“Dad is in the garage cleaning guns and your sister is at Wesley’s.”
“Oh okay.” I slowly pace around the kitchen.
“How’s Karissa?”
I sigh, leaning against the counter, shoving my hands in my pockets.
“Oh boy,” she says.
“I don’t know. I took her to her appointment and they’re talking about preeclampsia.”
“Was her blood pressure high?”
“Yeah, and it seems as though I’m the only one concerned.”
“What makes you say that?” She turns to me, but I don’t even think I have an explanation.
“Because she’s just, she’s—” I stutter.
“She’s scared, Cody.”
“Well, scared or not, that baby is coming in the next few weeks and she doesn’t have a damn thing for it.” My tone is harsher than I meant but Mom barely flinches. Like she’s used to it, like she knows how I am. I huff. “Sorry, I’m just—”
She cuts me off softly, gently, like always. “I already have been talking with Ella,” she says. “She’s going to give her some things Cora’s done with. I also talked with Janet, Pastor Charlie’s wife, you know? About having something for her at the church next Sunday.”
Relief hits, but I stare at her. “Well gee, Mom, thanks for telling me.”
She lets out a breathy laugh. “I didn’t think you wanted in on planning a baby shower.”
“I don’t, but knowing that would’ve eased my mind.”
“Well, I’m sorry. Just don’t say anything…we want to surprise her.”
“I won’t.” I start back toward the door, and I can feel Mom’s eyes still watching me.
“Cody.”
“What?” I don’t turn around.
“Be gentle with her. She doesn’t need your bark.”
“Yup. Trying,” I mutter and leave.
Chapter 9
Cody
It’s Saturday, the day before Mother’s Day, and the whole family’s outside working in the garden. We’re setting out the patio furniture, pulling weeds from the flower beds, getting everything prepped.
It’s tradition. Every Mother’s Day weekend, we get the garden ready early so that by June, all we have to do is plant.
Karissa is sitting with Cora on a blanket in the grass, playing with her and watching us. I can tell she’s not that comfortable around babies, but she’s trying. She’s talking to Cora, showing her how the toys work or what they do, but when she handles her, she’s very cautious. Like she’s afraid of hurting her.
I’ve been watching her like a hawk the last few days. Checking in on her before we go to sleep, when she wakes up, throughout the day. It’s like my subconscious is waiting for her to tell me she feels off. Because I can see it happening so quickly, and I want to be ready. I feel better that Ella is around, for the most part. Of course, if something would happen, I’m sure she would be at work. That’s my luck.
Addison’s voice cuts through my thoughts, snapping me back to the present.
She and Mason are bickering about something again—nothing serious, just their usual banter.
