“Can you get her?” Raven asks.
“You should rest,” I say, already knowing it’s a pointless suggestion.
“Yeah, but can you bring her? I really need to see her, Sasha.”
“All right,” I say. “I’ll get her.”
So I go, carrying my visitor pass and still wearing the bracelet that’s so tight it may split and fall off any minute.
Irina wasn’t born in this hospital, so I don’t know the way to the newborn nursery. The ICU isn’t connected to it, I realize, going down a floor.
When I arrive, Zoe is inside the nursery, sitting in a rocking chair with the baby. Trick is just outside, kicked back in a recliner, watching something on his phone.
“You’re still here?” I say.
“Rachel?” Trick asks.
“Awake.”
Trick blows out a breath. “Of course. There you go.” His tone is casual, like he knew all along things would be fine. But I knowhim. He wouldn’t have camped out here if he didn’t think there was a better than average chance they wouldn’t.
“Have you been in to see the baby?” I ask.
“Of course. This one’s my goddaughter, right?” he says tersely.
“Yeah.”
“Yes? You don’t need to ask Rachel?” he says, quirking his eyebrow.
“No. You’re it.”
Last time, we thought it was a good idea to have Zoe and C together. I suspect it was Rachel and Zoe’s subtle effort to domesticate C, which frankly has done fuck all. His level of engagement on the C Crue infant front is zero. I don’t blame him. Before Irina, I had no interest in kids, either.
At the news that he’s got the godfather gig, Trick nods his head, satisfied.
When I walk into the nursery, Zoe looks up at me expectantly. I nod, and she tears up.
“Thank God.” She swallows and walks the baby over to me. “This new baby is so pretty. Your eyelashes again, but eyes like your brother’s. And Stroviak hands and feet. She’s going to be tall.”
“I’m sure she will. She’s already fifty percent bigger than Irina was when she was born.” I put my arm out and settle the baby in the crook of it.
She stares straight up, like she’s checking out the world.
“You’re not a nervous dad this time,” Zoe says with a smile.
“No.” Luckily, I have had the practice I need because Rachel will need me this time. She’s been cut open. She needs to heal. No lifting either of the babies. That’s Daddy’s job for a month or two.
Zoe strolls out with me, and Trick joins us on the way to the elevator.
“You guys want breakfast?” Zoe asks. “I can swing home and make something to bring back.”
“Nah, I’m going home to sleep,” Trick says. “Laurelyn will probably stay in bed with me. She was worried.” Trick rubs his eyes. “Meanwhile, my baby sister and Stroviak Princess Number One slept all night. Ash just texted a picture of them lying in a bed under a canopy of ten feet of silver lace hanging from a crystal fixture on the ceiling. What the hell did you do to your guest room, ‘Vil? Disney it up?”
I shrug. “Irina likes bling. If something glitters, she wants it.”
Trick laughs. “If Irina didn’t have Rachel’s face and your exact eyelashes, I’d wonder if she and your real baby were switched at birth. She’s so happy all the time.”
I roll my eyes. The elevator slows to a stop and dings. “Thanks for the help last night,” I say in a low voice as I step off.
