Page 133 of Under His Guard

“I can’t believe her birthday is coming up so soon. She’s already seven months old.”

Luke nods, sitting down in a chair next to Daphne. “I know. Nothing makes time move faster than having a baby.”

I nod at him with my eyebrows raised. “Right?”

With the snacks and a little bottle in tow, I head over to the table and present my offering to the Great Milk Monster.

“How was therapy?” I kiss Luke before I sit next to him.

“Good. Same old, same old. But I think the techniques are working for the nightmares.”

Smiling excitedly, I smooth my hand down Luke’s cheek.

“Good! That’s something. Don’t forget how much you’ve grown in seven months, either.”

Luke becomes bashful, like he usually does, turning his head away.

“Yeah, yeah. Also, Cam is trying to cancel on Friday, so I need you to guilt-trip him into coming.”

With a chuckle, I help Daphne with a piece of cereal.

“Me? Why me?”

“Because everyone else has already tried, and we need us all on board for this.”

Shaking my head at him, I roll my eyes at Luke and give Daphne a few more pieces.

“Fine, fine. I’ll help.”

Daphne chows down on her little snacks, getting through half her milk. We save the rest for bedtime after her bath, putting it in the fridge.

After splashes and more adorable giggles, including some particularly great ones after Luke gives her a bubble hat, Daphne is dry, warm, and ready for bed.

I run to the kitchen and grab the milk, meeting Luke and the baby at the changing table where she’s chewing on her favorite teether.

“Oh, man, another tooth?” I sigh. “Do we have more of that clove stuff?”

Luke smiles down at Daphne, answering me in a singsong voice.

“Already on there.”

“Oh, you’re amazing.”

I kiss him on the cheek, and he lifts up Daphne to bring her to the crib.

“Hmm, I’m going to hide the milk, then.”

“Smart,” Luke whispers.

He lays her down while I turn on her music and soft light, which makes stars on the ceiling, added in for good measure.

I sing her a little song I made up, and we each lean over to struggle through a few kisses.

Luke looks back over his shoulder. “Night, baby girl. See you in the morning.”

Closing the door as I leave, I whisper one last time.

“Good night, Daphne. First in a long line of superheroes.”

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