Page 34 of Talk Wicked to Me

“I’m glad you liked them.” As she and Ginger settled on the couch, she said, “I still can’t believe Baz had such a pretty desk and bookshelves lying around.”

“Lying around?” Madigan asked.

“Well, he wasn’t using them yet, so I guess you could say they were lying around,” Ginger said.

“What do you mean?”

“They were his grandfather Mike’s,” Ginger explained. “Before moving into the assisted living facility, Mike had moved from the home where he’d lived with Baz’s grandmother into Baz’s uncle Preacher and aunt Reba’s house.”

“They’re my parents,” Madigan chimed in.

“At that time, Mike let each of the kids pick out something special of his for themselves. Baz chose his desk and bookshelves to use in his home office,” Ginger explained.

“My dad owns a renovations business, and Baz used his workshop to refinish the furniture,” Madigan explained. “He hadn’t gotten around to moving them out of the workshop yet, which is why he wasn’t using them.”

“Oh.” Emerson was floored that he’d lend her something so personal. “I’ll make sure he takes them back right away.”

“Don’t worry about that,” Ginger said.

“If you’d seen how happy he was to let you use them, you wouldn’t feel bad,” Madigan said as she put the empty cooler by the front door and carried a glass of juice into the living room.

“Still. They belong with family.”

“Honey, really, there’s no rush,” Ginger reassured her. “Why don’t I hold Brennan for a minute and give you a break.”

Emerson was still shaky, so she handed Brennan to Ginger. “Thank you.”

“It’s my pleasure. Hello, Brennan,” Ginger said softly. “Aren’t you a handsome little guy.”

“Here you go, Em.” Madigan handed her the glass of juice and sat down.

“Thank you.” She took a sip. “Your family has been so good to me. I really appreciate everyone’s help, and the food, and this.” She motioned to Ginger loving up her baby.

“We’re happy to help,” Madigan said. “And as you can see, my aunt Ginger hates babies, but she’s willing to take a hit for the team.”

Emerson smiled.

“Yes, I am,” Ginger said in a high-pitched voice, speaking to Brennan. “Someone has to soak up your cuteness.” She turned a thoughtful gaze to Emerson. “Would you like me to make you something to eat? I can warm up one of the dishes we brought or make you something else.”

“No, thank you. I’m fine.”

“Well, let me know if you change your mind.” Ginger returned her attention to Brennan, cooing, “You have your mama’s eyes and your mama’s nose.”

“He’s so tiny and cute and perfect,” Madigan said.

“Yeah. I think I’ll keep him,” Emerson joked.

Madigan picked up the paperback Emerson had been reading from the end table. “Hey, you read romance?”

“Yeah. I’m a developmental editor. I edited that book.”

“Really? That must be a fun job,” Madigan said.

“It doesn’t suck,” Emerson said.

“Uh-oh.” Ginger pushed to her feet. “Someone needs a clean diaper.”

“I’ll change him,” Emerson said, pushing to her feet.