Page 160 of Our Chaotic Love Affair

Tears streamed down my face as Melody shifted him in her arms so I could see better. I’d never felt anything like this before, this overwhelming rush of love and protectiveness for a person I’d just met. This tiny human who was part Melody, part Austin, and somehow already his own complete self.

“Do you want to hold him?” Melody asked.

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. She carefully transferred him into my arms, showing me how to support his head. He was so light. So fragile. I looked down at his perfect little face and completely lost my heart.

“Hello,” I whispered. “I’m your Auntie Cleo. I’ve been waiting so long to meet you.”

His eyes flickered open—dark blue, unfocused—and I swore he looked right at me. A sob caught in my throat.

“Congratulations,” Cash said, walking over. “He’s beautiful.”

“Thanks.” Austin looked down at his son. “I can’t believe he’s here. I can’t believe he’s mine.”

“Ours,” Melody corrected.

“Ours,” Austin agreed.

Cash peered over my shoulder and stared at his newest nephew.

“Want to hold him?” Austin offered.

“I’m good.”

“Come on. You’re his uncle.”

“I’ll hold him in a couple months. When he’s less fragile.”

“He’s not going to break.”

“I might break him.”

I laughed. “Cash Bancroft, afraid of a seven-pound baby.”

“I’m not afraid. I’m being cautious.”

“I’m going to spoil you rotten,” I told the little bundle. “I’m going to be the fun aunt. The one you call when you’re in trouble.”

I looked up and found everyone watching me. Melody was eating crackers from my care package. Austin had his arm around her. Cash was staring at me like I’d just solved world peace.

“What?” I asked.

“Nothing,” Melody said, smiling. “It’s just that you’re already amazing at this.”

“I’m just holding him.”

“You’re already in love with him. We can tell.”

She was right. I was completely in love with this tiny human who couldn’t even hold up his own head yet.

“How was it?” I asked. “I mean once you got through the pain.”

“Honestly, I don’t think it was that bad.” She started talking about the birth.

Cash’s face went white. “Maybe we don’t need all the details.”

“Oh, this is nothing,” Melody said. “Wait until I tell you about the placenta.”

“Please don’t.”