“Aunt Maddy, please,” I whine. “I’m afraid your nerves are contagious.”
She kisses the side of my head and squeezes my shoulder. “Okay, baby, I’ll get going. I’m so proud of you. Do well this week.”
“Have fun on your trip. I truly mean it.”
Aunt Maddy grins, backing down the garden path. “Thanks, we will.”
Ugh.We.
Seriously, I gotta stop grimacing at the thought of Mr. Stuffy. She’s crazy nervous because she likes him so much. I gotta practice being happy for her, plain and simple.
David’s car fires up the moment Milo answers the front door.
“Hey,” he says in a somewhat croaky voice.
“Did you just wake up?”
He adjusts his glasses, stifling a yawn. “Yeah. Stayed up too late reading.”
“Nerd,” I cough.
Milo smirks and picks up Gandalf’s carrier from beside my feet. “It had to be a better night than you had. This guy kept you up all night, huh?”
I blow out a hard breath and grab my two duffel bags. I follow Milo inside as he carries Gandalf and the baby bag. My nostrils twitch as my eyes drift along Milo’s shoulder blades. How does he smell so good first thing in the morning?
Jamie, no. What are you thinking? Stop it.
I drop my bags and shake out my hands. “Sorry again about texting you in the middle of the night.”
Milo shakes his head. “I already told you; you don’t have to be sorry about that.”
I rub my temples. “Man, my head is throbbing.”
“Yeah, you look super tired. So, having a baby isn’t the greatest?”
“He’s an absolute monster.” My gaze lands on the invitingly comfy couch. “Do you mind if I take a nap?”
“Not at all. Did you want to go to my room?” Milo asks, sending a thumb over his shoulder toward the stairs. “Mom already changed the sheets for you.”
I slink around the couch and flop onto the pillowy soft cushions. “Nope. I’m good right here.”
“I’ll take your bags upstairs for you.”
“Oh.” It takes me off guard because it sounds so gentlemanly. “Okay, thanks.”
Milo smiles. “No problem.”
I settle on the couch, and my crusty eyes close immediately. My body relaxes without the threat of Gandalf’s nearby cries.
Sixteen
Mystomachgrumblessohard it wakes me up. The house is quiet, which means everyone is still out, watching Kai’s game. It’s gotta be around midday, maybe a bit later. I look over the back of the couch and see no sign of Milo.
I make my way upstairs and hear narration coming from the TV. I step onto the second-floor landing and find Milo, chilling on the couch with Gandalf reclined beside him.
“Wow, you two look comfy,” I comment.
Milo laughs. “I figured it was okay because he hasn’t fussed.”
