Page 26 of Twice the Rivalry

“Give him here,” Glitch ordered, moving around the island.

“Esme and Fury went to a doctor’s appointment,” Wren told her. “I think Royal and Savage did, too.”

Harlow transferred Harley to Glitch’s arms, and she looked down at the adorable little boy whose face was red and angry, big tears streaming down his face. He was clearly unhappy, and she soothed and rocked him, trying to get him to calm down, to no avail.

“I’m a terrible mother,” Harlow sobbed, her own tears starting to stream down her face, shoulders sinking in defeat. “I can’t even get my own baby to stop crying. I’ve nursed him, changed him, walked the floors, everything.”

“You’re no such thing,” Glitch scolded gently. “He’s a boy, babe, and that means he’s just plain contrary and likes to give you a hard time.” She lifted him to her shoulder and patted his back, humming softly to try and soothe him.

“I guess,” Harlow hiccuped. “God, I thought I could handle it since Steel had to go on a run today, but I was so stupid. He’s the only one Harley likes.”

“Because he doesn’t let anyone else hold him,” Wren chimed in, coming around to sit beside her. Win moved to flank Harlow’s other side, sitting close. Glitch smiled, seeing the gesture for what it was. They had no idea what to do, but they were offering some comfort.

“Which means he’s gotten too used to Steel, and he needs to learn to be handled by everyone,” Win agreed.

“But I’m his mother,” Harlow cried. “Shouldn’t he love me just as much?”

“He does,” Glitch promised her. “Look, you’re tired and overwhelmed. Why don’t you go and have a nap? I’ll take him for a bit,” she suggested.

“I can’t do that,” Harlow said morosely. “What kind of mother leaves their screaming baby with someone else instead of handling it herself?”

“One who loves her son with all her heart, but knows she needs to make herself a priority too,” Glitch said firmly. “No one is going to think less of you for having a break and a nap, Harlow. That’s what the people around here are for. I’ll keep him with me, and if I need you, you’ll be right upstairs. I promise I’ll come and get you.”

Suddenly, Harley let out a very loud burp, and then an equally loud fart, and stopped crying. Glitch stopped moving and stared at the other three women, who all looked equally shocked. Glitch couldn’t help but laugh. “I guess someone just had some gas,” she said easily, carefully pulling the baby away from her shoulder to look at him. His face was still wet, but he gave her a curious look, as if he only just realized that it wasn’t his mother who held him.

“Fuck,” Harlow sighed. “Why couldn’t I have figured that out?” She put her head in her hands and continued to cry. Wren and Win gave each other panicked looks, like they weren’t sure what to say or do.

Glitch took in the distraught woman and realized how exhausted the poor thing was. Her heart hurt for her. Decision made, she eased her way back around the island and said, “Because you are exhausted, Harlow. When was the last time you slept?”

Harlow lifted her head, eyes red and nose running. “He’s been so fussy, Steel and I haven’t had more than a few hours a night each,” she admitted. “And I never nap because I have so much to do and clean up while he’s finally sleeping. The laundry is ridiculous.”

“It’s time for you to go and have a nap,” Glitch said firmly. Harlow opened her mouth to argue but Glitch gave her a steely gaze. “No arguing, or I’ll call your man so he can give you the order. And if that doesn’t work, the girls will help me tie you to the bed.”

Harlow stared at her and then gave a watery laugh. “He’d probably tell you to do that anyway,” she admitted. “I’m sorry, Glitch, I don’t mean to bombard you. I know you have your own work.”

Glitch shook her head. “I set my own hours, so don’t worry. Now, Wren, Win, you take Harlow upstairs to Steel’s room and help her get cleaned up and into bed. You are to sleep, Harlow, and don’t you come back downstairs until you’re good and ready. If we need you, I’ll come up and get you, I promise.”

Harlow slowly nodded, her expression softening with gratitude. “He’s probably going to need to be changed soon,” she said tiredly. “I didn’t bring any of his stuff with me.”

“I’ll go get it at your house,” Win offered. “Is it in the nursery?”

Harlow nodded. “Sorry about the house, I know it’s a mess,” she added, embarrassment tingeing her cheeks.

Win waved that away. “Trust me, I’ve been around way worse. I’ll be right back.”

“Come on,” Wren encouraged, helping her to her feet. “You can shower and I’ll get you some clothes to wear.”

“Thank you,” Harlow said gratefully. She looked at Harley, indecision on her face. Glitch moved forward and handed him to his mom, making him immediately sigh in content and burrow into her chest happily. Glitch beamed as Harlow smiled for the first time and kissed his head. She looked up at Glitch gratefully again before gently handing him back. Then she turned and left the kitchen with Wren, her head held a little higher than before.

Glitch looked down at the now awake baby and softly scolded, “You were giving your mama a hard time, little man, and we can’t have that. Now, I don’t know a thing about babies, but we’re going to figure this out together, got it?” He made a soft sound as he stared up at her, and she leaned down to press a quick kiss to his forehead. “Alright, we have some more work to do, little guy, so let’s get to it, huh?”

She headed out of the kitchen, and when she walked into the common room, she was surprised that no one was around. Even Rogue had disappeared. Instead of worrying about it, she headed for Code’s office and walked in, leaving the door open behind her. Which of course made him huff a sound of annoyance and demand, “Would you shut the door? The glare is messing with my screens.”

“Can’t,” she said simply, carefully sitting down in the chair.

“Why no—” He stopped mid-sentence as he realized she had the baby in her arms. His brow rose sharply. “You kidnapping babies now?” he drawled.

She glared at him. “No. His mama needs a break, so I’m taking care of him until she feels better. Not that I’d expect an ogre like you to understand,” she added disdainfully, rocking Harley gently when he started to fuss again.

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