Daddy Undercover (Crescent Cove 9)

“It’s a beautiful name.”

Suddenly, the baby coughed and sputtered.

When she tried to get him to re-latch and there were only screams, my sister laughed. “Well, guess he’s done.” She handed him off to me. “Can you hold him for a second so I can cover up before I have a horde of firemen in here? Mills won’t leave me alone long.”

Instinctively, I took him and adjusted his impossibly tiny body into the crook of my arm. The tears kept going. His little arm flailed a little as he gave out a mighty cry. I stood and started rocking him as I did with Sami. They were markedly different sizes, but the rocking motion seemed to be just what he wanted.

Gabby leaned forward, still in the cross-legged pose. She propped her head up on her hands. “Look at you. Playing house with the sheriff has you full of a whole host of skills.”

“It’s been a crazy few weeks.” Finally, little Leo seemed to settle, his milk-drunk head lolling against me. “He’s perfect.”

Erica shifted with a wince. “Perfectly big head, gotta say.”

Gabby grimaced. “Man, no more details. I’ll never want to have one.”

“Can’t say I’m in a rush to do it again. Especially considering where I have a few stitches.”

Gabby and I both made a hissing pull of air between our teeth. “That’s no good.”

Erica gingerly slipped out of bed. “Be glad you got the kid without all the birth and blood. You definitely made out.” She padded to the bathroom, so she didn’t see the quick wash of tears return.

I’d give anything to do this. To carry a little one and feel it growing inside me. Jared’s little boy or girl. There was no doubt that if I could dream up a child, it would be his.

“Look at you getting the baby fever. You’d think a three-month-old would have you too tired to even want it.”

“I’ve always wanted one.” I stroked the back of his chubby cheek with the side of my finger. “More than you could ever know.”

Gabby hopped off the bed. “Hannah is the same. Well, she had the Cove water before she knew better. But now her world is crazy, and she’s happier than I’ve ever seen her.”

I sniffled and kept swaying.

“Hey, is there something going on? Everything okay with Sheriff Hottie?”

I shook my head. “Nothing’s wrong. Just being emotional.”

“Oh, God, he didn’t knock you up, did he?”

“No. I wish.”

“You wish?” She rocked back on her heels. “Mami will be super stoked to know you want to get all in with the babies. Then maybe she’ll leave me alone.”

Our mother bustled in. “I can hear you in the hall, Gabriela. I don’t appreciate it. You don’t have to give me a grandbaby. I only want what’s best for you. And you could use some settling down.”

“Ma, please.”

“I second that,” Erica said from behind us. “Now someone come over here and help me back in bed before I pop a freaking stitch.”

“Go. Help your sister.” My mother gently took Leo from me. “I need time with my nieto.” She settled him on her chest, propping up his little butt. “There’s a beautiful boy. Already sleeping for your mami.”

I hurried around to help Ric. Anything not to think about the hollow ache in my chest and belly.

As promised, the bedlam began in earnest. Jake came in with two firefighters in tow. They didn’t know the meaning of the word whisper, but already the baby was sleeping through the ruckus.

“Babe, what are you doing up?” He came around the bed and pushed us out of the way. “I got her.”

“If you caveman-lift me up right now, I will put your nuts in a jar.”

Jake chuckled. “Come on, Freckles. We’ll get you situated. Is our boy all fed?”