"Congratulations." Billy says.
Crystal looks up. Her face is serene. She does not look like a woman that just gave birth at all. I've seen some women thatlook like they just came back from battle. In fact, I think Crystal actually looks better than when we left. For starters, she doesn't have that sour puss on her face anymore. "Thank you. Come and meet Amber Cassandra Barnes."
"Oh, I get it." Levi says. "Because Jade is your sister, you're Crystal, so this is Amber, in keeping with the tradition."
"That's right." Crystal says. "I didn't think that she'd suit the name, but she sure does. Just look at this red gold hair on her sweet little head."
"She's beautiful." I tell her, admiring the big blue eyes on her, too.
"Thanks, doll. Do you want to hold her?"
"Oh, gosh, no." My eyes widen. "She's too tiny. I'll break her."
"What about you, Billy?" Piper asks. "Do you want to hold her?"
"I am good from over here. I've seen what things spew out of babies. I like them better when they're in a stable, frankly."
"Levi? What about you?"
Just as I look over at Levi, Nash comes barreling in, out of breath. "Jesus Christ! I missed it!"
"You just missed it." Crystal corrects. "But it's okay. You're just in time to hold her."
Levi pipes up, good-naturedly. "Now, hold on a second here. I believe it's my turn first. I was on time."
Nash smiles. "I was taking daddy out to get some new clothes."
Levi walks over to Crystal and takes the baby, like he was born with them. "New clothes? He hasn't bought new clothes in years."
"I know." Nash says with a slight bow. "And the house is as clean as a whistle. Braylynn's over there now, helping him organize the damn kitchen cabinets."
"Wow, your daddy's really come a long way, Nash." Piper notices.
"He has. He's been dry for almost six months now. He's looking forward to getting his six-month pin. That's how come he wanted to get a new outfit."
"No kidding." Billy is impressed.
But all I can do is watch my love holding the baby.
Chapter 15
Levi
The kid is goddamn gorgeous. Just beautiful. Perfect skin and hair, and the way that she stares at me, it's like she's sending me subliminal messages from her angel world. I can't stop looking at her. It's like looking into the eyes of a cherub. And she's not screaming or puking or shitting or doing anything disgusting. Well, not yet, anyway. I know that will come. I walk over to Lennie and stand next to her, letting her take a closer look. "Gosh, she's perfect."
"She is." I agree. "Why don't y'all sit there and I can put her in your lap?"
Her face softens. "Okay. I can try that."
She sits, and I carefully place the baby on her lap. "There. That's not so bad, now, is it."
"No. Not at all."
I'm careful not to say anything more, and kneel, so that she can enjoy the baby, without worrying about reading anyone's lips.
"Uh oh." Nash states, but I don't look up. I'm sure that he doesn't have anything constructive to say, by the tone in his voice, and I don't want to distract Lennie. She goes by my cues sometimes, when she knows that someone is talking. "I thought y'all didn't want anything to do with babies."
"That was just when I thought I was having one with the devil."
