Page 83 of The Sweetest Mistake

Julia reached into Harper’s bag first and pulled out an adorable two-piece outfit. The shirt read If you think I’m cute, you should see my daddy! The set also came with a matching bib.

“How sweet! Connor will love it!” Julia said.

“Now mine,” McKayla said.

McKayla’s gift was a colorful floral-print sundress and matching sunhat.

“Wow. This little girl is going to be so spoiled,” Julia said just as the doorbell rang again.

“Helllloooo,” Barbara called through the screen before letting herself in.

Julia had known that Harper might stop by, but she’d had no idea that Mrs. O’Brien was coming over. Not that she should have been surprised. Everyone knew how thrilled Barbara was to finally have a grandchild. It was all Connor could do to prevent her from coming over every time Ava was there, claiming he still needed to bond with her on his own.

But Barbara wasn’t one to sit back and wait for an invitation.

“Hello, girls,” she said as she bustled into the room. She didn’t wait for a reply as she bent over and lifted Ava into her arms. “There’s my sweet baby,” she said, hugging Ava to her chest.

Ava must have sensed that this woman was going to be important to her since she flapped her arms happily and gave her grandmother a wide toothless grin.

“Isn’t she just the most precious baby you’ve ever seen?” Barbara said without looking at anyone but her granddaughter.

Julia felt a twinge of jealousy, knowing that Cam had helped to create this “most precious baby,” but she quickly let it go. No matter who had birthed Ava, Barbara would have said the same thing.

“Barbara, have you met my sister, McKayla?” Harper said, changing the subject.

“No, I haven’t, but I heard that you work for my boys. It’s very nice to meet you,” Barbara said as she plunked down on the couch with Ava still in her arms.

So much for spending quality time with Ava this evening, Julia thought as she looked around the room. But she couldn’t blame them for wanting to get to know the newest addition to the family. Even though, technically, only Barbara and Ava were family.

“Now, Harper, when are you and Finn going to get married and give me some more grandchildren?” Barbara said with a twinkle in her bright blue eyes.

Barbara was in her sixties, but she still had a vibrant energy about her. Her short, stylish hair was dark brown with auburn highlights, and every time Julia had seen her, she’d been fashionably dressed. She had a warm, confident air about her that drew people in even though her bluntness could be shocking at times.

“Um…” Harper stuttered.

“Maybe you should be asking Finn that question,” McKayla said without flinching.

Now, there was an interesting match!

Harper scowled at her sister, but McKayla didn’t pay any attention.

Barbara laughed heartily, and Ava gave a little laugh too.

Then, looking directly at Julia, Barbara said, “And what about you and Connor?”

“Me?” Julia said, realizing too late that she was the only one Barbara could be referring to.

“Yes. This little girl could use a sister or brother.”

Julia racked her brain for a response but came up empty.

“Oh boy. I think Ava just made a poo-poo,” Barbara said, wrinkling up her nose.

They all laughed, and Julia was relieved that she’d been saved by Ava’s “poo-poo!”

“Where’s the diaper bag?” Barbara asked while holding Ava away from her chest.

“How about if we take care of it?” Harper suggested. “McKayla, why don’t you stay here and keep Mrs. O’Brien company for a few minutes?”