Page 109 of Handle Me

Penny snuggled in my arms while Belle ran to the bathroom. I didn’t have much experience with babies, but I could see what all the fuss was about.

Not that I wanted a baby. Maybe ever.

But she was cute, so small and pink and perfect. I grabbed my phone and took a quick selfie with her and sent it to Anders.

Baby snuggles.

His response was swift.

Uh-oh. You coming down with a case of baby fever, boss?

I rolled my eyes. Considering the man sent me at least fifteen pictures of Baxter a day, he was one to talk. That man loved our dog. On second thought, putting ideas into his head about babies might be a bad idea.

A woman can hold a baby without falling victim to that ailment.

Don’t worry.

I added the last bit so he wouldn’t think I was feeling him out on the whole baby thing. I was perfectly content to keep him all to myself.

I mean, we could practice.

Like right now.

I snorted and Penny stirred in my arms. Carefully, I rocked her back to sleep while responding.

I’m in Sussex.

I think you have baby fever.

I wouldn’t put it past him. I’d seen him with the dog, after all.

Come and find out.

On second thought, I don’t want you to drive in the dark.

Love swelled in my chest, and I found myself kissing Penny’s soft forehead. Was this how it happened? One day you just realized you’d found your person, and then everything fell into place? Life? Babies? The future?

You worry too much.

But I smiled as I sent it.

I love you too much.

I brushed my fingers over Penny’s fine, silvery baby hair. Practicing couldn’t hurt, could it?

Raincheck for this weekend?

…

You’re on, boss.

JANUARY

Your Highness: You. Me. Scotland. This weekend.

Boss: I could be convinced.

Wasn’t a question. Mum is taking Baxter. We are puppy-free.