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She looked at me like I’d lost my mind. The jaundiced shade of her skin was becoming more prominent daily. A nurse checked Kensi in the mornings, mid-day, and before bed, but I worried those days were running out too quickly.
“I’m Kensi, Daddy. A strong woman who accepts no rejection.”
I tilted my head sideways. “Who told you that, Kens?”
“Mommy.”
“And the tiara and dress?” I pointed to Laila.
My mother set a plate of baby cupcakes on the table. “That was my idea. Doesn’t she look cute?”
“They’ll get a sugar rush, Mom.”
“It’s a good thing those are sugar free.” She winked.
I’d once heard somewhere that sons choose women who remind them of their mothers; I’d be lucky to have a partner with my mother’s compassion, wit, and selflessness.
“Thanks, Mom.”
“You’re welcome. Now, maybe one day Laila will want hiking gear, but now she wants a tiara. Or maybe you’ll have a boy whom you’ll get to dress in fireman outfits. My point is, if Laila wants sparkles, she gets sparkles. She’s a toddler, James.”
“Okay, okay. I get it, and I am sorry.”
She ruffled the top of my head, and I reached up to fix it. “Mo-ohm,” I whined, raking my fingers through the perfectly combed strands.
“Daddy, cookie.” Laila fed me another biscuit.
“Hey, Mom,” I called out through the falling crumbles. “Remember the two security guards we hired for Colorado? Hunter had them dressed as nutcrackers.”
“I know exactly who you’re talking about because the girls came highly recommended. One of them got sick on the trip and the other one left after the avalanche.”
Laura.
“Who recommended them?”
“Your father’s surgeon, Dr. Young. One of them was his daughter. He works at Manhattan General. His wife leads cancer research there as well.”
“Tom Young was dad’s surgeon.”
“He wouldn’t have made the recommendation if she wasn’t a good fit. What was her name?” My mother shut her eyes and opened them again just as quick. “Laura. Laura Young. Wasn’t she a good fit?”
“Yes, she was perfect.”
My mother’s brows moved into their inquisitive position, but I could also trust her.
“What do you know about Dr. Young?” I asked.
“Which one? The surgeon? Great, as you know. His wife works in cancer research, and he saved your father's life. He bragged about her prestigious awards at every appointment. He bragged about his daughter graduating from the police academy as well. They’re both extremely talented doctors and very committed to their work. I imagine their daughter is just as great at her job.”
“She’s good, but it’s not easy for a single mother.”
“How do you know she’s a single mother?”
I rose from the mini chair that barely fit my ass and stretched. My bones ached. My cousin’s planned operation couldn’t come fast enough, so I could rest. The girls retreated to a corner fort built from cushions, pillows, and blankets.
“I bumped into Laura at the hospital and drove her and her son home.”
“Dr. Young is a grandfather? Your father saw him a few months ago for a routine checkup. I’m surprised he didn’t mention anything.”
