“That nobody tells her she was born while Dad was having a mild panic attack.”
Sam burst out laughing, and I shook my head.
“Don’t listen to them, princess. I was not panicking.” I looked at Sam and Zoey.
“He absolutely was.” Zoey looked at Sam.
“Wes, sweetheart. You asked the doctor if babies could breathe in there,” Sam said.
“Okay. Okay. In my defense, it was a stressful situation. I was worried. I’m already outnumbered, aren’t I?”
“I think so, sweetheart,” Sam said.
“You definitely are. Girl power.” Zoey grinned. “Don’t worry, little sister. I’ll teach you everything you need to know. And I’ll protect you from Mom’s literary rants and lectures.”
“Hey,” Sam said, and I laughed.
I stared down at my daughter and then at the other two loves of my life. This was success, and the only thing in life that mattered.
I wasin my study working, since I’d taken the last two weeks off from the office. I hadn’t heard a word from my grandmother since she was removed from the board, and Ididn’t care. As far as I was concerned, she was out of my life for good.
“Your daughter is defective,” Zoey said, walking into my study, holding Charlotte against her chest.
“My daughter?” I smirked.
“Yes. She refuses to sleep unless someone is holding her.”
“I know that. Pretty smart kid, don’t you think?”
Zoey rolled her eyes. “Mom fell asleep twenty minutes ago, and I offered to help because I’m such a wonderful daughter and big sister. But apparently, Charlotte doesn’t appreciate my sacrifice.”
“Why? What’s wrong?” I stood and walked over to her.
“Nothing. She just keeps making these disgusting grunting noises.” She looked down at her.
“That’s normal,” I said.
“How do you know?”
“I read all the books.” I smiled.
“Of course you did. Here, take her. I have homework to do.”
“It’s summer. You’re not in school,” I said.
“Well, the guy from the country club texted me and wants to go on a date. I have to check him out first.”
My eyes narrowed. “Okay. Let me know what you find and if you need any help. I can have my people do some digging.”
“You’re hilarious, Dad.” She walked out laughing.
I took Charlotte over to my desk and sat down. I couldn’t stop staring at her as I held her in my arms. I thought my life was complete when I’d met Sam and Zoey, but now, since Charlotte was born, my life was more complete than I ever could have imagined.
One Month Later
Samantha
I took Zoey and Charlotte shopping. It was a beautiful day, and we were strolling down the street, Zoey with an iced coffee in hand, while my hands gripped the handle of the stroller. We stepped through the doors of Bloomingdale’s and went straight to the baby section. I saw an adorable pink blanket with little bows.
