Page 31 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

Hudson’s eyes widened. His wild pounding changed to light taps, and Lori said, “That’s just right. Now, let’s get Eloise’s diaper changed. You can help me choose a new outfit for her.”

Hudson followed her to the baby’s room where she opened a dresser drawer for him to look through. She didn’t care what outfit he chose. It was keeping him busy.

She placed Eloise on the changing table and quickly took care of the wet diaper.

“This one!” said Hudson, holding up a blue sleeper.

“Excellent choice. That will look beautiful on her,” said Lori. “Now let’s go into your room for some quiet time. I’ll bring Eloise.”

“Will you read me a story?” asked Hudson.

“Maybe we’ll make one up this time. You can start,” said Lori. They’d done this before. It had turned into something silly but fun. She loved getting a sense of what thoughts were in his head.

Lori made sure Hudson was lying on his bed with his favorite blanket and toy, and then she sat on the edge of the bed holding Eloise, who was nodding off to sleep

Turning to him, she said, “How do you want to begin the story?”

He giggled. “I’m a bear! Grrr!”

Lori immediately reacted. “Oh, no, Mr. Bear. Don’t frighten me. Why don’t I give you some honey. That’s your favorite thing. Right?”

“Yes. Honey.” Hudson pretended to eat something. “Okay, I feel better now. Want to play?”

“Yes,” said Lori. “You close your eyes, and I’ll count from one to twenty-five!”

“Twenty-five?” asked Hudson.

“Yes. By then, you should have some sweet dreams.”

The baby began to fuss.

Counting softly, Lori rocked the baby in her arms.

Hudson’s eyes remained closed, and by the time she got to twenty, he was snoring softly.

Careful not to wake him, Lori carried Eloise to her room and placed her in her crib.

As she stepped out of the room, Flo met her in the hallway.

“How do you do it?” Flo asked her. “It’s as if you have something magical about you when you’re with my kids.”

Lori chuckled. “You learn all kinds of tricks when you’re with them. Besides, your kids are very chill compared to some.”

“Thanks for helping me,” said Flo. “It’s such a relief to be clean and a little organized. I’d forgotten all the time I’d have to spend feeding a newborn.”

“Eloise is a darling. Enjoy this time while you can. When both the kids are walking, watching them can get complicated.”

Flo laughed. “I can already see why the jump from one child to two is such a big leap.”

Lori flung her arm across Flo’s shoulders. “I’m not the least bit worried that you won’t be able to handle it. Now, how about a cup of coffee before I have to leave to get ready for tonight’s big date.”

“Sure, but I want to hear all about the dress you bought,” Flo said.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

GRIFF

Griff was finishing his breakfast in the kitchen of the main house when Kayla Nielson walked into the room. She was an attractive, tall, wiry blond woman in her thirties. Griff’s grandfather thought they’d be a perfect love match, ensuring the continued success of Adeline Hills Winery. What Grandad didn’t know was that Kayla was gay and any relationship with her would be as friends and co-workers, which worked for them both.