serious. “Stan. Are you sure you’re okay with luring Giselle into a trap? It won’t end well. You realize this, right?”
“I know where my loyalties are, bro. Just because she gave birth doesn’t mean she gets a pass for the way she’s led her sorry life. This one is on her. There’s no hesitation on my part, and if there ever is, all I have to do is imagine her scheme working. Anyone capable of trafficking a baby is beyond redemption.”
“She’s going to regret messing with me.”
“And me,” Stan added.
They looked at each other. Things unsaid passed between them. Arnie nodded. He understood.
“I’m going to get you a happy ending, bro. Not the wham bam kind. The fairy-tale, happily-ever-after kind. You took a chance and saved me. There’s no way I’d sit this out just because my mother is the bad guy.”
27
Right before bedtime, Ari cooed and stretched as Summer administered a baby massage. Communicating through touches, she loved the nightly ritual and was sure the baby did too.
The soft aroma of lavender hung in the air from the silky baby lotion she used. All the online message boards for moms said something positive about the calming effects of the scent.
Singing, she massaged the baby’s little feet.
“This little toe bean went to the farmers' market, and this little toe bean stayed at home. While this cutie toe bean had animal crackers but this poor toe bean had none. Now, this teeny tiniest of toe beans? She danced until dawn.”
Ari gurgled and smiled. She did this thing with her butt where she stuck it out and stretched her arms. It was so dang cute.
“Brr, little one. It’s kinda chilly. January is always chilly.”
Rubbing what was left of the lotion into her hands, she cupped them near her nose and inhaled. Lavender was such a lovely smell.
“Let’s match, shall we?”
Summer showed Ari the adorable footed Yankees jammies with a cute faux tutu accent. Santa left quite an assortment of Yankees gear for them under their tree. She wanted Ari to have a connection to her daddy, and what better way than with paraphernalia from his beloved Yankees.
When the baby was cozy and warm in her jammies, she cradled her and stared into eyes the same shade as Arnie’s.
There were few things better than a beautiful night in Southern California—something she learned firsthand during four magical days at this time last year.
Wrapping Ari in a fluffy blanket, Summer slipped on a pair of bunny slippers and shuffled out back to get some fresh air and enjoy the night sky.
Two sun loungers and a small table sat at one end of the pool—right outside her bedroom window. Potted trees and bushes sat along the cinder block wall to hide it from view. She claimed the spot as her corner and headed there now.
Climbing onto a lounger, she sat cross-legged with the baby and her cushy blanket wedged in the space between her legs.
Chanting in a soft voice, she gazed lovingly at her daughter and then at the heavens. “Star light, star bright, first star we see tonight. Let’s make a wish, sweetie.”
There wasn’t much to think about. They always wished for the same thing—Arnie to come and find them—only this time, she added an extra tweak with a silent plea to hurry.
Wriggling and scooting until she was comfortable, Summer relaxed against the lounger. Ari was awake and content. They sat quietly beneath the beautiful night sky. Indulging in a bit of moon dreaming, Summer thought about the man she would love until her dying breath even if the love turned out to be hopeless. She had but one heart, and it belonged to a sexy, golden Adonis. Without realizing it at the time, she had given Arnie her whole heart, unreservedly. There were no do-overs, and all she could do now was hope and pray.
To make herself feel better, she worked up an elaborate fantasy involving a Thanksgiving dinner. She’d do all the cooking and serve the classic meal in a beautiful dining room decorated with a gorgeous fall tablescape and fresh seasonal flowers.
Ari was in a high chair while her daddy stood at the head of the table, ready to do the ritual turkey carving. Reed was there too. With no one to answer to for her fantasy, she imagined a woman at his side. Someone cute and funny who made her straight-edged brother smile.
It was a lovely vignette. She sighed and lightly stroked the baby’s head. Not one time in her memory