This Cradle Won't Fall (The American Soldier Collection 18)

“Miss Colon, Dr. Carter is ready to see you,” the receptionist said a few minutes later.

Vye took Benny with her into the exam room and was greeted with a hug hello from Doc Carter. It brought tears to her eyes and she smiled wide.

“How are you, Evonna, and how is this precious baby of yours?” he asked, smiling.

“We’re doing great,” she told him and he watched her take Benny out of the car seat and then hold him.

“Let me see this little guy.” He took the baby from her and spoke to Benny in a regular voice and Benny made some funny sounds, making her laugh.

He went through the checkup, weighing Benny on the special scale after she undressed him, and then gave Benny back to her so she could redress him again.

“He looks good, Evonna,” he said to her. They then went over questions she had about feeding, adding cereal to his bottles, and some other things before discussing work.

“It sounds like you’re handling everything well. How do you like Salvation and the people? I’ve heard that Ford Brazos has gotten inquiries about guardianship for you and Benny,” he said and looked at Benny.

“Guardianship?” she asked, not knowing what he meant.

“I’m sure Ella has explained or will shortly, considering the circumstances.”

“I don’t understand or know what you’re talking about.” He made a face.

“Well, the easiest way to explain it is that here in Salvation we have rules. Women are to be taken care of, watched over, and protected. Under normal circumstances, a woman with a child would be assigned a guardian or guardians. I guess the sheriff is holding off on assigning anyone just yet.”

“I don’t need any guardians. I’m twenty-three years old, surely responsible for myself and Benny. Besides having Ella, her men, and friends around town already, too.”

“That could be why Ford is holding off, or it could also be that there are multiple men asking to be you and Benny’s guardians.”

“What?” she asked and immediately thought about Trey and Avery.

“So that’s why Trey and Avery were here when I showed up and pushing to show me around town, to come for this appointment. Lou asked, too. Unbelievable,” she exclaimed and threw her hands up into the air.

He laughed, crossed his arms in front of his chest, and bypassed the information about Avery and Trey to focus right on Lou.

“Lou McCann asked to accompany you here today? Seriously?”

“Why do you ask like that?” she asked, strapping Benny into the car seat.

“The McCann men do not socialize much around town at all. The fact they took on this new security training detail for the county is pretty huge. They’re exceptional men. Obviously you and Benny made an impression.”

“We invaded their home. I gave birth on the guest bed,” she said and exhaled.

“They’re good men, Vye. A lot older than you. Tex is pushing forty.”

Her eyes widened.

“He is?”

He nodded.

“They’re so serious and stern. When they talk they sound like they’re giving orders. It’s intimidating. I don’t talk too much to them at work. Well, to Lou I do. He’s more soft spoken,” she said and thought about him and about the others. They were incredibly hard, good-looking men, but that ferocity made them seem unapproachable.

“Hmm, never know how Ford figures these things out, but he’s never wrong,” Doc Carter said and then uncrossed his arms and gave her a smile.

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing at all. Don’t worry. It will all work out. Just follow your heart. Sometimes fate has a way of making things happen. Keep up the good work with the baby. Also, Michelle Fortworth dropped off two bags of clothes, some with tags still on them for Benny. Her little guy, Taylor, grew out of them quickly or bypassed the sizes.”

“Oh, how nice of her. Thank you so much.”