Mostly I scrolled through photos of Vincent on my phone. Photos that more recently included Jasper.
Evie:
How’s it going?
He sent back a selfie of the two of them on the tummy time mat. Jasper was making a silly face and Vincent was giggling. He was rolling a little now. It was so cute but also terrifying. Jasper’s hair was sticking up in every direction, and he was wearing one of his many MFD T-shirts. I thought about stealing one on a daily basis but always chickened out.
Jasper:
Having a good time. May go for a walk in a bit. It’s nice out.
Evie:
A whole lot nicer than this closet I’m pumping in, that’s for sure.
Jasper:
Good job, mama. This kid just crushed six ounces.
I sighed. Vincent’s appetite was endless. A part of me was desperate for him to start solids so I didn’t have to spend so much time in pumping purgatory, but the other part of me, the emotional part, got choked up at the thought. Was this the paradox of parenthood?
My phone buzzed with an email from Louisa, and I checked the time. Shit, I had nine minutes to get out of here, clean and store the pump parts and milk, and get to my meeting. I packed up, then unlocked the door and pulled it hard.
It didn’t budge.
Fucking door always stuck. I put my bag and water bottle down, digging in with my feet, and pulling hard with both hands. Only then did the damn thing open.
Evie: Headed to meeting. Give him a kiss for me.
Jasper: What about me? Do I get a kiss?
Evie: Undecided.
Chapter 26
Jasper
The smell of maple and cinnamon hung in the air as I wandered into the kitchen.
Over the last couple of months, I’d noticed that Evie would throw herself into a project when she was stressed or something was bothering her.
After my run, I had peeled my sweat-soaked T-shirt off outside, then come in to refill my water bottle.
I still wasn’t exactly sure what was going on, but staying away was impossible.
Crossing my arms, I leaned against the counter, watching her scoop dough with surgical precision.
“Smells delicious,” I said. “Is it just me, or do you bake when you’re trying to avoid something?”
She pinned me with a delicious glare. “They’re for Ruby. And is it just me, or do you seem to lurk when you want something but are too chickenshit to ask?”
Her sass had my athletic shorts tightening. God, this woman drove me wild in the best ways.
“Guess we both have bad habits.” Shrugging, I pushed off the counter and took a step toward her.
She slid the cookie tray into the oven and turned around, crossing her arms over her chest. Fuck, the sight of her, tank top with no bra, hair down and wild, made me desperate to touch her.
“You’re awfully smug for the guy whose big romantic moment was ruined by a coffee table.”
