Page 95 of Miss Fortune

“He was, but he’s fed, changed, and back asleep.”

She curled into me. “My hero.”

A couple hours later, I dragged myself out of bed to go back home to shower and change for the office.

By noon I’d had my two client meetings and had been able to get a hold of Tabitha’s brother. He lived in New York but indicated he was flying out first thing tomorrow. I assured him the baby was in great care, and he thanked me. He was still trying to process the situation since Tabitha hadn’t told him she was pregnant, but he made it clear he was in no position to take care of a child.

Afterward I spoke with Lucas, who’d been in touch with her doctor at the treatment facility. According to him, she was doing better, but absolutely wouldn’t talk about her son.

When I arrived at Daisy’s apartment later that afternoon, she was feeding the baby on her couch. I smiled at how natural she looked doing it. “How is he?”

“Getting the hang of the bottle and eating like a champ. How’s Tabitha?”

Her ability to ask with only empathy in her voice was a testament to how special she was. “Better, according to Lucas. He said she’s participating in the program, but she won’t talk about the baby. I got a hold of her brother. He didn’t know she was pregnant, but he’s flying in tomorrow.”

She sighed. “Maybe seeing him at some point will help. I’m happy to bring him where she is when the time is right. Do you suppose her brother will want to take over? Or at least see the baby?”

I shook my head. “In his words, he’s not a kid person and wouldn’t have a clue what to do.” I wouldn’t judge given I might say the same. Although I’d probably at least come by to ensure my nephew was being properly cared for.

“How was work?”

“Busy, but good. I was thinking perhaps we could move this whole operation to my house. More room, and I’d be able to work from home tomorrow in order to help out.”

She hesitated.

“What?”

“It’s not that I don’t appreciate your help, but you have a weekday routine which is important to you.”

I took a seat beside her as something dawned on me. “You’re right. I do. But this morning I didn’t work out, I barely slept, I was twenty minutes late, left early, and I didn’t think about all those changes once until now.”

She leaned over and kissed me. “Okay. We’ll go to your place.”

Chapter Forty-Two

Daisy

After nine days of watching the no-name baby, we’d established a routine at Caleb’s house. Baby boy was on a three-hour feeding schedule. Although he still had challenges with the bottle, I was pleased with his progress.

I looked up as Caleb came through the door Friday after work. At first, I’d worried about the disruption to his routine, not to mention the invasion of his space. But he’d been incredible. Coming home early, going in late, taking some of the nighttime feedings, and keeping me fueled with food and caffeine. He didn’t appear to mind the clutter of the baby’s things on his kitchen island.

“How was your day?” he asked, leaning over to give me a kiss.

“Good.” I’d taken the baby in for his first doctor’s appointment to ensure he was doing all right. “The doctor said he needs to see a specialist and they’d probably schedule surgery once he’s four months for the lip and when he’s about a year for the palate.”

He walked over to put down his laptop bag on the table before taking a seat next to me. Then he signaled for me to pass him the baby.

I swear, the sight of this man feeding a newborn in a shirt and tie was enough to make my ovaries explode. I melted every time he smiled at the baby and stroked his downy soft hair.

“He’s getting the hang of the bottle.”

“Definitely. Any word from Tabitha or her brother?”

He sighed, meeting my gaze. “The counselors are ready for Tabitha to see the baby.”

I knew the day would come. “Of course. When will you take him?”

“Tomorrow. I’d like you to come with. Not to come inside, but to be in the car. Selfishly, it would make me feel better to have you nearby since nobody can calm him like you can.”