Page 131 of Our Chaotic Love Affair

I found myself drawn to the edges of the tent, watching. Kent and Sylvie were sitting at a nearby table, Kent leaning in to whisper something that made Sylvie laugh. She had baby Tiana in her arms. The baby was wearing so much pink tulle she looked like a very small, very cute cupcake.

Sylvie glanced at the dance floor. Back to the baby. To the dance floor again.

I walked over. “Want to dance?”

She looked up, surprised. Kent frowned and gave me a what the hell look. Like I was really going to put the moves on my brother’s wife.

“I’ll hold her,” I said. “The baby. You two dance.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Kent was grinning. “Take him up on it. I’ve been trying to get you out there for ten minutes.”

Sylvie looked at me, then at the baby, then back at me. “Are you sure? She’s been fussy, and when she’s like this, she tends to spit up.”

“Sylvie.” I held out my hands. “Go dance with your husband. I promise not to drop her.”

She transferred Tiana to my arms and rattled off a litany of instructions like she was hopping on a jet plane and headed to Siberia for six months. I nodded along, trying to remember even half of it.

Then Sylvie was gone, practically running to the dance floor where Kent swept her up and spun her around.

I looked down at Tiana. She looked up at me with huge hazel eyes, blinking slowly like she was trying to figure out who I was and whether I was trustworthy. Then she yawned, showing off her gums, and made a sound that might have been a laugh or might have been gas.

“You’re very judgmental for someone who can’t hold up her own head,” I told her.

She blew a spit bubble at me.

“Fair point.” I found myself swaying slightly, the way I’d seen Kent do with her earlier. Tiana seemed to approve. She settled against my chest, one tiny fist curling in my shirt.

“Your dad is disgustingly in love with your mom,” I said conversationally. “It’s actually kind of inspiring. Also nauseating, but mostly inspiring.”

She blinked at me.

“Maybe that’s why you spit up. All that love stuff would be a lot to deal with on the regular.”

She frowned and then I definitely felt something happening in the diaper.

“Rude.”

Another very unladylike fart. And then she smiled.

“I’d smile too if I could get away with ripping one off and looking all cute.” I continued to sway, patting the offending backside that seemed to be quite active. “Your uncle Austin just got married to a woman who’s way too good for him. But don’t tell him I said that.”

Another blink. Her eyes were starting to droop.

“And I think I might be in love. Which is scary and unexpected and probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Love is crazy. And sneaky. One day you’re minding your own business and the next you’re in love.”

Tiana made a small cooing sound and closed her eyes.

“Glad you approve,” I said.

“That might be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”

I turned. Cleo was standing there, looking at me holding the baby with a serene smile.

“You’ve never looked hotter,” she said.