and Chris’s. On the way I stopped at a drugstore and bought a card, some candy, a bunch of pink and red flowers, and a box of newborn diapers.
“They’re not for me,” I snapped at the checkout girl, who looked at me like I was nuts.
“Okay,” she said.
“I meant, I don’t have a baby. I don’t want one.”
“Okay.”
“Not everyone wants kids. Some people just don’t, and that doesn’t mean their lives aren’t complete. My life is plenty complete.”
“Right,” she said, glancing around.
I grabbed the bags and got out of there before the poor thing called security on me.
Once I was back in the car, I found a pen and signed the card. At Chris and Nina’s, I knocked gently on the door in case the baby or my sister was asleep. Violet opened it. “Hi Uncle Noah.” She gave me her toothless grin. “Did you come to see the baby?”
“I came to see you, but if the baby is here, I guess I could take a peek.”
“She’s here. They got home from the hospital this morning,” she lisped, eyeing the bags as Renzo and I entered the house. “Did you bring her a present?”
“I brought everybody a present.”
That earned me another grin. “Mommy! Daddy! Uncle Noah’s here!” she shouted, shutting the door behind me.
I followed her through the living room and kitchen to the big, open addition they’d put on the back of their house, where the family spent most of their time. My bleary-eyed sister was on the couch holding the baby, and she frowned at Violet. “Hey. Daddy is trying to get Ethan down for his nap. Can you keep it down please?”
Violet shrugged. “I can try.”
“Here.” I handed her a bag of Swedish fish and a box of Milk Duds. “Share these with Harrison.”
“Because sugar will keep them quiet.” Nina rolled her eyes. “Where is Harrison anyway? I can’t keep track of all these kids.”
“Whose fault is that?” I teased, setting the card and flowers on the coffee table and the box of diapers on the floor.
“He’s in the basement,” said Violet, taking off toward the stairs with her loot.
“They’re probably going to eat it all in one sitting.” Nina sighed. “Does that count as lunch?”
“Definitely.” I sat next to her and peeked at little Rosie, who was wrapped up burrito-style in a flannel blanket, fast asleep. One hand was by her face, and I couldn’t get over how tiny her fingers were. She had my sister’s mouth and Chris’s blond hair. “She looks like you guys, only she’s cute,” I said.
“Thanks.”
“Can I hold her?”
“If you want to.”
I reached for Rosie, who frowned and made a couple noises like she didn’t appreciate being moved mid-nap, but settled comfortably in my arms. Watching her sleep, I felt my chest grow a little tight. I’d never have this for myself.
“I forget how little and light they are when they’re born,” I said.
“They don’t feel that way when they’re in your belly, believe me.”
“Yeah, your belly was much bigger than this one baby. Are you sure there’s not another one in there?” I joked.
She slapped my arm.
Chris walked into the room, looking only slightly less exhausted than my sister. “Okay, I think he’s asleep.”
“I think I am too,” Nina said drowsily. “I can’t even tell if my eyes are open or closed.”
I glanced at her. “Closed.”
Chris flopped into a recliner and shut his eyes too. “Where are the other two?”
“In the basement,” I said.
“Did I feed them yet?”
“No. But Noah brought candy,” said Nina. “They’re fine.”
“Oh, good.”
I looked at my sleep-deprived sister and her husband and shook my head. “I know she’s cute and all, but are you guys sure this is worth it?”
“No,” answered Chris without opening his eyes.
My sister picked up her head and threw a pillow at him. “She can hear you. Be nice, or she will pay you back when she’s a teenager.”
He groaned and tucked the pillow behind his head. “I don’t want teenage daughters.”
“Too late now.” My sister rubbed her eyes and stood up. “I need to get some food.”
“I’ll get it, babe,” Chris said, rising to his feet. “You rest.”
“Thanks.” She looked over at me. “Are you good with her for a few minutes? I’d love to lie in my own bed and close my eyes.”
“I’m fine. Go ahead. You look like you could use the beauty sleep anyway.”
“You’re the best. I mean, you’re a total dipshit, but you’re the best.” She walked like a zombie toward the stairs.