I just got someone to help.
Me
Just?
Nick
…
My chest shakes with laughter as I picture Nick’s furrowed brow, searching the aisles for Mylicon drops. If I had to guess, he’s looking in the pharmacy, and the drops are likely in the infant aisle. We’re going to have to work on his ability to ask for help.
Although he did manage to text me tonight. So that’s a good sign.
I look down to see that Zoey’s eyelashes are fluttering. She’s fighting the urge to fall asleep, which is a good sign. Poor thing has to be exhausted from all the crying. I give it a few more minutes, and finally she dozes off.
Waiting to be sure, I watch two more minutes of the cartoonbefore I’ve had enough. I grab the remote and scan the channels until I land on Hallmark. A Christmas show I’ve already seen is playing, which is perfect. I don’t want to get sucked into anything new, because Nick will be back soon.
I’ve been watching the prince fall for the nanny, remembering how much I enjoyed this one, when the picture freezes before the cable box resets itself. When the screen comes back on, the movie resumes a minute before the part where it last cut off. I’m listening to the same words as before, and again, the television malfunctions.
“Strange.”
The front door closes, alerting me to the fact that Nick has returned.
“I’ve got the Mylicon drops.” His footsteps falter, and he stops right inside the room. “She’s asleep?”
I glance down at Zoey, still asleep in my arms, and nod, not wanting to wake her.
“Thank god.” He throws the grocery bag on the couch, taking a seat next to me. “You’re the best.”
I smile, bringing one finger to my lips.
Nick winces, mouthingsorry.
I place her on the floor, creating a barricade around her. It won’t keep an awake one-year-old contained, but at the very least, it’ll keep her from rolling around in her sleep.
When I’m satisfied with my makeshift crib, I walk to the kitchen, which is still in the same room, but a little farther from the sleeping baby.
“Do you have her overnight?” I ask, as Nick pours himself a glass of water.
He takes a long drink, sighing after he’s drained the glass. “I don’t know. My brother-in-law is working overnight, and my sister had to take herself to the hospital.”
My eyes widen. “What happened to her?”
“She has a bad stomach bug and is likely dehydrated. So, there’s a good chance Zoey will be here overnight.”
“Oh crap,” I say, glancing toward Zoey. “I bet you she has the same stomach bug that your sister has.”
His mouth drops open, and his head snaps toward Zoey. “Do you think?”
“Yes, and if I were you, I would get some towels and a bowl because it might be a long night.”
He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. “I don’t know if I can watch her be sick.”
I attempt to cover my smirk. “Do you have a weak stomach?”
Nick narrows his eyes at me, lifting one eyebrow. “Nothing weak about it. I just mean, it will be horrible to watch her like that.”
My heart melts. He’s such a good uncle, and it makes me wonder if he ever wanted kids.
