CHAPTER 13
After the men disappeared outside,Naomi shifted Grace in her arms, adjusting the blanket around the infant’s tiny shoulders. The baby had fallen asleep again, her breathing soft and even, her face peaceful in that complete, trusting way newborns had.
“She’s beautiful.” Her mom moved closer and brushed a finger along Grace’s cheek, her expression tender. “Just perfect.”
“She really is.” Millie settled into the chair Karen had vacated. “I know the circumstances are complicated, but Naomi—this baby is lucky to have you.”
Naomi looked down at the sleeping child and felt something tighten in her chest. Lucky? Maybe.
Or maybe Naomi was the lucky one. She wasn’t sure yet.
“What can I do to help?” Millie asked. “I mean it. Whatever you need—nights, feedings, diaper runs. I’m here.”
“Thank you.” Naomi’s voice came out quieter than she meant it to. “I’ll probably take you up on that.”
She hesitated, then glanced down at her feet where the yellow lab was stretched out on the floor, nose tucked under one paw, completely content. “Actually, there is something I need helpwith. I need to put something on social media about the dog. You know, in case someone’s looking for him.”
The words came out reluctantly. Part of her didn’t want to post anything at all. Didn’t want to open the door to someone claiming him, taking him away.
The dog had been with her less than twenty-four hours, but he already seemed like he belonged here. Like he was hers.
She looked at the sleeping animal and felt a pang of something she didn’t want to name.
“I can do that,” Millie said, understanding in her voice. “I’ll take a photo, write something up, and post it on the county pages. Easy.”
“Thank you,” Naomi said. “When my cousin comes by later, I’ll have her scan for a microchip.”
Her mom shifted, pulling her phone from her pocket. “What about the accident? Have you called your insurance company yet?”
Naomi blinked. She hadn’t. She hadn’t even thought about it since pulling into the driveway yesterday. “No. I suppose I need to do that too.”
“Let me,” her mom insisted. “You’ve got enough on your plate. Just give me your policy number, and I’ll handle it.”
Naomi started to protest. Shecoulddo it herself. Maybe she evenshoulddo it herself.
Then Grace made a small sound in her sleep, and Naomi’s hand instinctively moved to settle her. The baby quieted.
That made her decision for her.
“Okay,” Naomi said. “Thank you, Mom.”
Her mom smiled. “That’s what I’m here for.”
Millie pulled out her phone and snapped a quick photo of the dog. Mom moved toward the kitchen, murmuring something about finding Naomi’s insurance card in the Expedition.
Naomi let herself just be. Just hold Grace. Just breathe.
The peace lasted only a few moments before her phone buzzed on the table beside her.
She glanced at the screen, and her stomach dropped.
It was Gio again.
Hey. Just following up. Have you thought any more about my last text? I’d really like to come visit. We should talk.
Naomi stared at the message.
She hadn’t answered him earlier. She hadn’t known what to say then, and she still didn’t know now.
But she couldn’t put him off forever.
