“You like the way I look in your t-shirts?”
“Sweetheart, I like the way you look in everything. And I especially like the way you look in nothing at all. But seeing you in my shirts, let’s just say, I’m a huge fan.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Now, I’m starving and it smells amazing. Let’s go and enjoy Thanksgiving with your family,” Charlotte insisted.
We’d already had enough show and tell for the afternoon, so I kept my thoughts to myself, although I had no doubts. Someday Charlotte would be sitting at our table enjoying Thanksgiving as part of our family. Someday she’d have my last name and Isla would have the mom she was begging for. And maybe, just maybe, she might even get a brother or sister too.
21
CHARLOTTE
Today was my day off.My much-needed day off.
I was so behind in everything, and I had no one to blame but myself. Since Thanksgiving a couple of weeks ago, I’d been spending every spare second with Luke and Isla. I slept there more nights than I slept at home in my own bed and on those nights I did manage to make it home, I tossed and turned and barely got any sleep, missing the warmth of Luke’s arms.
Unlocking the door, I ignored the stale air and went into my bedroom, emptying my overnight bag onto my bed. After sorting through the pile of clothes, I stuffed them in the washing machine before grabbing my phone.
Charlotte:You up for a visitor?
Hannah:Who is this?
Charlotte:Ha Ha. Your funny
Hannah:*You’re
Charlotte:Bitch. Feel like a visitor?
Hannah:Do you want to come see me or are you coming for a snuggle with Bailey?
Charlotte:You ... obviously
Hannah:Bring coffee and Bailey is yours
Charlotte:Mason’s not home then?
We both knew that if Mason was home, I’d have to pry Bailey from his arms. For someone who thought he was big and tough, the moment Bailey opened her eyes, Mason was dropped to his knees. His daughter owned him, and he didn’t even seem to care.
Hannah:
Hannah:Don’t forget my latte
I rolled my eyes. Hannah was a caffeine addict before but juggling her career, Mason’s travel schedule, and a baby had sent it into overdrive.
Charlotte:Give me an hour
Feeling better now I was going to see them. I got busy cleaning. Even though I barely lived there these days the place still needed a once over. After cleaning the bathroom, vacuuming the floors, and wiping over the kitchen counters, I double-checked the fridge, ensuring nothing had gone bad. Throwing out the piece of moldy cheese I saw how little was in the fridge and it was a reality check.
Taking the trash out, I headed to Hannah’s not forgetting to stop for her precious coffee on the way.
Knocking on the door, she pulled it open with baby Bailey snuggled in her arms. Spying the coffee I was carrying, she handed over her daughter and took the paper cup before I’d even said hello.
“Hello, gorgeous girl,” I looked down at Bailey who’s eyes were barely open.
“Hi,” Hannah replied, stepping back, making enough room for me to enter.
“I wasn’t talking to you.”
Shrugging my bag off my shoulder, I went and sat on the couch completely focused on the beautiful baby in my arms. I loved the smell of them, well when they were clean. I don’t know if it was the shampoo, soap, or powder they used on babies, but it was enough to make even the most iced over ovaries consider ending their long hibernation.
