widened. “But then I come to my senses and remember what big babies you all are.” She turned to Emmy, who was exchanging a quick hug with Micah. “Are they giving you hell?”
Emmy looked momentarily stressed. “Only every second of every day.” When Micah parked the stroller and gently lifted his son out of it, handing him to Emmy, she took the little bundle and held him like it was the most natural thing in the world. Her eyes landed on his little face and she bit her lip, smiling. She spoke softly, “Hi, Thomas. You don’t me but I already love you.”
Seeing her like this, with a baby in her arms, it did something funny to my insides.
She looked good. She’d be a great mom someday.
Micah smiled warmly at his son. “I don’t want to jinx us but he’s proving to be the most placid, merciful child to have ever been born.”
Amber went to Emmy, gently stroking her son’s cheek. “He eats like a pig and sleeps like a drunken sailor.” She turned a tender look to her husband. “Just like his daddy.” She turned back to her son, smiling with every ounce of motherly love she had to give. “Seriously, whenever he gets antsy, I just sing to him and he passes out. He’s amazing.”
Emmy turned to Noah, glaring. “You knew they were coming, didn’t you?”
“I didn’t know for sure.” He looked slighted at the accusation.
Amber explained, “My mom lives here. We spent a couple days with her. We’re just about to meet some friends for lunch and didn’t know if we’d have time to stop by, so I told him not to say anything.”
Emmy’s face fell. “What? No.” She took baby Tom out of his mother’s reach. “You can’t take him away from me. I just got him.”
Micah and Amber exchanged a look and after a while, Micah asked, “How are you at babysitting?”
Emmy’s head shot up excitedly. “Are you serious?” At Amber’s silent smile, Emmy sputtered, “I-I’m great! I used to watch my neighbor’s grandbabies all the time. I can change diapers and, unless you’re breastfeeding, I know how to bottle feed and burp.” She hugged the tiny bundle to her. “Oh my God, I’m so excited!”
Micah chuckled. “We shouldn’t be too long.”
But Emmy shook her head. “Take your time. You guys probably haven’t had too much time alone since he arrived.”
Amber shook her head, looking longingly at her husband. “No, we haven’t.” Micah returned the yearning look and Amber went to the stroller, pulling out a diaper bag. “He’s just eaten but he’ll probably get hungry around two-ish. If you can get him to sleep, he’ll be down a while. And if he gets antsy, just sing to him.” She pulled out a bottle, placing it in the fridge. “You know how to warm it?”
Emmy nodded. “Yes. I’m good.” She placed a soft kiss to baby Tom’s forehead. “We’re good, I swear. Go.”
“Thanks, Emmy. We owe you.” Micah took Amber’s hand and pulled her to the door, stopping only to say goodbye to their firstborn.
Amber gave her son one last kiss then uttered, “You have our numbers if you need anything. You have no idea how much I needed this. Thanks, honey.”
And then they were gone.
Soon, the guys were ready and heading out. Noah jerked his chin in my direction. “You’re not coming?”
Honestly, I just wanted to be alone with Emmy a while. “Nah,” I told him with a grin. “I think I’m gonna rub one out then chill till the interview.”
Noah laughed quietly. “Whatever you need to do, man.” He paused by the sofa, placing a kiss to the top of Emmy’s head. “See you later.”
She nodded and when we were alone, I said, “It looks good on you.” When her curious gaze landed on mine, I clarified, “Motherhood.” Her smile told me she was pleased with hearing that. “You want kids someday?”
“Yeah, I do,” she spoke softly. “What about you?”
“I don’t know.” Truthfully, the idea of fucking up some poor, innocent child rode me hard. I could deal with fucking up my own life but not my child’s. “I don’t think I’m exactly fatherhood material.”
Emmy looked thoughtful. “I think a lot of men feel that way. Then they have a baby.” She smiled tenderly at the infant in her arms. “And everything changes.”
Baby Tom began to fuss and Emmy looked devastated. “Oh, honey pie. What did I do?” She stood, gently rocking him but he wasn’t having it. “Your mommy told me you