CEO Daddy (Crescent Cove 6.50)

I laughed. “He’ll end up all strutting peacock with the knowledge.”

“You know how to bring him back down to human male levels.”

“All I have to do is read aloud from the baby book. Usually does the trick.”

“Would work for me. Between Mami’s labor stories and yours, I’m never having a kid.”

“You say that, but then your whole world changes.”

“If you say so.” She followed me in and took an appreciative deep breath. “Girl, it smells amazing in here.”

“Thank God, I’d made enough of the stroganoff that I could extend the recipe. Serves Asher right that he won’t get to have any.”

“You are a cruel woman.”

“Damn straight.”

As usual, we worked well together. Within thirty minutes, we had everything packed up, including Lily Patch, and we were both loading every soft-sided cooler I had into our cars. We double-checked the addresses and ensured that our GPS units could actually find them before splitting up.

“I have to head to my parents’ house after deliveries.”

“That’s fine. Tell Bonnie I said hello and that I want a cooking lesson. I’d love to add some of her Spanish Italian fusion recipes to my repertoire.”

“God, her head will be swollen, but I’ll tell her.” Gabby slammed the door and rolled down the window. “I’m so proud of you for making this happen, chica.”

I grinned at her. “Thanks. Couldn’t do it without you, babe.” I waved as she headed down the drive then turned to my little charge. “You ready to go for a ride?”

Lily blew kisses, her new favorite trick. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Asher!”

I shook my head. “Nope, just Hannah Banana today, kiddo.”

“Bnnaaa.”

Delighted, I blew raspberries into her neck. “Close!”

When she was a giggling ball of happiness, I locked her into her crazy harness. The baby seats were no joke. I turned on some more Bon Jovi for her, since the rockers were her favorite band as of late. I was a little more partial to current music, but nineties’ rock would do for this sunny afternoon.

The first six drop-offs were perfection. I even managed to get an applesauce squeeze pack into Lily without too much fanfare. Eating in the car was a trick sometimes. I ate one too for a little sugar boost.

I plugged the next three drop-offs into the GPS, and we sang our way through the Have a Nice Day album. At least we were finally heading into the 2000s with that album. We were clapping along to the songs so loud that I didn’t hear the grinding noise at first.

When the song changed over to the slower “Bells of Freedom”, I heard it.

It got even louder as I stepped on the brakes. I turned down the music and winced. It had been awhile since I had driven my car, but I’d definitely never heard that sound before. Suddenly, the grinding became a screech and Lily put her hands over her ears.

“Nahh.”

“Yeah, I know, kiddo. Hang on.” I pulled over to the side of the road. “Shit.” We were just outside of town on a country road.

I grabbed my phone out of my bag and quickly went for my contacts. My thumb hovered over Asher’s name. He was in meetings all day, according to our family Google calendar. This definitely wasn’t an emergency.

I was an independent woman with a roadside assistance subscription. I glanced at the time with a wince. I still had a half dozen deliveries to do, and it was already after four in the afternoon. Checking the rearview mirror to make sure Lily was still happy, I dialed the tow company.

A pleasant woman picked up. I explained where I was and that my car wasn’t drivable.

“Unfortunately, it’s rush hour, and I can’t get anyone out there for at least ninety minutes.”