Page 64 of Biker Orc Baby Daddy

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"He went down easy." I keep my voice low. "Fed him a bottle around three. Changed one diaper. He tried to eat a block but I stopped him."

Cecie sets down the bags. Studies us. "You're a natural."

"Hardly." But warmth blooms across my face. "He's. He's wonderful."

"Yeah." She crouches beside us. Brushes Orry's hair back. "He is."

For a moment we just exist there. The three of us. Almost a family.

Then my phone dings. I shift carefully, pull it out.

Colum:I think you two should do this right. Meet me tomorrow—bring Orry.

I frown. Show Cecie the message. "Any idea what this means?"

She reads it. Groans. "It means Colum is meddling."

"He does that."

"Frequently." She stands. "We don't have to go."

"Or." I look at Orry. Sleeping and perfect. "We could. See what he has planned. Worst case, it's awkward."

"Everything's already awkward."

"Fair point."

She considers. Then sighs. "Fine. Tomorrow. But if he's staging some ridiculous public reconciliation event, I'm leaving."

"Deal."

I stand carefully. Transfer Orry to her arms. He doesn't wake. Just shifts and sighs.

Cecie walks me to the door. "Thank you. For today."

"Anytime."

"I mean it." Her eyes are serious. "You showed up. You helped. You didn't. Push."

"I'm trying to respect your boundaries."

"Keep trying." But she almost smiles. "And Gunther? About the test. I scheduled it for Tuesday. Ten a.m."

"I'll be there."

"Good."

I leave. Walk home through the cooling evening. And for the first time in weeks, the anxiety eases a fraction.

Tuesday. Answers. Proof.

And tomorrow. Whatever Colum has planned.

I should be nervous. Instead I feel something dangerously close to hope.

CHAPTER 9

CECIE

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