“Yes. They mentioned moving back permanently, claiming Florida wasn’t all it’s cracked up to be, but I’m positive it’s only for Matt’s sake.”
“Be careful around him.” Rex curled his hand tightly around the phone. “Deep in my gut I feel something is amiss, but I can’t figure out what.”
“Matt’s harmless. I’ve known him since we were children and he wouldn’t hurt a fly. Once he stops wallowing in his grief, he’ll be fine.”
“Grief does strange things to people, Monica.”
“I think you’re overreacting, but I will be mindful of any strange behavior. I’m a trained professional remember?”
“I know. I just wish I could shake this feeling.” He sat on the edge of the bed and cradled the phone to his ear. “I miss you already.”
“It’s not the same without you here.” The longing in her voice nearly undid him. “Did you pick up Chance?”
“No, I’m going first thing tomorrow.”
“Give him a hug for me.”
“I’d rather give you a hug.” He caught his tone, realizing he’d come dangerously close to a pout.
Monica laughed. “I’d rather you give me one too, but at least Chance is pretty cuddly. I wonder if he missed us.”
“My guess is he’s been too spoiled to miss us.”
“I don’t doubt it.” She sighed. “I wish we could talk all night, but Mom wants me to go to early service with them tomorrow.”
“Get some sleep, and I’ll call you tomorrow. Goodnight. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
His mood lightened after talking to Monica, and he realized how much he’d come to depend on her over the last month. Their lives had become intricately woven and he found himself craving her presence. Thank goodness for work, he thought as he drifted off to sleep.
Chapter Twenty-One
Monica changed Emily’s diaper for the third time that day. For being such a tiny child, she sure did put out a lot. Grabbing a new outfit out of the drawer, she dressed Emily in a new, dry outfit.Babies are more work than I ever realized.
She scooped her niece off the changing table, dusted her cheek with a kiss, and then laid her down in the crib for a nap. A small beep reminded her to grab the monitor, and she went to the kitchen and sat down at the table, relieved for a moment’s break.
Emily had been home from the hospital for ten days and Monica had spent the last two of those watching her. Matt had returned to the office, and Mr. Russell was helping him catch up on work from the time off. Mrs. Russell, bless her heart, had dedicated night and day to Emily, but she was aging, and a newborn could tire even the most energetic person. Monica finally convinced her to take time off today and visit old friends.
She leaned backward in the chair, deliberating if she wanted to stand up to make a lunch or continue sitting and eat later. Mom would be there soon to spend the afternoon, so she opted to make a lunch now, and then rest when her mom arrived. Mrs. Russell had stocked the refrigerator on a grocery haul last week and bought a large assortment of ingredients for quick meals. Monica grabbed a baggie of deli sliced ham, cheese, and mustard and then a loaf of bread. She heard the front door open as she set the food on the counter.
“In the kitchen, Mom,” she yelled out.
“It’s Matt,” a disembodied voice called out before entering the kitchen.
Her nerves stood on edge. She chided herself, explaining them away to Rex’s unfounded warning. “Oh, I was expecting my mom. I didn’t realize you were coming home early.”
“I forgot a file this morning, and I thought I’d run home to get it and say hi to Emily while I’m here.”
“I just laid her down for a nap and was making myself a sandwich. Would you like one?”
“Sure, I’ll be right back down.”
She continued making the sandwiches, all the while trying to steady her nerves. Matt had almost seemed his old self just now, so why couldn’t she curb her anxiety? She pulled out two plates, placed the sandwiches on them then set them on opposite sides of the table. Matt returned, taking a seat where she’d placed the extra plate.
“I peeked in on her. She’s fast asleep now.”
“Good. She wasn’t too keen on taking a nap earlier and was getting very sleepy. How are things at the office?”
