Forgotten Lullaby by Rita Herron Read Free Book Online

Emma’s heart swelled. Carly had a small round face with big brown eyes, incredibly long lashes and dimples that appeared as she smiled. Her fair coloring and golden hair resembled Emma’s own, but the rest of Carly’s face reminded her of Grant. She was adorable.
    â€œHi there, Carly,” Emma said, instinctively reaching for her.
    â€œAre you sure you’re up to holding her?” Grant asked. “The doctor said you shouldn’t lift anything for a few more days.”
    â€œI’m still sore, but maybe if you helped me…” She met Grant’s gaze. “She’s so precious. I really want to hold her.”
    For a brief second she thought moisture glistened in Grant’s eyes, but he swallowed, then nodded and lowered Carly into her arms, keeping his hand underneath Carly’s body to support her weight.
    â€œShe looks like you.” Emma pulled the blanket away and studied Carly’s fingers. “Did you dress her?”
    â€œI did this morning. But Kate must have changed her into this sleeper. She goes through a million clothes a day.”
    Emma chuckled and ran her finger over the soft pink terry-cloth fabric, smiling at the little white bunnies on the front.
    â€œShe has your button nose.” Grant pressed his finger on the top of Carly’s nose. “And your long fingers. Maybe she’ll play the piano like you.”
    Emma stroked Carly’s hand and smiled, feeling the painful tug on her heart again when Carly wrapped her fingers around her own. “Does she like it when I play?”
    â€œShe loves it. Especially ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.’ I swear she gurgles the minute you start playing.” He stroked her hand tenderly. “And her favorite lullaby is ‘Hush Little Baby.’”
    Emma smiled, her vision blurring as she hummed the song. Grant tucked his hand over hers and she stared at their fingers, splayed over Carly’s small ones. Grant gently brushed his other hand along Emma’s cheek, his eyes filled with emotion. Emma tensed, unsure aboutthe intimacy of their connected hands and the hunger in his dark gaze.
    â€œDo you want dinner in here?” Kate asked, interrupting the moment.
    â€œSure.” Suddenly nervous about being alone with Grant, Emma hoped Kate would stay in the room. “Thanks, sis.”
    Grant threaded his fingers through his hair again and shot Kate an agitated look. “I’m not very hungry. I’ll wait till later.”
    â€œOkay, Emma and I can eat together and talk,” Kate said. “Just like old times.”
    Her college days flashed into Emma’s head. She smiled at Kate again, thinking of the fun they’d had. “Are you going to tell me about all your old dates?”
    Kate laughed. “You wish.”
    The doorbell rang and Grant got up to answer it. Seconds later, he returned, a tall blond man by his side. “You remember Detective Warner from the hospital, Emma?”
    â€œYes.” Emma’s fingers tightened around Carly as she stared at his uniform.
    â€œSorry to interrupt your homecoming, ma’am.” Emma shrugged, and the young detective shifted on one booted foot, refusing a seat when Grant motioned to the chair. Carly whimpered, prompting Kate to ease her from Emma and thrust a bottle into her mouth.
    â€œDid you find the car that hit Emma?” Grant asked.
    â€œNot yet,” the detective replied in a thick New York accent. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”
    Grant angled his head toward the kitchen. “Maybe we’d better talk alone.”
    Emma’s heart pounded as the officer glanced backand forth between her and Grant. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”
    Grant stared at the policeman, then cleared his throat and looked at Emma. “It’s nothing you need to worry about, sweetheart.”
    Emma’s fingers curled into fists in her lap.