The drive home is a blur. It’s a wonder I get home in one piece, considering the roads are icy as hell, and I don’t remember a damn thing of how I got here.
The driveway is completely plowed, which only makes me feel guilty. I’ll have to thank Tommy for that, because I told him it wasn’t necessary, but of course he did it anyway. He’s the kind of guy that likes to stay busy, which is why he gives Kelsey whatever she wants—like the bird feeders and the garden. We have big plans to build a porch when the snow melts, but I already know he’ll do the brunt of it.
Though, if I can get him to join the club before then, maybe not. He may be as busy as me next spring, especially with all this new shit happening. Of course I want Tommy to join, but now I really need someone here with Anastacia. I can’t leave her alone after what we found out today—and Tommy would agree.
Anastacia is in the kitchen, stirring something in a large pot. She looks at me over her shoulder, and I realize she has Dorothea cradled in her other arm.
“My god, you are Superwoman,” I say as I lean down to kiss her. I slip my hands under Dorothea’s back and bum and pull her to me.
“Just a mom,” she says with a smirk.
“Superwoman,” I reiterate, as I cover the baby’s face in kisses. She looks up at me with excitement in her eyes, her little legs kicking and a smile on her face.
“I’m glad you’re home,” Anastacia says.
“I love hearing you call this home.” I kiss her again. Sometimes I feel like I can’t stop. “What are you making? And where is everyone?”
“Chicken soup. Kelsey hasn’t been feeling well all day. She’s upstairs sleeping. Tommy just went to check on her.” She gasps then, spinning toward me. “Guess what!”
“My god,” I say, putting my free hand on my chest and laughing.
“Sorry. But I have good news!”
“What is it?” I ask with a chuckle.
“My financial assistance was approved! My card should be coming soon.”
“Angel, that’s fantastic. But you know you don’t—”
She holds up her hand, shaking her finger at me. “Don’t start with that.”
“Fine,” I mutter, going over to the table to sit. I lay Dorothea on my lap and tickle her belly. “Were you good for mommy today, sweet pea?”
“She sure was,” Anastacia says proudly.
“Of course you were, because you’re an angel just like your mama.” I kiss her left foot, then her right. Then I gently bite it and she smiles at me. “I love when she smiles at me. It’s the bestthing in the world.” I bite her other foot and she keeps the smile on her face. “Fuck, she’s so damn cute. I just wanna eat her up.”
I keep her occupied while Anastacia finishes dinner. Tommy comes down and sits at the table with me, watching me with the baby. He tells us Kelsey feels really tired, has a headache, and is nauseas. Anastacia suggests a bug and swears the chicken soup will help. Tommy brings her a bowl when it’s finished, then comes back down to eat with us.
“So, I was thinking,” I begin as Anastacia clears my plate from the table, then Tommy’s. I’m pretty sure she’s just trying to make a point or maybe see how much she can get away with before I stop her from doing anything. I’ll hire a damn maid if I have to.
“That’s never good,” Tommy jokes.
“If I didn’t have a baby in my hand, I’d punch you.”
He laughs, then says, “Wouldn’t hurt anyhow.”
I wave him off, then continue. “What do you think about going to New Hampshire for a few days?”
Anastacia turns toward us. The sink is running and she has the sponge in her hand. “Me?”
“Me, you, and this adorable little munchkin right here.” I poke her belly. “Lucian was able to get you in to see the doctor. Thought a trip would be nice.”
She looks at Tommy, then back to me. “When would we go?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” she repeats, looking skeptical. “Why so soon?”
