“Why should she be alone in that thing if she doesn’t have to be?”
“I’ll remember that when we get home.” I grimaced as I tried to get into a semi comfortable position. C-Sections still sucked; that much hadn’t changed in eight years.
“When she's crying because she won't sleep by herself.”
Nick chuckled and stood from the chair.
“She’s got me hypnotized.” He brought his hand to the back of her little head and moved her to the crook of his arm. “I can't help it. The beautiful tiny ones get me every time.”
He leaned over and brushed my lips with his.
“Can I have her for a little bit?”
I stretched out my arms and Nick set her down. Her cute little mouth opened with a big yawn as she nestled her head into my chest. She was a huge cuddler, just like her daddy.
“She's so gorgeous,” I sighed as I drifted my finger across her cheek and along her dark brow. “Does her hair look a little red to you?”
“Could be. My mom had auburn hair.” Nick rested his head on my shoulder as he tucked another stray lock into her cap. “This beautiful little lady needs a name, don't you think?”
“Yes, she does.” My daughter had me hypnotized, too. She was the dream I never let myself have because I thought it would never come true. My second little miracle. Third if you counted her father.
“Patricia. Your mom’s name and your middle name. She looks like a Patricia, too.”
A smile curved Nick's lips as he nodded. “Patricia Jane. Beautiful and sophisticated, just like her mother.” He kissed my shoulder. “PJ.”
“I love that! Just . . .” I cradled her close to my chest. “No hyphen. Please.”
“Everybody up?” Kate called from the doorway with a huge shopping bag on one arm and holding Jack’s hand.
“We are. Come on in.” Nick stood and kissed Kate's cheek. He dropped his hand to Jack's shoulder. “Want to meet your sister?”
“Okay.” Jack shrugged as Nick led him to the chair by the bed. He put my breastfeeding pillow on his lap before laying the baby over it.
“She's little.” My son looked his sister over with unsure eyes.
“Babies are like that.” I smiled at Jack’s perplexed little face.
“Not you, nephew. You were a ten-pound turkey.” Kate kissed Jack’s forehead and caressed the baby's cheek. “How long did you gloat about being right, Nick?”
“Not long.” Nick laughed. “What's in the bag?”
“Every newborn size dress I could find.”
I glowered at Kate. “I said a coming home outfit. Knowing you, there's a tutu in there.”
“Three. But she wears it with tights. Don't worry . . . what's her name?”
“Patricia Jane. PJ,” Nick answered with a wistful smile as he gazed at his daughter.
“Oh God, no hyphen, right?”
“No, Katie-May. I spared your niece from our plight.”
“Good! Anyway, don't worry, PJ. Aunt Kate has you covered.”
“You're her big brother,” Nick whispered to Jack. “That's a big job. She needs you.”
“What do I have to do?” Jack’s face scrunched up as he looked up at Nick.
