“Sheisstill a child,” he pointed out.
“I know. Mama’s going to talk to her about adoption again.”
David’s arms tightened involuntarily around Xaviera.
New voices could be heard at the front door.
“Carly and Evan have arrived,” Zita said.
Moments later they walked into the kitchen. Carly’s eyebrows rose at David holding the baby. “Hola.”She kissed his cheeks and then kissed the baby’s head. “I didn’t expect you to be so cozy with Xaviera.”
“I’m getting better,” David said, adjusting the baby so he could shake Evan’s hand.
“He’s a baby whisperer,” Zita told them. “Xaviera stops crying whenever he holds her.”
“Must be his calm nature,” Carly said.
David didn’t say a word.
Teresa hurried into the kitchen holding a notebook. She hesitated when she saw David. He smiled at her, hoping to put her at ease.
“Hey, Teresa!” Evan said. “Are they your new drawings?”
She nodded.
“I’d love to see them. Shall we go into the dining room?”
She nodded again and followed Evan out of the room.
Zita waited until they were gone before she said, “Evan’s the only man she’s really comfortable with.”
“Yes,” Carly said. “They bonded over art and Evan says she’s very good. He was talking about arranging an exhibition for her if she gets to stay.”
“The hearing’s next week?” David asked.
“Yeah, next Wednesday,” Zita said.
He’d arranged to get the time off work so he could see the whole process through. He was already firmly in favor of letting all of the girls stay.
Bridget and Jack entered the kitchen. “What’s for lunch?” Bridget asked, grabbing a piece of fruit from the bench.
“Good question.” Zita handed Julio to Carly and checked the fridge, dragging things out.
“Where is everyone?” Jack asked.
“Hiding,” Zita said, and explained about the argument that had now gone quiet in the living room.
Carmen walked in, sighing. “Hola, mis bebes.” She hugged her daughters and Jack, and then hugged David, being careful of Xaviera.
Warmth spread through David’s body. She was treating him like one of the family.
Carmen glanced over to where Zita was putting together something for lunch. “Let’s order pizza.”
The three sisters looked at each other, their eyes wide. This was obviously not a regular occurrence.
“Are you all right, Mama?” Carly asked.
“I am tired today, and we could all do with a treat.” She brushed a stray hair out of her face. “Why don’t you order, and I’ll pick some mint from the garden for a drink.” She headed outside.
