Page 61 of Rescue Plans


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Chapter Fifteen

Bummer! Where was she going to find a babysitter that the caseworker would approve of, and most importantly Annabelle would accept as a substitute for her loving mommy?

Ready to beg for help, Arianna started with Barbara.

“No, I don’t have time. I’ve already replaced you, flying with Captain Lopez. I’m not ready to continue. Find your babysitter, or I’ll find a new flight nurse.”

Arianna scrolled through her contacts and called an old neighbor who was at home knitting all day long, another flight nurse, a sales clerk she’d met at the mall. No one wanted to take care of her adorable baby.

“Why is everyone in a lousy mood, sweetie pie? Your daddy Rafael is frowning all the time.” Her phone rang, and she recognized her friend Claudia.

“Arianna, where are you, girlfriend? I haven’t heard from you in so long. Are you still flying with the handsome captain?”

“Yes, but... Hey Claudia, I have so much to tell you. Come and have lunch with me, or a coffee, if you have some free time today.”

“Lunch sounds good. Where do we meet?”

“You can come over to my new condo in Aventura.”

“Your what?” Claudia squealed. “You bought a condo? Coming today. Give me the address.”

“That’s great! See you soon. I’ll text you the address.”

As soon as the call ended, she sent the text and turned to the baby.

“Annabelle sweetie, we’re going to cook for Auntie Claudia. You’ll use your cutest smile to convince her to work evening shifts at the hospital and babysit you a few hours a day. Hmm, I hope it works.”

Arianna rolled the pack-and-play into the kitchen and mixed a spinach salad with arugula, palm hearts, and artichokes.

“Perfect for the woman who carefully watches her diet. I’ll make a fruit salad with strawberries and blueberries, and finish off with cappuccino and cream.”

She set the table using the fancy Italian plates left by the previous owner. “Now, we get dressed.” She made sure Annabelle looked adorable in a pink romper that left her legs bare and smelled delicious thanks to her special baby powder.

She donned a short dress printed in brown and orange for the autumn season and pulled her hair back into a ponytail, held in place by a large barrette.

“Oh my God, this place is so perfect, so elegant. Look at the view.” Head high, her gaze fixed on the bay window, Claudia sprinted in and stumbled on... “What the... is that? A baby? When did you have time for a baby? I know you’re efficient,” she laughed, “but still...”

“Chill out. Go look at the view and then come and sit down. I have so much to tell you.”

“I’ll bet.” Claudia oohed and aahed at the view before returning to stare at Annabelle who giggled. “Oh my God, she’s so cute. Can I hold her?”

“Sure, but I warn you, once you hold her, she won’t let you go.”

Ten minutes later, it was Claudia who couldn’t let go of Annabelle.

“You’re the lucky one. I wish I could find the right man and make a beautiful baby. So how did you manage it? The last time I saw you, you lived in the slums and didn’t want anyone to see your place.”

“I’ll tell you while we eat. Let me put Annabelle in her swing. I’m trying to teach her good habits. Like respect Mommy and Daddy’s dinnertime.”

“Who’s Daddy?” Claudia asked as she filled her plate with salad.

“AMiller Litewith lunch?”

“Sure. I’m off work this afternoon. I’m listening.”

Arianna told her about Rafael. “I’m hopelessly in love, but so far we live day by day.” And she related Annabelle’s story. “We found her in Everglades City, almost dead. I insisted we take her to Dr. Mason.”

“No way. You hated him and his son.”

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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