Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,163

urge to pull her in for a kiss. That seems to be our thing, kissing. Instead, I watch her climb into her Durango and drive away.

I take my seat and adjust the mirror so I can see in the backseat. Kinley said I have a mirror at the house that I can hang on the back of the seat so I will be able to see Lexi while I’m driving. That must be installed pronto. Lexi whimpers and I know it’s getting close to time for her to eat again. “Let’s get you home, baby girl.”

Chapter 24

McKinley

I didn’t tell Evan why I needed to stop by the house first, and he didn’t question me. I plan to pack a change of clothes and stay with him and Lexi tonight. He needs help until they get into a routine. I have nothing going on tomorrow, or for the next few days actually. It’s the perfect time for me to help him. I also want to talk to Mom, if she’s there, to see if she is interested in watching Lexi for him on the days I have a full schedule. I’m positive she’s going to be over the moon excited, but I want to ask her just the same.

“Just the lady I need to talk to,” I say when I see her sitting at the kitchen table.

“Well, that’s a warm welcome. How are Evan and Lexi doing today?” she asks.

“Good. When I got there today, Evan was exhausted and frustrated. I guess Miss Lexi was up most of the night and he was running on no sleep since the night she was born.”

“That boy, he should have called us.”

“Yeah, he had almost convinced himself he can’t do this---that he can’t be a dad to her. I made him eat some of your lasagna, which he inhaled by the way, and take a nap. I took care of Lexi, snuck in some shots with her little Alabama outfit, and cleaned up while they were both sleeping.”

“I can’t wait to see them. Evan didn’t catch you?” she asks.

“Nope, he slept through it all, so did Lexi,” I laugh. “Anyway, I’m going to grab a few things and stay over there tonight. He didn’t ask me to, but I don’t think he will. He’s too busy trying to prove he can do this. I feel bad for him because most people have a spouse or significant other to share in the duties. Evan is adjusting to all of this on his own,” I explain.

“That’s very nice of you, dear. I think Aaron is planning on stopping over in a little while also.”

“Even better. I can nap while he’s there and then take the last shift with Lexi. That will help Evan be available for her tomorrow during the day, so he can start to get a routine down. Maybe once he gets the daytime routine without being exhausted, the nights will fall into place.”

“How did you get so smart?” she teases.

“Hey, Evan’s looking for someone to watch Lexi during the day. You know of anyone?” I ask her. I don’t even get to count to ten before she’s volunteering her services.

“Me. He can bring that sweet girl to me. I would love to watch her. I know Carol would do the same thing if I wasn’t able to do it for you or Aaron.” Mom and Carol are best friends. She was heartbroken when they moved to Alabama, but that’s what was best for Jeff and his treatments.

“I had a feeling you might feel that way. I’m good with helping too.”

“You make sure you tell him I would be honored to watch that little angel.”

“Will do. I’m going to go gather a few things and head over there. When Aaron gets there, I’ll sleep.” I dash up the stairs, throw some clothes into a bag, grab my toothbrush, and call it good. It’s not like I’m trying to impress him. I’m just trying to keep the guy from being dead on his feet, so he can take care of his daughter.

When I get back to Evan’s, I don’t bother knocking. I just walk on in. “Kinley?” Evan yells from what sounds like upstairs.

“Yeah, it’s me,” I call back. I can hear Lexi crying.

“Could you come up here please?” he yells back. His voice sounds funny. I drop my bag in the living room and make my way up the steps. “Where are you?” I ask. Her cries are getting louder as I reach the