I took her out of her crib, glancing at the unfinished bottle from earlier. The nurses said I could keep offering it to her up to an hour after I’d made it, and it would still be good.
I checked the time. I’d made it forty minutes ago. I grabbed the bottle and attempted to feed her, but she just moved her head back and forth and cried louder. As I maneuvered her in my arms, a stink filled my nostrils. She’d shit again.
“You’re productive today!”
At least I knew what she needed.
I put the bottle down and took her to the changing table, taking out the fresh diaper first and putting it right next to her. I was going to be quicker this time. I removed the dirty diaper,and it took me no time at all to clean her up and put the new one under her—yet Charlotte still managed to shit all over me yet again. After a moment, I burst out laughing.
“We’ve got to get better at this, Charlotte,” I said jokingly as I wiped poop from my hand. Damn it. I had some on my cheek as well.
“Then again, you’re doing everything a baby is supposed to do: eat, sleep, and shit. I’m the one who’s got to learn to be a good father.”
And I was determined to be the best possible father for my daughter that I could be.
CHAPTER 2
PIPER
I loved my job,especially when I got a new challenge! Beckett LeBlanc was the name of my current one: Namely, signing him on as a new client. I was employed at one of the largest marketing agencies in New Orleans, and we’d caught wind that he wanted to put together a new commercial.
Naturally, every agency in town was hitting them up with pitches because there was no bigger fish to catch. Beckett was running the bakery division of The Orleans Conglomerate, and I was grateful for this opportunity.
A knock at my door startled me, and Josh, my boss, stepped in. “Piper, are you just about ready to leave?”
I smiled sheepishly. “Yes. I’m taking my parents to dinner in the Quarter.”
Usually, we had dinner at their house, but this time I wanted to take them out and treat them to some gumbo. Mom loved it.
“Any news on the LeBlanc situation?”
“Not yet, but don’t worry. One way or another, I’ll get to pitch, and I’ll convince them that MarketingPros is the best option.”
He laughed. “You’re a go-getter, Piper. That’s why I put youon the case. I know that if anyone in the entire agency stands a chance to sign them on, it’s you.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Josh.” I really meant it.
Throughout my upbringing, my parents had encouraged me to be an ambitious person. I was excited to take them out tonight. It was for Mom’s birthday, and I had plans to pamper her all weekend. I’d booked massages and facials for us at the premier spas in town. As an only child, I wanted to make sure she always got the best, as she deserved all the good things on this planet.
As usual, I was one of the last ones to leave the office building, but I didn’t mind. I’d always been dedicated to my job. Over the past year, it had been my lifeline. My boyfriend of ten years and I parted ways because we realized we wanted different things from life. I wanted a white picket fence and kids. It turned out that he didn’t. Starting to date all over again was much harder than I’d imagined.
I sighed as I looked around at the families passing me as I headed down the sidewalk. I could probably kiss my dream of having four kids goodbye.
But I didn’t want to let these dark thoughts ruin the evening. I was determined to be in the best mood ever for Mom’s birthday.
I was moving at a brisk pace so I wouldn’t be late. Our offices were in the Marigny district—a twenty-minute walk to the restaurant in the French Quarter.
Even though I’d lived here my entire life, it was still my favorite part of town. The only time I’d left was for an exchange semester at the University of Toronto.
I’d missed New Orleans terribly. The old buildings, the rich history—I loved every single bit of it.
Once I was in the French Quarter, I headed straight to Royal Street. The restaurant where I was meeting my parents wasn’t far away from LeBlanc-Broussard, the flagship restaurant of The Orleans Conglomerate. Beckett LeBlanc himself worked in theoffices above the restaurant. I thought about making reservations there, but I didn’t want to look like a stalker. That would be a really bad way to start our business relationship.
Iwasgetting a tad impatient, though. I’d emailed and spoken with his personal assistant three times now and hadn’t gotten anywhere. But I’d keep on trying because that’s what I did best.
When I arrived at the restaurant, my parents were already inside. Mom was dressed to the nines. She must have gotten a blowout, because her hair was beautifully styled, and I knew she couldn’t do that herself. She’d gone all out for her seventieth, and she looked great. My parents had me later in life, when they were forty. I was a surprise baby, but they’ve always made me feel wanted.
Not wasting a second, I hurried to them, hugging Mom immediately.
