Who would want to steal a baby? They’re a crap ton of work. “I don’t know.”
“Thousands. That’s why we have additional security, though the main room has its own safety protocols, too. And each employee undergoes a background check that could rival the CIA.”
“I suppose it’s smart to make sure the people watching your kids aren’t terrorists.”
“Each employee knows CPR and has had first aid training with annual refresher requirements and…” Dannie goes on and on about all the bells and whistles, playtime, feeding schedules, etc. By the time I’ve had the complete sales pitch, my head is spinning.
“So what do you think?” she asks.
“Considering my criteria was that you keep the baby alive for a couple of hours, you’ve exceeded my expectations.”
She laughs. “You’re funny.”
I wasn’t trying to be. My only goal these past few days was to not lose, maim, or accidentally kill this baby. It’s a lot harder than people think. “So can I leave her for the morning? I need to take care of some things before the season kicks off on Sunday.”
It dawns on me that by then Fia might not be here. Marli said she was coming back in a week. This Sunday will be one week.
My heart and stomach feel heavy all of a sudden.
“Sure, she can stay,” says Dannie. “Kyle, our childcare technician up front, can take all your information and copy Fia’s vaccination records.”
“I don’t have her records.”
“Nothing?” Dannie gives me a strange look.
“No.” Is that a bad thing?
“Not even a birth certificate?” Dannie asks.
“She was left on my doorstep with ten diapers and a two-day supply of formula. That’s it.”
“Then how do you know she’s yours?”
I don’t. “Look, she’s mine to care for until Sunday.”
“What are you talking about? The news said the mother hid her from you and then dumped her on you and walked away. For good.”
“I don’t know what the news is saying. All I know is I need help watching her. Today.”
“But—but—we want you to stay a dad, Dean. It’s part of the deal. You know, as our brand ambassador for single fathers.”
What’s her point? Does she think I’m going to put her business ahead of Fia? I knew this woman is a shark. “I have to do what’s right for Fia. If that happens to fit with your business strategy, and you still want me as a spokesman, that’s great. Let me know what you decide.” I turn to leave, but Dannie rushes around to stop me.
“Wait. Hold on. I’m just trying to process your situation. That’s all. I was…taken by surprise.” She offers a warm smile and flips her hair over one shoulder. “Let’s get you set up so you can take care of your busy day.”
The puff of toxic steam inside my chest disperses. Maybe I was too quick to jump to conclusions. “Thanks, Dannie. I appreciate it.”
“That’s what we’re here for, to help parents just like you. Life is messy. Children are even messier. We can at least bring peace of mind to that part of your life.”
Why do I feel like Dannie is still trying to sell me something?
She gestures toward the front of the baby terrarium. “Let’s get you registered. Basic information only. I’ll call our lawyer later and have her write up the terms of our offer so it reflects something more palatable.”
“Sounds good.”
We go up front, and Dannie gives me one last speech. “Dean, thank you for trusting us with your most prized possession. We will honor that with top-quality childcare.”
What is wrong with this woman? She sounds like she’s completely made of cheesy taglines. “Yeah. Sure. Thanks.”
After I register Fia, I leave with an uneasy feeling in my stomach. But it’s no worse than yesterday when I left Fia with Lara. I trust Lara, so I’m pretty sure I’m still not used to releasing the reins.
I brush it off and head to the Grape Ranch to meet with Hector, who says he wants to talk. When I get there, I run into Lara walking through the parking lot, coming out of the bottling building.
She’s wearing a pale-yellow dress, looking like a sexy flower. Her blonde hair is up in a messy ponytail, and her lips are a shimmery pink.
Our eyes meet, and my heart starts to pound. It dawns on me how differently I feel around this woman compared to someone like, say, Dannie, where my initial attraction died a quick death. With Lara, the more I see her, the more tempted I feel to take a gamble. She just keeps getting prettier.
“Hey, Lara,” I say as I follow her into the building where we have the tasting room and offices.
“Hey, player. Where’s your PR prop? Leave her in the car? Closet?” She narrows her eyes and continues through the tasting room to the door leading into the administrative area. It’s pretty early in the day, so there are no customers yet.