“This is too many people,” I say to Garrett under my breath.
Not quiet enough for my mother not to hear.
“Many hands make light work,” she says pointedly. “Don’t be afraid of help.”
Mom still hasn’t gotten over me not telling her about the breakup. Luckily, her being hurt and me being annoyed hasn’t stopped either of us from being excited that we’re finally home.
Now, I throw my arms around her neck and buss a kiss on her cheek. “I love your help, Mom.”
Jules sails past with a box from the car.
“Is that the one markedChristmas?” I call out. “That can go in the spare room.”
She shakes her head. “No, it’sBedroom!”
“Oh, excellent. I want to make the bed up first.” Then I see Dani step out from inside the house, with her brand new baby in her arms. “But not before saying hello to the newest little Foster!”
“Do you want to hold her?” Dani asks.
“You don’t have to ask me twice,” I coo, taking her sweet, soft, fresh-smelling daughter in my arms. “Oh, how sweet are you?”
“You’ve had a long drive. Maybe a baby cuddle might be a good excuse to take a minute to yourself while you let the family unload?”
“I’m fine,” I whisper, but I’ve already buried my nose against the top sweet newborn scalp.
Then, arms happily full, I follow Dani inside.
“I filled your fridge a bit,” she says as she leads me into myown kitchen.
“You just had a baby!”
“I was on and off bedrest for six months. As soon as this little one arrived, I vaulted back to life. And I wanted to cook for my family, so I was just making extra.” She leans back against the counter after making sure we’re alone. “And now we can hide here while everyone else brings in boxes.”
Many hands do make light work—my mother was right—and in less than an hour, all the boxes are in their designated rooms.
Jules tries to start unpacking, but Garrett stops her and corrals her into the kitchen.
“I’m just trying to help,” she protests. “I came all the way to be useful!”
“But it’s beer and pizza time now,” I tell her. “Come and sit with Dani and me. Tell us about your fancy bosses. Where are they spending the summer?”
“He’s staying in Toronto. She’s filming on location, so I’m flying back and forth with the kidlet.”
“First class?” I tease.
“Of course.”
Dani and I look at each other.
“Of course,” we repeat, both of us deadpan.
Jules rolls her eyes. “Can I go back to unpacking now?”
“Just sit with us,” I tease, knowing it will rile her up more. “I’m kidding. Sure. If you want to be really helpful, you could set up my bed!”
Garrett’s head lifts from the conversation he was having with his cousin.
“We already set up the bed frame,” he says over the din of chatter. Then his gaze falls to the baby in my arms, and he gets this stupidly goofy smile on his face.
