Cars of course—he had a second crib set up in the master bedroom.
The nursery was just a few steps away from the master bedroom, but apparently Orlando wanted him even closer. She didn’t think it was possible for her heart to swell any further, but it did. The warm and fuzzy feelings continued even after her little Oreo’s initial loving reaction to seeing her again began to wear off as what Felicia had suggested happened. His nap hadn’t been long enough, and he started to get cranky.
The utter bliss of having the baby finally in her arms again was having a contradicting effect on her mindset about this. She’d begun to consider the possibility of coming clean sooner than later about everything. From the little she knew about Orlando, he already seemed like a sweet enough guy. He might be understanding, and she could stop losing sleep over him finding out the truth another way. Now she couldn’t decide what the bigger risk was. Telling him the truth and risk him not understanding and getting banned from Oreo’s life forever or not telling him and risk this blowing up in her face—and getting banned from Oreo’s life forever. Shaking off her worries for now because the baby was getting fussier by the minute, Danica was quick to pull the bottle from the fridge and warm it. She sat in the nursery’s rocking chair, feeding him as she too began to feel a little drowsy. Between worrying and being so excited about being with the baby again, she hadn’t gotten much sleep the last several nights. When he was done with his bottle, she burped him then changed him before attempting to put him down in his crib. Except the moment she tried to, he protested immediately, holding his hands up for her, and began to whimper.
“Baby, that’s not how this works,” she whispered, patting him gently on the side of his tush. “You’ve been fed and changed. I’m not Felicia. I’m doing this right.”
No sooner had she said the words than she was already giving in and picking him up. It was her first day back. Bootcamp could start tomorrow. Or next week for that matter. The moment he was back in her arms, he settled down snuggling into her and resting his head on her shoulder with a sigh. She walked to Orlando’s room, wondering if maybe he was just used to that crib and not the one in the nursery. But after trying to put him down in that one and getting the same reaction, he was back in her arms. Orlando’s bed was so big and inviting she couldn’t help being drawn to it, especially after yawning a few times. It gave her an idea. This was totally against what she’d normally do but, given that it was the first day of their reunion, she’d bend the rules just this one time. She put him down on the bed, and just like in the crib, he began to pout, so she lay next to him. He was instantly acquiesced as he snuggled up next to her. Danica lay sideways, luluing him as his tired little eyes began to droop. She kissed his little head again and again as her fingers massaged his still near bald head. Her own eyelids felt heavy with slumber, and as the baby fell asleep contently, she allowed herself to close her eyes just one time.
“He’s perfect, Angie,” Danica held him out for Angie to see. “He had his one-month checkup. He’s already gained two pounds, and his heart murmur is almost gone. You did good, girl.”
She wouldn’t even turn to look at them. “I can’t. I just can’t, Dani. Oh, my God I can’t believe I’m so pathetic.”
“You’re not,” Danica assured her for the millionth time. “It’s not your fault your hormones are crazy. The doctor keeps saying it. This is very common. So many women suffer what you’re going through, but they get through it. So will you.”
She still wouldn’t turn to look at them. Just kept facing the wall as she hugged her pillow. “Good night, Mama,” Danica said, holding Oreo a bit higher. “You’re loved, Angie,” Danica whispered. “And you’ll be just fine. In the meantime, Oreo will be taken care of. I’ll make sure of it.” Unlike most days because she was trying to get him on a routine this early, tonight Danica’s heart hurt too much, and she needed to feel his heart against hers. So instead