Page 10 of Perfect Bragg

“I’ve got the truck.” I wave toward the vehicle.

I lead her to the truck and open the door, but she backs away instead of climbing inside. “No. No. No,” she chants as she retreats.

“What’s wrong?”

I sniff. The truck smells of beer but I’m fairly certain the smell of hops is not harmful for a baby.

“We don’t have a car seat!”

“I got this!” Harmony’s friend, Ashlyn, shouts as she runs through the alley toward us. “Here.”

Ashlyn tries to hand me a car seat, but I hold my hands up and retreat. I have no idea how to use one of those things. I’m not a parent. I’m not meant to be a parent.

Her brow wrinkles before she shrugs. “These things can be tricky. I’ll secure it in the truck.”

She climbs into the rear seat. “My sisters, Ellery and Aspen, are putting together some clothes and diapers and other necessities for you. I’ll bring them out in a bit,” she chatters away as she secures the car seat.

Harmony gulps. “Other necessities? It’s a baby. What could she possibly need besides food and diapers?”

Ashlyn barks out a laugh. “You have no idea. I swear my baby girl, Patience, has more luggage than I do when we travel.” She climbs out of the truck. “There. You’re all set.”

Harmony places Robin in the car seat, but the moment Harmony releases her, her little face scrunches up and she lets out a scream.

“I’ve got you covered,” Ashlyn says before leaning across the seat and stuffing a pacifier in Robin’s mouth. The screaming dies as the baby sucks on it. “Works every time.”

Harmony stares at Ashlyn. “How did you know what to do?”

Ashlyn sticks out her chest and places her fists on her hips. “Because I’m super mom.”

“I hate how I kind of agree with you right now,” Harmony mutters.

Ashlyn winks. “It’s okay. I know it’s hard to live in my shadow.”

Harmony rolls her eyes. “If you call me a serf, I’m going to smack you.”

Ashlyn smirks. “You said it first.” She checks over her shoulder. “Now, get out of here. Elder’s brothers are strong but they can’t hold back the gossip gals forever.”

I have five brothers – none of whom are pushovers – but no one is a match for the gossip gals. The five elderly women think they’re in charge of Winter Falls – including digging up any and all secrets a person may have. They’re actually proud of how big of gossips they are.

They also fancy themselves matchmakers. And by matchmaker, I mean they enjoy interfering in the love lives of everyone in town.

“Say no more.” I usher Harmony to the truck.

“You’re such a wuss,” Ashlyn teases me as I slam the truck door.

Once we’re both in the front seat with the baby settled in her car seat sucking on the pacifier, I grasp Harmony’s hand. “Are you okay?”

Her laugh is hysterical. “Sure. I’m totally fine. I just found out my one remaining living relative in the entire world is dead and I’m now the guardian of her baby. Just another Saturday in April. No big deal.”

“Your one remaining living relative?” I can’t resist asking.

Harmony hasn’t exactly been forthcoming with details about her life. I’ve tried my best to pry information out of her. The woman can claim she’s my friend while at the same time shutting me out of her private life. It’s her special skill.

Her nose scrunches. “I guess I’m related to Robin since she’s Amy’s daughter.” She yanks her hand from mine to grasp her chest. “Amy.”

I want to pull her into my arms and comfort her, but she’s made it clear physical contract from me is not welcome.

“I’m sorry for your loss.”

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