newborn’s downy head, Caroline nodded. “And I’ll love every minute of those years.” She kissed the baby’s head.
“Looks like you’ve got an unhappy one over here,” Paige said walking to the squirming baby. “Hey, precious,” she cooed. “What’s the problem?” She stroked the baby’s head. “Can I pick him up? Or is it her? I didn’t even know you were having twins. You sure do know how to keep a secret.”
Caroline chuckled. “Let me introduce you. In my lap is Mr. Austin Montgomery. Wiggling under your hand is Ms. Britney Montgomery. And, yes, please pick her up but you might want to check her diaper first.”
“Hello, Britney,” Paige said in a soothing voice. “Let’s check that diaper.” Finding Britney’s diaper wet, Paige put on a fresh one before pressing the tiny infant against her chest. “Oh, she’s so pretty,” she said as she nuzzled Britney’s head. “I love the smell of newborns. I think they smell like innocence.”
Caroline chuckled again. “Yeah, well, if you’d pushed these two out, you wouldn’t think them so innocent.”
“That’s okay,” she cooed to the baby tucked under her chin. “Your momma doesn’t mean it.” She made her way to the room’s rocking chair and sat. “God, I love babies,” Paige said after setting the chair moving with her foot. “Especially those I can play with and give back.”
Caroline giggled. “Did you get into the house okay?”
Paige studied the glow on her friend’s face and knew there was no way she was going to bring any worries into this room.
“Not a problem.” If you don’t count the uninvited and unwanted and way-too-sexy roommate.
“I bet it was filthy.”
Paige shrugged. “Pretty much what you would expect for a house that’s been empty for a while.”
The door opened to admit a ridiculously happy Travis Montgomery. He stepped to the bed to kiss his wife before turning to Paige.
“Good morning. You’re looking mighty fine this morning.”
Paige laughed. “You’re in a mighty fine mood this morning.”
He took a sleeping Austin from his mother’s arms to snuggle. “That’s ’cause I’ve got a mighty fine wife and two—count ’em—two children.” He kissed the top of Austin’s head. “How’s my little man?”
“Your little man can poop like one of your horses,” Caroline said.
“Good boy,” Travis cooed.
“And your daughter can belch like her Uncle Jason.”
“Genetics comes through again.”
Paige stood. “I’ve got to get moving. I just wanted to drop off those gifts.”
“Hold on. Let me open them.” Caroline dragged both gift bags into her bed. From the first, she pulled the two receiving blankets and two newborn sleepers. “Thank you,” Caroline said. “I’m pretty sure we can’t have too many of these.”
“Check the other bag,” Paige suggested.
Caroline pulled out a long, sheer, sexy black nightgown. “Oh. That’s beautiful.” She held the gown up to Travis. “Paige got you something too.”
Travis whistled. “I’m gonna look good in that.”
Caroline rolled her eyes at Paige, which made both women laugh.
“Thanks again for coming by,” Caroline said. “I’m glad to hear my uncle’s place is going to work for you.”
“What are you talking about?” Travis said.
“I meant to tell you but it totally slipped my mind. I’ve rented Angus’s house to Paige for a while. You know I hated letting it sit there to rot. I’m thrilled someone’s making good use of it.”
“But—”
Paige gave Travis a pair of wide eyes and a subtle shake of her head. “Thanks again, Caroline. I’ll take good care of it.” She stood. “Do you want Britney back in the bassinet or in your bed?”
Caroline held out her arms. “Here.”
Paige transferred the now sleeping baby to her mother and headed for the door.
“I’ll be right back,” Travis said to his wife, laying a sleeping Austin in his crib. “I need to have a word with Paige.”
Caroline
Learning to Kill: Stories