“He’s been working so hard to have everything perfect before the baby gets here that he’s worn himself out, I think. All the classes and books, changing his mind about the least toxic brand of paint for the nursery, trying his hardest to catch me before I walk a step on my own.”
Blanche’s soft smile is wistful as she winks at me. “His father was the same. He was obsessed with me on a normal day, but when I was pregnant, he was simply feral. I could barely leave his sight…I think you and Henry will be wonderful parents. We’re all so happy for your little one's arrival. Especially your father, I must say. I told him I’m just as excited, but he says this is hisfirstgrandchild, which makes him twice as excited. I can’t say I blame him. I remember being beside myself when Sloane was pregnant with LJ.”
I smile, thinking about the nursery wing that Dad’s already renovated back home, and the discussions he’s had about buying property here to be closer to us. Although if he would just figure himself out and move in with…
“Mother, I should have known it would be you who kidnapped my wife.”
“I can’t believe you waited so long before coming to get me! I thought I would have five minutes tops before you—”
My brain goes fuzzy as I take in the sight of my husband, shirtless, pajama pants slung low on his hips. He’s wearing the fuzzy robe I got him for Christmas, but it’s open and does nothing to hide his chest hair, his abs, the happy trail leading down…
“I knew where you were. Your tracker pings based on the room you’re in. And I appreciate your note, Kitten, but I would know if your heart rate spiked or if you left the house.”
He sits on the ottoman and pulls my feet into his lap, smirking like a satisfied rake when I moan my pleasure at the ministrations of his thumbs.
“What are the two of you talking about?”
“How excited we are for the baby. And how attentive you’ve been. Your mom was telling me that your dad was the same way.”
Henry raises an eyebrow at that, looking at Blanche for confirmation. “Really? He helped pick out my nursery colors?”
Blanche laughs again, picking up a cookie from my collection and ignoring Henry’s censorious glare. “There are plenty of cookies, Henry. If she runs out, I’ll get her more. But yes, your father was extremely involved. He was so calm throughout my pregnancy, doting on me and catering to my flights of fancy. I’m glad that you’ve carried on the tradition. No nerves, though, even as Kat’s due date gets closer?”
With a gentle shake of his head, Henry winks at me. “No nerves. And I think I dote on Katarina just as ardently when she’s not expecting. Maybe I spend more time fetching snacks, but otherwise—”
“Hey!” I playfully kick at Henry’s chest, only for him to catch my foot and press a quick kiss to my ankle before continuing his massage.
“But, no. Everything is ready. The nursery is perfect, all the vehicles have their car seats, and the hospital bags are packed. I practice CPR on the infant mannequin every day, and we’ve got all the security and fire suppression redundancies up to date. I think we’re as ready as we can be.”
I can tell that Blanche has her doubts that Henry’s calm will last throughout my labor, but she stays quiet for now. My perfect chance.
“You know, Blanche, I’m so glad this baby will have you for a grandmother. And I’m glad that you and my dad are so close. He’ll need some pointers on this whole grandparent thing. I don’t think he’s ever fixed a bottle or changed a diaper.”
“Well, I’ll certainly answer any questions he has—”
“It’s actually been great having Ivan around more, I must say.” Henry interrupts, catching on to my scheme. “He’s been instrumental in helping me finesse our last two huge deals. I’m hoping I can convince him to stay down here more often, especially once our little guy is born.”
“Yes, he’s been nice to have around, although I—”
“He’s been talking about buying property here, actually. Blanche, I told him that I was sure you’d be happy to help him find a place or some land to build.”
She shoves another cookie into her mouth instead of answering, as Henry’s massage starts to move from my feet up to my calves.
“Although,” I say softly, “it might make sense for him to move in with you. It would be so convenient to have you both in the same place, and he could bond with all the other grandchildren, too. You’ve got so much extra space, and we’d love being able to bring the baby over to see Grandma and Grandpa in the same place.”
I nudge Henry with my toe, and he chimes in.
“That would be incredibly convenient, Mother. Particularly since I believe Ivan has been spending many nights at your place already—”
“Henry!”
“Babe!”
He smirks and stands, ignoring our protests and pulling me up in a bridal carry to nuzzle my cheek.
“I’m just saying, Mother. Katarina is right. We love you, we love Ivan, we want to be one big happy family. If nobody else has said it explicitly, which I believe they have, I wanted to make sure you know where we stand. We want you to be happy.”
I can’t help but yawn, cozy in my husband’s arms, and he moves to take me back to bed.
