Eden took her hand and let Ivy lead her from the bedroom. Lily was on a blanket, furiously rocking on her hands and knees.
“One day soon she’s going to take off and we’re all going to be in trouble,” Clara said. “You look so nice.”
“Yes, you do.” Clark was not pleased.
Eden had decided the best course of action was to ignore him.
“I really appreciate you coming,” Eden said to Clara. “I know you’d rather be at the hospital.”
“Eden, you are my family. These are my girls, too. Teddy understands. I will see him in the morning.” She patted her cheek. “It’s good, you taking time for yourself.”
Eden glanced at the clock, surprisingly nervous.
“He won’t be late,” Clara said softly, her eyes sparkling.
“I brought cupcakes. And a horsey coloring book. And a movie with horses,” Renata said as she came in.
“Ooh.” Ivy ran to her. “I love horses.”
“I thought so. We still need to get you some boots, Ivy. But we’ll start with this.” She pulled a pink straw cowboy hat from the large bag she carried and plopped it on Ivy’s head. “Let’s see.”
Ivy tipped the hat back, smiling broadly at Renata and Clara before turning toward Eden. Eden grinned, dropping to her knees. “Don’t you look precious,” she said, adjusting the hat just right. “I like it.”
Ivy played with the string beneath her chin. “You need one so we can match. And Lily, too.”
Lily cooed, making Eden look down. At Lily, right by her knee. “Lily?” Eden’s voice was thin. “Did you crawl?”
“She did,” Clara said, clapping her hands.
“First thing I saw when I walked in the room. Lily going for her momma,” Archer said, a huge smile on his face.
Eden blew out a deep breath and scooted back, holding out her hands. “Show me, little bug, come on.”
Lily wobbled, rocking back and forth, before crawling rapidly across the floor and into her mother’s lap. Lily’s giggle had the whole house laughing. Eden scooped her up and hugged her. “You’re growing up, little bug,” she said, pressing kisses all over her face.
“She’s gonna be a big bug?” Ivy asked.
Eden laughed. “Soon.” She hugged the girls close. “But not too soon.”
“You two have fun,” Renata said. “We girls are going to have a great time.”
Eden stood, holding Lily close. “She’ll wear herself out, that’s for sure. No wonder you were fussing earlier. You knew something big was coming, didn’t you?”
“I’d say going mobile’s pretty big,” Archer agreed. “Speedy little thing, too.”
Lily smiled at Archer, reaching for him with splayed fingers.
“Yes, she’s adorable.” Clara took her. “And she will be just as adorable tomorrow.”
“So go on,” Renata agreed. “Ivy, tell Mommy and Archer to go so we can color horses.”
“Bye, Momma!” Ivy waved wildly.
“Fine. Have a good time,” Eden said, looking up at the man who stood inches from her. “You ready?” she asked, her nerves returning big-time. She couldn’t lose him.
He nodded, his slight smile warming her through and easing her nerves.
She followed him out the front door, waiting as he closed it. But she wasn’t expecting him to tug her around the corner. Or press her against the wall, one hand on either side of her head. She held her breath, loving the look on his face as he bent slowly to kiss her.