I smile. “To all of that.”
“Let’s set this up before I leave,” Sofie says, standing up.
I grab the box and start toward the other bedroom.
“Wrong way,” Nalani laughs.
“I’m not taking your bed again tonight.”
“Um, you sure are,” she laughs. “That room is smaller than my closet at home. No way that will fit.”
“I’m so sor?—”
“Oh no, you don’t,” Sofie says and tugs on the other end of the box. “This way, ladies.”
The 5-in-1 baby crib is a bedside sleeper, bassinet, pack-and-play, and has a changing table attachment that comes with a sleek carry case, which Sofie insists on unboxing herself like it’s Christmas morning.
“She’s gonna be the most stylish baby in Brooklyn,” Sofie says proudly as she clicks the last piece into place and the built-in night-light hums softly to life.
Nalani smooths the fitted pad, the faint new-fabric scent still fresh in the air. “It looks comfy.”
She’s not wrong. The pink-gray crib looks cozy under the soft glow from the bedside lamp, tinting the mesh sides with warmth. “Savannah’s world has just doubled in size.”
Sofie crouches beside it, brushing a hand over the bassinet attachment. “Look at this setup — changing table, lullaby buttons, travel mode, the works. You could take it to Paris if you wanted. And when you do, I’m coming.”
“Noted,” I say with a tired smile.
She rises, brushes imaginary lint off her leggings, and looks between us. “All right, I’m out.” She looks at Nalani, “You’ve got the cot,” at Savanah. “You’ve got the Rolls-Royce of sleepers,” and to me. “And you’ve got two sisters, who have both of your backs.”
Tears fill my eyes, and she… hugs me, “Oh, oh, okay, we’re doing this.”
Nalani joins the hug, “We are.”
It doesn’t feel as awkward as I thought it would; it actually feels good.
Sofie steps back and heads to the door. “Night, sisters,”
Nalani smiles, “Goodnight, Sof.”
“Goodnight, and thank you.”
When the door closes behind Sofie, the apartment feels suddenly still.
“She’s a lot, but honestly, the best.” Nalani adjusts the lamp so the light is soft and low.
“I am so grateful to you, Nalani. I hope you know that.”
She just shrugs, “I’m pretty sure you’d do the same for me.”
“Without pause. Anytime, anyplace.”
She smiles as she looks down at Savannah and whispers, “She’s out cold.”
I smile and lift my daughter from her carrier. Her body is warm against my chest, her tiny fists tucked under her chin as she stirs. “Let’s see what Aunt Sofie bought you, huh?”
I ease Savannah onto the soft fitted pad. She stretches, then curls one leg up again, her mouth puckering in her sleep. I tuck the light blanket around her middle and press the power button on the small music box. A gentle melody fills the room, soft and twinkling — not too loud, just steady and low, the kind of sound that fills all the cracks left by a long day.
Nalani stands beside me, arms folded loosely, smiling. “She looks like she’s always belonged right there.”
