Page 64 of One Unexpected Gift

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“How’d I do?” Nick tilted sideways so Skylar could get a better look at his handiwork. The actual changing of the diaper wasn’t bad, but getting all the junk that came out of his tiny daughter’s butt was pure torture.

“I’m impressed.” Skylar scooped up Gabby in such a swift, smooth move, it had Nick in awe.

“You know me. I never back down from a challenge.”

“That is one thing I’ve learned about you.”

He followed her out of the bedroom, doing his best not to picture Skylar laying naked in the bed that took up most of the space in the room, or her bra and underwear that sat on top of the pile of dirty clothes in the basket in the corner.

“You know pretty much everything about me.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.” With efficient expertise, she unfolded a quilt and spread it on the floor with one hand while keeping Gabriella secure against her chest with her other. Skylar set her down on her tummy then sat next to her, putting little toys and books just out of reach.

He joined her on the floor, propping one knee up and resting his elbow on it. “She may not have been planned, but we make a cute kid.” He ran his hand down Gabriella’s back and down her chubby legs. The pink elephants on her outfit looked like something his mother would’ve picked out.

“She is beautiful, and that’s not because I’m biased.”

“Of course she’s beautiful. She’s fifty percent you and spent her entire life either living inside you or next to you. I hope she inherits your qualities as well.”

“You mean you wouldn’t approve of her skydiving over the Grand Canyon or climbing Mount Everest.”

“I’ll take her zip lining through the White Mountains, and we can hike Mount Washington.”

“We live in Virginia.” Skylar opened the board book and propped it up for Gabriella to see. Her right cheek pressed into the quilt and her chubby legs kicked under her.

“I’m sure I can find some not-too wild adventures to take her on down there, but I’d like to show her New England as well. And Texas. Someday Costa Rica to visit my mother’s side of the family.”

Gabriella fussed, and Skylar turned her over onto her back. She grinned before puckering up her lips in a pout and belting out a cry.

“Um, I need to nurse.” She picked up Gabriella and settled into the nearby overstuffed chair. The change in her demeanor couldn’t have all been from the crying baby. Once again, he’d said something to upset her.

“Okay.” Nick stood and shoved his hands deep in his front pockets. “Do you need me to get you anything? Or would you rather I leave?”

She shook her head. “Nursing makes some people uncomfortable.”

“I honestly don’t know how I feel about it.”

“You don’t have to stay.” The way she said it made it sound like she was trying to give him an out, which he didn’t want or need.

“I’d like to, if that’s okay with you.”

“Um. Sure.” She reached under her shirt, and he tried not to stare.

He couldn’t help it. Partly because he wanted to catch a glimpse of what promised to be glorious breasts. While he’d had his hands on them before, he’d never gotten a good look. But mostly it was his fascination with the human body and how it nourished a newborn.

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