10 Years (Time for Love 5)

“Ewww, g

ross, there are children present,” I joked with a squeal, then rushed forward to give Gaby a hug.

She finally broke free of Scott, who stood and ran his fingers through his hair, then turned to our mother with a smooth smile.

“Good to see you, Mom,” Scott was saying as I embraced my sister.

“How are you, Gwennie?” Gaby asked as we pulled back to look at each other.

“Not as good as you, I’d say. You look amazing!”

I’m sure many women would be jealous that Gaby could look so wonderful only one year after having a baby, but my sister was happy and glowing, and I couldn’t be happier for her.

“Oh, stop… You’re gorgeous. You’ve let your hair grow out.”

“Ouch,” I exclaimed when she reached out and pulled a long lock. “Hey.”

“Sorry,” she said mischievously. “I couldn’t help myself. Old habits and all…”

“Girls,” my mother warned, humor apparent in her voice. “It’s great to see you both and all, but where’s the baby?”

“She’s in her crib,” Scott answered. “I’m sure she’s about ready to get up.”

“Good, cause I’m going to wake her,” I said quickly, then took off for the nursery before either my sister or her husband could argue.

The door was shut, so I stood outside listening for a moment. When I heard Emma’s chatter, I opened the door slowly and eased into the room.

Delicate and pretty, in soft greens and white, Emma’s room reminded me of something out of a catalog. I looked around, noticing a new bookshelf and, next to it, the child-sized giraffe that I’d sent after a Craig-induced online shopping binge.

Finally, my eyes fell on the crib, where I could see Emma lying on her back with her legs in the air as she played with her feet. She was talking softly to herself, the sweet sound of her voice filling me with warmth.

“Emma girl,” I cooed softly, not wanting to startle her. It had been a couple months since she’d seen me.

Her dark-haired head turned toward my voice, and she stood on her chunky little legs, holding the railing of her crib as she began to bounce.

When a big smile broke out on her face, I took it as a sign and crossed to her quickly, my arms extended. She reached back and came willingly into my arms. I spoke softly to her as I changed her diaper, then carried her out to everyone else.

I was surprised my mom hadn’t come in to take over. She absolutely loved spending every second possible with Emma.

“There she is,” my mom cried when we walked into the living room, crossing to take Emma in to her arms.

I relinquished the baby with an exaggerated pout, then joined Gaby on the couch.

“Would you like a drink?” Scott asked. “Water? Coffee?”

“Coffee would be great, thanks,” I replied with a smile for my brother-in-law.

I hadn’t been their biggest supporter when Scott and Gaby got together. She had been dating Brock at the time, who I adored, and I’d just gotten back from the Orientation Weekend at USC. I was already confused, hurt, and upset, so when I heard Gaby telling my mom how Brock had walked in on her and Scott kissing, and that she was choosing Scott over Brock, I’d become angry with her, almost irrationally so. Luckily, being the kind-hearted person she is, Gaby forgave me instantly when I came to my senses, and I’d finally given Scott the shot he deserved. He made my sister very happy, and I saw how in love he was with her and Emma, and I was happy he was part of our family.

“Me too, honey,” Gaby added. “Thanks.”

“Hey tell her about the bakery,” Scott called over his shoulder as he left the room.

“What about the bakery?” I asked immediately, turning to my sister, who looked over-the-moon excited.

“Katherine is opening another bakery, Too Bee Sweet, and she’s asked me to run it!”

“Congratulations, Gabs, that’s perfect,” I gushed pulling her in for a hug.