to us. Your luck is shit.”

Emica blew a spit bubble, and I took that as she was cool with it.

* * *

After many trialsand four outfit changes, we finally made it to Benito’s office. We stepped through the conference room door, diaper bag and baby in tow.

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