Page 83 of Baby, Be Mine

She shot a look at me, her eyes narrowing. “Never mind, I’ll take care of it.” She turned and stormed across the patio.

She bumped into Stef on the way by, and he barely saved his tray full of beer from toppling.

I tipped back my head and counted to ten, then I allowed myself one last look at the new additions along the lake.

Good things were coming. I just needed to focus on that.

SEVENTEEN

Sunday 10AM

“There’ssix bottles in the fridge. You should be able to get two feedings out of each one. Her favorite socks are in the dryer now. If she gets fussy, she likes a little Taylor Swift—specifically theEvermorealbum.”

“Emma…”

“She really likes ‘No Body, No Crime’, she’s totally a murder podcast junkie in training. Oh, God. Does that make me a bad mother?”

“Emma—”

“The schedule is on the fridge and next to her bassinet.” I turned around to make sure I’d actually put up the schedule. Sometimes I thought I’d done something and then just left it in my notebook.

“Emmaline!”

“What?” I blinked and focused on my brother.

“Take a breath.”

I took a long, slow, cleansing breath. I’d done yoga twice this morning to try and calm the fuck down. I hated yoga, but I’d figured I needed centering.

Obviously, it hadn’t worked.

“There we go. Breathe out.” Clint stood in front of me and took my hands. “Adriana is going to be just fine. Remember this is to help us out as much as it is to help you.”

“I know. Practice for your own kid. But I’ve never left her for more than an hour before.”

He shook out my hands. “While I’m sure you’d love to carry her around in that kangaroo contraption like usual, I think it’ll be easier for you to deal with the party without worrying about her.”

“You’re right. I know you’re right.” My heart was pounding in my ears. What if she needed me?

What if she got sick?

“Okay, you’re spiraling.” Clint let my hands go to squeeze my shoulders. “You’ll have your phone, and I packed a bonus charger pod in your bag. I can reach you at any time.”

“Right. And you’ll call me if you need to, right? Don’t hesitate.”

Kitty came up next to Clint and dragged me in for a hug. Proving just how dire the situation was, since Kitty wasn’t exactly a hugger. “I know it’s scary.” Then she pushed me back firmly. “You’re going to be fine. And we’re going to enjoy the baby all day.”

I laughed. “Okay, okay. I know you will. She was just so fussy last night.”

“At three weeks, she’s probably about ready for another growth spurt. At least according to the books. So, we’ll just do a little slow dancing to Taylor Swift. I can be a Swifty for a day.”

“Don’t let her fool you. Kitty loves her some Taylor.” Clint grabbed my bag. “You have snacks, water, your pump, and a shit ton of chocolate.”

“Aww, you didn’t even blush this time when you said breast pump.”

“Shut up.” He reddened when I said both words.

“You made the kid, you don’t get to blush at the terms for what’s coming at you, pal.” I went up on my toes and kissed his cheek. “But thank you for helping out today.”

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