showed surprise. Was she just now noticing them?
Cyd waved for the video camera in Lindell’s hands as she stepped out, then turned to her parents. “Mom and Dad, you were with us at the hospital a little while ago. How’d you beat us over here?”
“Cedric must’ve been like Bruce when you were born,” Claudia said. “I think he drove five miles an hour on the trip home from the hospital, worried something might happen to you.”
“Scariest ride of my life.” Cedric was on a knee in the back, trying to unhook the infant seat. “This little guy’s whole life is in my hands.”
“Wait till you’re ready to give him the keys,” Bruce said. “You’ll be a nervous wreck.”
“I’m on day three, Dad,” Cedric said. “I can’t see anywhere beyond that.”
Everyone gathered around the car to get a fresh look at the baby as Cedric lifted the seat out.
“Look at him,” Stephanie said. “He’s squinting at the sun. Is that the cutest thing or what?”
Lindell moved closer to film the baby’s face. “Welcome home, Chase Kyle London. Wave at the camera.”
“Cover him up better, babe,” Cyd said. “It’s a little windy out here.”
Cedric pulled the blanket up more as they moved into the house. Reese jumped on him, then tried to jump on the infant seat to get a gander at this bundle claiming all the attention.
“Uh-oh,” Cedric said. “How do we get Reese to calm down around the baby?”
“We didn’t think it through yet,” Cyd said. “For now, she needs to go in the kitchen.” She bent down and rubbed her fur. “Sorry, little sweetie.”
“Come on, Reese,” Kelli said. She gated the dog and joined the others in the family room.
Cyd had taken Chase out of his seat, and he was nestled against her in the overstuffed chair. She let out a huge happy sigh, looking at Cedric, who sat on the floor beside her. “I think it’s finally sinking in. I’m a mom. You’re a dad. We have a baby.”
Cedric looked overwhelmed. “A healthy baby. I’ll never forget the moment he came into the world. I didn’t think it would affect me like that. A baby’s birth—the whole process, really—is an absolute miracle.”
Kelli and Brian glanced at one another on the love seat. Without a word, they knew what was on each other’s mind.
Francine was beaming, standing over the baby. “And I think it’s finally sinking in that I’m a grandma, after all these years!”
“Tell me about it,” Claudia said. “Now we’ve got someone to spoil to our hearts’ content.”
“Ma,” Cyd said, “you already bought more clothes than this boy could possibly wear, more toys than he’ll ever have time to play with—”
“Cyd.” Cedric patted her knee. “Don’t even try to fight it. They’ve waited this long. Let them have at it.”
“Now that’s the spirit, son.” Francine brought her hands together in a big clap. “And by the way, I haven’t unloaded my trunk yet. I need one of you boys to go get those gifts. Might take two of you.”
Cedric shook his head.
Kelli’s phone dinged, letting her know she had a text. She got her phone from the coffee table, read the message, and smiled. “Heather says she’s coming Wednesday. She can’t wait to see the baby.”
“Mm-hmm,” Stephanie said. “That’s not all she can’t wait to see.”
“That’s probably true,” Kelli said, sitting back down. “Last time she visited, I hardly got any time with her—and she was staying here with us. Seems like the move only made her and Logan grow closer.”
“I miss her,” Cyd said. “Tell her we’re thrilled she’s coming.”
Kelli typed out a response, then looked up again. “Cyd, can I hold the baby? I didn’t get a chance at the hospital.”
“Of course. Here.”
Cedric lifted him gingerly from his mother’s arms. He stretched his little body, as if wondering why the interruption. “Come on, little man. Let’s go see your Aunt Kel.”
Kelli grinned as he placed the baby in her arms. “Everything is so tiny. I can see why you were nervous, Cedric. You feel like something will break.” She traced his little eyebrows, handled his little fingers. “It’s definitely a miracle”—she spoke almost to herself— “the way God forms all these parts.”
Brian moved closer to get a better look. “He’s beautiful.” He put his arm around Kelli and spoke in a low tone. “It’s not easy, is it?”
Hearing him say it brought tears to her eyes. “No. It isn’t.” She looked to see if anyone else was listening, but they were all engaged in their