“Howd on,” Grace repeated, grabbing at Catherine’s scrubs as she reached for Derrick.
“Hey, Pumpkin,” Doc said as he greeted Grace. He took Derrick’s carrier and slung the diaper bag over his shoulder. “You’re doing great, listening. I can’t wait to tell Miss Avie. She might have a special sticker for you.”
“Yay,” Grace squealed. “Mama, I got sticker.”
“Good job,” Catherine praised her. “Can you hold my hand while we’re in the parking lot?”
Grace clasped her hand as they walked beside Doc and entered the hospital.
“Did Leo tell you to help me?” she asked skeptically.
“I drove back home. Sophie forgot her stuffed toy and won’t sleep without it,” he explained. “It’s a mere coincidence I bumped into you on my way back to the nursery.”
“Uh huh,” she said, smiling. “He texted me this morning. They’re in flight.”
“Listen, I know you’re tired. I want you to allow us to help you. If I left for weeks at a time, you’d be taking my kids.”
“Ha. I’d have to fight Maddie and Victoria,” she teased. “I’m good. Mom and Jake agreed to stay in the spare bedroom and help with the kids if I get overwhelmed.”
“We help each other. I expect you’ll tell us if you’re struggling,” he reminded her.
“I will. I promise,” she said as he held the door open for her and they proceeded to the nursery.
Kassie sat in a chair, feeding Sophie. “Oh, thank goodness you found it. I worried she’d keep all the babies up crying,” she said as she took the toy from Chase.
He set Derrick on the floor, lifting him from his carrier. “Phew, you smell like your father after he eats too many of Aunt Tess’ burritos.”
“Here, I can change him,” Catherine said, reaching for him.
Doc shooed her away. “I’ve become an expert in diaper changing. Sit and visit with my wife.”
“Did Leo and the guys get off all right?” Kassie asked her.
“Yeah. Melody cried for over an hour. Grace refused to let go of his neck. I think Derrick only stayed with me because I’m his walking milk factory. I barely got a kiss goodbye and a hug before Saint picked him up,” Catherine said. “I hope they get it handled swiftly. Poor Claire and Gabby have barely started showing, and then they have to deal with the stress of the men working overseas.”
“And you,” Kassie reminded her.
“It’s my fourth kiddo, I’m almost a pro,” Catherine said, lightly.
“Have you made any decisions? I’m sorry this ruined your surprise. It didn’t give you much time to talk to Leo,” Kassie said sadly.
“I’m having the baby. Regardless of how it got here, it’s still part of our family. After the last few days of rest and fluids, I feel better. Leo and I will discuss it when he returns. I’m driving him straight to the urologist myself. I’m demanding payment for acting as a walking billboard for why men must get their sperm count checked. Give it a month or two, and I’ll be sporting my huge baby belly to make it hit home,” she joked.
“Stop. It’s a beautiful bump, and you glow after you get past the morning sickness phase,” Kassie said, burping Sophie.
“It’s the sweat of an overworked mother who’s searching for her lost mind after having all these little monsters,” Catherine said, grinning. “I have to make the schedules for the floors.”
“Yes, you do,” Kassie said. “At lunch, you’ll eat with me, feed Derrick, and then you’ll take a nap. If I catch you working, I’ll send you home.”
“Kassie,” she exclaimed. “Tell me who else gets a nap when they’re pregnant.”
“It’s my hospital. If my nurses need an extra break, they get it. Both of us have covered the floor during special circumstances. We even sent Maria home when her legs swelled. We take care of each other because we’re family.”
“Fine. I’m not even trying to fight you. It feels good to get past the tired phase. I kept some peppermint tea down and some of Ty’s soup. How’s he handling Sparky leaving?” Catherine asked.
“I didn’t see him. Chase and I went to the facility before work and wished them luck. Bryanna brought them goodies for the trip, and Tess sent them all breakfast burritos. Stormy seemed upset and tried to act brave for Cole’s sake. I called her parents. They’re taking her to dinner this evening and watching a movie with her.
“Maybe we can schedule a girls’ night out and have a sleepover or something like we used to do. We have such anextended family, it’s difficult to keep track of everyone. I’m sure Gabby and Claire might like some support,” Catherine suggested. “We can have everyone at my house.”
