Darla had been burped and had fallen asleep. Eliza lowered the little baby into the crib that they’d set up downstairs. Her friend stifled a yawn.
“Has she been having some rough nights?”
“Yes. At first, she was a blessing. We’ve just hit a rough patch. James is always there and helping. I tell him to go and get some rest. He’s working full-time, but he’s by my side. We haven’t had a couple of minutes to ourselves since she was born, but we love it.”
“How about I take her?” Lilly asked. “For the night, I mean. You and James could have a date night or something.”
“Not tonight, Lilly. You’ve got your own date.”
“We’re not going out. I’m cooking Caleb dinner. Aunt Betty went to that florist convention thing that she keeps on talking about. I’ve got the house to myself. I can help. Let me help.”
Eliza glanced down at Darla. “You’ve taken care of a newborn?”
“Yes. I used to babysit through high school. My mom had a bad reputation and even though people treated me with disdain, they were more than happy to pay me to look after their children and babies. I’d like to help you.” Lilly stood up and moved closer to her friend. “I’d like to help. Even if you and James get a good night’s sleep. Let me. I’ll bring her back tomorrow on my way to the library.”
The only reason she was at Eliza’s house was that she’d finished classes.
“If you really don’t mind and don’t feel I’m taking advantage of you.”
Lilly laughed. “I totally do, but isn’t that what friends are for? To be used like this?”
So, two hours later, back at Aunt Betty’s house, she had Darla in her arms as the doorbell rang. Dinner was gently simmering on the stove, and she answered the door to find Caleb in a pair of dress pants and a crisp white shirt, which did nothing to hide the ink on his muscular arms and chest.
“Not what I was expecting. Is that my gorgeous niece?” he asked.
“It is.”
He stepped over the threshold and took Darla while handing her a small bouquet of roses. “Something smells good.”
Lilly held the roses in her hand and closed the door, flicking the lock into place. “I went by to see Eliza after class. She looked exhausted, and I offered to take Darla for tonight so she and James could get some much-needed rest. Seeing as I was cooking you dinner and I know you love your niece, you wouldn’t mind?” She wanted to cringe at her words. She wasn’t avoiding dating him, but it certainly sounded like it to her.
“I don’t have a problem with babysitting, Lilly. Besides, it’s not like you’ve canceled our date. I smell food cooking. I got flowers. You didn’t call to tell me not to bother to come over. This is progress.” Caleb kissed Darla’s cheek and Lilly melted inside.
He looked so … adorable. So right.
“I’ll go and get these in some water. Coffee, water, tea, or a beer? I think I can offer hot chocolate as well.”
“Seeing as we’re going to be taking care of this little one, I’ll take a coffee.”
“You want to stay?” Lilly asked.
“Hell, yeah. I’ve got no problem sticking around. So long as you don’t mind. You don’t have a curfew or anything, do you?”
“No. No curfew.” She smiled at him. “Aunt Betty told me to have all the fun I needed and to take my time.” Even as she said the words that Aunt Betty had told her, heat flooded her cheeks. There had also been a wink and a knowing look to go along with it. She refused to fall for it.
She adored Aunt Betty. The woman certainly knew how to have a good time and had made it her personal mission to make sure that she actually did.
Ever since she moved in with her, she’d found life so much more enjoyable. She loved Aunt Betty and Eliza as if they were her own family. They were amazing women.
After walking into the kitchen, she grabbed two mugs, stirred her sauce on the way past, and then made them both a coffee. She made sure it was strong.
Caleb had gone into the sitting room. She’d already pushed the coffee table out of the way. Darla was laid on her back, feet in the air. Hand stuffed into her mouth.
“She’s precious, isn’t she?”
“I love her so much. Don’t tell James this, but I’m a little jealous that he got to have a child first.”
“You are?” she asked, this did surprise her. “You want kids?”
“A whole flock of them.” He looked up. “I’ve surprised you.”
“No, well, yeah, a little.”
“I know I’ve played around and I have no excuse for that behavior, and so I’m not going to regret it. I hadn’t found the right woman. I want a big family. Lots of sons and daughters.”