Page 35 of Talk Wicked to Me

“I’ve got it,” Ginger said. “Relax. You and Mads can get to know each other.”

“You have to hold a diaper over him or he’ll pee on you,” she warned.

“I raised three boys. I know all about their little sprinklers.” Ginger laid Brennan on the changing table and tickled his belly. “Boys have got nothing on Granny Gingy.”

Emerson watched her loving on him, and as she realized Brennan would never know the love of a grandparent, the dull ache of missing her parents intensified.

“Maverick’s wife, Chloe, runs an online book club, and all we read is romance,” Madigan said, drawing Emerson from her thoughts. “There are members all over the country, but once a month those of us who can, meet in person. Usually on a beach, unless it’s too cold or rainy. Sometimes members from other areas join us over video chat. Maybe you can join us sometime. You’d love the girls. We have a lot of fun. Every meeting has a theme based on the book we read that month, and we all dress up to match the theme.”

“That sounds fun, but it’ll be a while before I can even think about finding a sitter since I’m nursing.”

“You can pump,” Madigan said. “That’s what Chloe and Leah did when Marybelle and Leo were infants.”

“And I’ll babysit this cutie anytime,” Ginger offered as she finished changing Brennan and joined them.

“That’s really nice of you, but I can’t imagine leaving him for anything.”

“I remember that feeling,” Ginger said. “But trust me, a few weeks from now, you’ll be craving an hour without a baby in your arms, and it won’t mean you love him any less. It’s good to get out, to think your own thoughts and remind yourself that you’re a vibrant young woman. An hour with friends can be rejuvenating, and missing your sweet boy will make you even more patient and excited to be with him.”

“That’s what Leah and Chloe say,” Madigan added. “They were nervous about leaving their babies, too. But they said they were glad for the break from diapers and baby talk, which are wonderful in their own rights, but it’s nice to have adult stimulation, too.”

“I get a lot of stimulation from my work.”

“Of course you do, but that’s work. Everyone needs a girls’ night now and again,” Ginger said.

Emerson was beginning to see where Baz got his pushiness from. She knew they meant well, and they were so encouraging, she felt bad for turning them down and wanted to do something nice for them. “I can probably get a few advanced copies from some of the authors I work with.”

Madigan’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”

“A couple of them have offered, and I know some of them do video chats with book clubs.”

“That would be amazing,” Madigan said. “Why don’t you give me your number, and I’ll send you information about our meetings.”

Emerson hesitated, but Madigan already had her phone out, and she was looking at her expectantly. She rattled off her number, and Madigan put it in her phone. “What do you do for work, Mads?”

“I’m a puppeteer at children’s parties, and I do therapeutic puppetry at LOCAL, the assisted living facility here on the Cape where our grandfather lives. I’m also a musical storyteller.”

“Puppeteering sounds fun. What is a musical storyteller?”

“I play guitar and tell stories in songs, at bars, mostly, but also at kids’ parties, and I make greeting cards.”

“Wow, really? You do a lot.”

“Life is too short not to follow your passions,” Ginger said.

“That’s why I bake,” Emerson said. “I’ve never met anyone who makes greeting cards. Would I know them?”

“Maybe. They’re called Mad Truth About Love.”

“Oh my gosh! You have a booty-call line of cards, right? My friend Gwen and I think they’re brilliant!”

Madigan laughed. “Yes, actually, the line was inspired by me and Tobias. We were supposed to just be a hookup.”

Ginger cleared her throat, eyeing Madigan.

“What? You knew that,” Madigan said.

“Yes, but you don’t have to tell everyone you meet.” Ginger lowered her voice, smiling down at Brennan. “Your mama is quickly learning about how the Wickeds overshare.”