by Hart, Lea
“I just sprung a child on you, and you’re acting like it’s not a big deal.”
“Honey, I spent fifteen years training and dealing with the unexpected. I was in more life-threatening situations than I can count. I had people’s lives in my hands, and I had to perform in extreme circumstances. The unexpected isn’t bad. We adapt and move on. Adding a baby to our family isn’t that big of a deal in the scheme of things.”
“I’m amazed that I was smart enough to find you and fall in love with you because you may be the best man on the planet.”
“You just keep thinking that, because I’m going to remind you of that when I screw up and you’re mad at me.”
“I think your reaction to this situation is going to give you a lot of credit for a long time to come.”
He held Sofia in his arms and gave her a kiss on her head and then gave one to Cary. “So, what do we do now?”
“We need to go shopping, because this sweet girl doesn’t have a thing except a small bag with some diapers and a couple of outfits.”
“Where do you want to go shopping?”
“I guess we can go to Babies R Us. They’ll have the best selection.”
“Tell me where it is so I can call David and have him meet us there. I have a feeling that we’re not going to fit everything in my truck.”
“That might be a good idea, because I have no idea how much we’re going to need.”
“I think the smaller they are, the more stuff they need. At least that’s what my sister is always saying. Do you want me to call her and get a list of what we need?”
“No, I think I want to meet them before you make a call like that. I think they’ll have a list at the store, so we can use that as a starting point.”
“I guess it worked out that we haven’t called my mom and dad yet to tell them that we’re engaged. Let’s call them tonight and tell them all of our good news at once.”
“I’m a little worried that they are not going to like me as much as they did. Your mom might not be that enthusiastic about me after she hears that I sprung a baby on you.”
“My mom likes you already. The fact that you are giving her a baby to play with so quickly is only going to cement that. We have just moved up the approval scale with very little effort on my part.”
He handed Sofia back to Cary. “Let me call David and then we can head out.”
“I’m going to check her diaper and then pack a bag.”
“It’s a good thing that I asked you to marry me last night.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because now you’ll never question my love for you. I asked you before we had a baby involved.”
She leaned over and kissed him. “I love you, Travis and I always will.”
“Me too, baby.” He felt little chubby hands grab his cheek and moved his head so he could kiss his new foster daughter. “I hope we get to keep her, because I think she likes me.”
“I’m sure she likes you. There isn’t a woman alive who can resist your charm.”
“That’s true.”
********
David sat in a rocking chair with Sofia while they waited for Cary and Travis to buy out the store. Apparently small babies required a lot of equipment. “You know, Sofia, I think we need to make sure that they get one of these chairs for your room, because they’re pretty comfortable.” He watched as she clapped her hands in agreement. “I think we need to get a couple of things straight right off the bat. I’m your Uncle David, and I will always be your favorite. I know this because I’ll buy you ice cream and probably whatever else you want.” He watched a little drool come out of her mouth as she smiled in response. He lifted the bottom of his T-shirt and wiped her face. “Sometimes you have to improvise.”
“Hello, David.”
David looked up from the baby and stared into Zoey’s pretty face. “Hi, Zoey.”
“I didn’t know you had a baby.”
“I don’t. This is Travis and Cary’s baby. They just got her today, and I’m helping out.”
“How did they get a baby?”
“Cary is a foster parent, and Sofia was delivered to their house today.” Sofia took that moment to grab David’s face and pull it toward her. He dropped a couple of kisses on her head, and that seemed to satisfy her that she remained the center of attention. She laid her head down on his chest, shoved her hand into her mouth and looked around. He started rubbing circles on her back as he rocked back and forth in the chair. “Nap time. She’s had a big day.”
Zoey sat down and studied him for a moment. “You’re really comfortable with her. Have you had a lot of experience?”
“I’m the oldest of five kids, and all of my siblings have children. I’m the most popular uncle in the family. My sister calls me the baby whisperer.”
“You’re a lot different than I thought you were. I never would expect to see you in a baby store on a Saturday afternoon.”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. I don’t know why you listen to gossip.”
They were interrupted by Cary and Travis walking up. “How are you two doing?” Cary asked.
David signaled that Sofia was about to fall asleep, and Cary dropped her voice. “We’re almost done. Do you want me to take her?”
He shook his head. “She just fell asleep. Just text me when you’re ready to load the cars.”
Zoey put her hand out to Cary and introduced herself. “I work with the guys at ASI. It’s nice to meet you.”
Cary took her hand and gave her a big smile. “It’s nice to meet you, too. Once we get settled, we’re going to have a house-warming party, and I hope you’ll come.”
“I would love that. I should go, because I need to get a gift and then be at a baby shower in an hour. I left it until the last minute, and I’m regretting it.”
“I’ve been there. Good luck. It was nice to meet you.”
Zoey waved to the group. Before she left, she looked at David one last time and gave him a small smile.
Travis looked at his best friend. “You’re welcome.”
“What am I thanking you for?”
“Zoey just looked at you completely differently, and you can thank my daughter for that. Babies are better than dogs for giving women a good impression.”
“Travis, she’s not ours,” Cary said. “We’re just foster parents.”
“What if we want to keep her?”
“I have no idea. Let’s get through the week and then figure it out.”
He shrugged. “I think they’ll let us keep her, if she comes up for adoption. Who better than us to raise a child?”
“We’re not married, so that puts us at a disadvantage.”
“We’re engaged, so we can go and get married this week.”
“Gosh, that’s so romantic. How could I resist?”
He swept her up in his arms and bent her over his arm and kissed the hell out of her. “I’ll show you romantic.”
David rocked back in forth in his chair in the middle of Babies R Us and just shook his head at the two of them. “Go and pay for your stuff so we can go home. There’s a lot still to be done. We have the crib and changing table to put together.”
They both looked at him and laughed. “When did he become the responsible one?” Cary asked.
“I’ve always been. It’s just been hidden under my naturally funny personality.” He continued to rock in the chair and rub Sofia’s back as he shook his head.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Travis sat at the kitchen table and drank his coffee while he attempted to get Sofia to eat some food. He tried yoghurt and cut up bananas. She was mostly playing with them and moshing them around. “I can tell you that Mom isn’t going to be very satisfied with our effort here. I think you’re wearing it and not eating it.” She banged her fist in response and then swiped a hand through her hair. “Let’s hope that bananas are good for your hair.”
Cary walked in and looked at the two of them and lost her heart…
again. “Hi, guys. How’s breakfast going?”
“It’s going in her hair, mostly.” He got up and wet a wash-cloth and wiped her face and hands. “I think another bath is in order.”
She kissed the baby on her head. “I’ll get her washed up after breakfast, and then we can go for a walk and try out the new stroller.”
“Why don’t I take you ladies out to breakfast? We can try the diner in town and see how it measures up against the one on Coronado.”
“Oh, that’s a good idea. Caroline, our social worker, is coming by this afternoon to give us all the information that she has about Sofia, and she also wants you to fill out some forms. We may have to go in for an interview later on this week.”
“OK, sounds easy.”
Cary took Travis’s hand and looked up at him. “Are you sure that you’re OK with all of this? I know it’s crazy and wouldn’t blame you if it was too much. This isn’t what you bargained for.”
“When I asked you to marry me, I meant it. No matter what comes our way, we’re going to figure out how to handle it. This is life, and we’re in it together.”
“I still can’t believe that you’re handling this so well.”
“Honey, this is easy. There is a beautiful baby girl who needs us, and we’re lucky that we have a chance at this.”
She kissed him and heard Sofia squeal. “I know, I like kissing Daddy because I love him.” Sofia clapped her hands in agreement. Cary said, “I knew you’d understand.”
********
They sat on the patio of the diner and enjoyed the view as Sofia sat in Cary’s lap and chewed on one of her new toys. Suddenly Travis said, “Sweetheart, I want you to listen to me and follow my directions closely. If you understand, I want you to smile at me and nod.”
Cary felt her heart speed up but showed no outward reaction as she smiled and nodded. “Tell me what you want me to do.”
“I want you to hand me the baby, and then I want you to get up and go to the bathroom, and when you stand up I want you to look at the kid who is standing in front of the pharmacy across the street and see if you recognize him.”
She continued to smile as she wiped the baby’s face. “When did you spot him?”
“He’s been following us since we hit Main Street, and I don’t like it. He looks like a kid, but there’s something off about him. He may be on drugs or suffering some sort of mental break-down.”
“Have you called someone?”
“I called David, but he may not be here in time to get a picture. I don’t want you to risk anything, so just go to the bathroom and take a look.”
“Should I be scared?”
Travis leaned forward. “Baby, there’s nothing to be scared of. I got this.” He gave her a kiss and then took Sofia and sat her on his lap.
Cary made a show of getting out a bag of Cheerios from her bag and took the opportunity to look across the street. She smiled as she spoke with Travis. “I don’t recognize him. He looks like he’s about to jump out of his skin. I think you’re right about him being on something.”
“Go to the bathroom and see if you can get a photo on your way back. I’m not real hopeful because I think he’s too far away. Hopefully David will have a chance to get here in time.”
Cary followed directions, made her way to the back of the restaurant and waited a few moments before she walked back to the table. As she got closer to the front, she realized that the kid was no longer there. Sitting down at the table, she leaned over and took Sofia back. “He’s gone.”
“I know. I saw him walk off a couple of minutes after you left the table. He doesn’t look like anyone you know?”
“No, I don’t know a lot of kids who are that age. I guess he could be an older brother of one of the students I’ve taught.”
“I wonder if he’s Sofia’s dad. We need to get as much information as we can from your friend today when she comes by. I want to be prepared if there’s someone out there who is threat to my family. I’m damn happy that I got the dog for us. I’m calling the woman who trained her, and we’re going tomorrow morning. I want us to be able to fully utilize all of the training that she’s had.”
“We better get her some treats if we’re going to put her to work.”
David walked up to their table. “The kid’s gone.”
“I know. He just left five minutes ago. I guess I need to feed you since you hustled out here.”
“It’s going to take more than breakfast to pay me back. I want a homemade dinner as well.”
Cary put her hand on his arm. “Come any night and I’ll be happy to make your favorite meal.”
He gave her a big, sexy smile. “This might be worth it.”
“Don’t smile at my wife that way. Give her a smile that you’d give your sisters.”
“You’re not married yet, and I gave her a perfectly innocent smile.”
“Are you both twelve?” Cary asked. “This sounds like a conversation that would happen in middle school.”
David held out his hands for Sofia and she went right to him. “Women can’t resist me.”
“The women in my family can….without a problem.” Travis said.
“Enough, you two. Is this the famous SEALs-competes-over-anything mentality?”
They both said “no” at the same time.
She shook her head at them as the waitress came up to take their order. “Never a dull moment around here.”
********
Nervous, Cary opened the front door. She wanted the interview to go well and hoped that she and Travis would pass with flying colors. “Hi, Caroline. Come on in.”
“Cary, don’t be nervous. This is going to be easy.”
“How come it doesn’t feel easy?”
“I’m not sure. I want Sofia to be placed with you, so I’m on your side.”
“Come in and let me introduce you to Travis.”
They walked into the house, and Cary realized that their new house was starting to feel like a home. There was a basket filled with toys and a blanket on the floor. Claire rested on her bed in the sunny corner next to the window, and Travis sat on the couch with Sofia asleep on his shoulder. He was watching a game with the sound muted. Travis smiled at the women as he gave a hand signal that the baby was asleep. He got up slowly and walked over to the Pack’N Play and gently placed Sofia inside. He adjusted her onesie and then came back to the women.
“Caroline, I would like to introduce you to my fiancé, Travis Mathers.” They shook hands, and Caroline took a moment to study Travis before she released his hand. Cary watched as her friend gave him an approving smile.
“Travis, nice to meet you. Congratulations. Cary told me that you two are recently engaged.”
“Thank you. Cary agreed to make me the happiest man in the world the other night when she agreed to marry me.” He put his arm around her and kissed her head. “I didn’t know that we were going to be in the family way so soon. I think it works out, though, because she wants six children. We need to get busy to make that happen, so if you have any more kids, just bring them on by.”
Caroline laughed and couldn’t decide if Travis was for real or not. She looked over at Cary and watched her shrug.
“I know,” Cary said. “He’s kind of overwhelming, isn’t he? It takes a while, but you get used to it.”
“Can we get you anything to drink before we sit down?” Travis asked.
“No, I’m fine. I have some information to give you both, and I have a packet of paperwork that I need to have Travis fill out.”
They all sat down on the couch, and as Caroline dug through her briefcase, Travis grabbed Cary’s hand and squeezed it. He touched his head to hers and spoke quietly. “Don’t worry. They’re not going to take her away from us.” He felt her let out a breath, and she kissed his cheek quickly in response. They were going to be fine, because there wasn’t another choice.
Caroline looked through her stack of paperwork and looked at both of them before she started. “So
fia’s story isn’t a happy one. Her mother was sixteen when she gave birth, and unfortunately she came from an unstable home. She hasn’t received a lot of support or guidance along the way. The father was sixteen as well and has a history of drug use. He also has a criminal record because he got caught hacking in to secure bank sites.
The couple were never stable, and Sofia’s birth didn’t help their situation. They tried briefly at the beginning to be parents, but they were never able to overcome the many challenges of having a child so young. The father became unstable and abusive as their failure as parents became evident. The mother ended up in a women’s shelter because she was scared that Sofia was going to become the next victim of the father’s temper. She eventually decided to put Sofia up for adoption because she wanted a better life for her daughter. I think it was the best decision she could’ve made.
I don’t know how she managed, but she got the father to sign off on his parental rights. This happened almost three months ago, and Sofia has been in the foster system since the mother relinquished her rights. The mother has moved away, and I believe the father is still in the area, though I can’t be sure.”
Travis sat up. “I think that’s who we saw yesterday. We were having breakfast in town, and I spotted a kid shadowing us for about an hour. We couldn’t get a picture, so I can’t run his face through the facial recognition software at work. He looked like he was high and perhaps a little unhinged.”
Caroline gave him a worried look. “Travis what’s your occupation?”
“I’m a retired navy SEAL lieutenant, and I work for a security company downtown called ASI. I work with a lot of former SEAL Team members.”
Cary looked over at Caroline. “I know it sounds worrisome when he starts speaking about facial recognition software, but I want you to know that there’s no better man than the one sitting next to me. In fact…”
“Honey, I don’t think she wants to hear all about that.”
