Page 74 of The Cowboy and the Baby

“He’s just in the other room. Cade,” I called, eager to be as defiant to Sarah’s irritating attitude as much as I could.

The sound of boots crossing the kitchen immediately followed, and he appeared in the doorway. He filled it with his flannel shirt, an unzipped vest. His hair was slightly tousled from wearing his hat earlier. The stalwart presence that first struck me about Cade flowed through him today, and it filled me with a deep reassurance. This man was on my side.

Cade met Thomas with an outstretched hand and a real smile. “Pleasure to meet you, Thomas. I’ve heard many good things.”

Thomas said, “Good to meet you, Cade.”

Sarah ignored him.

Thomas pointed overhead to the spot on the ceiling he’d fixated on. “Noelle says you plan to renovate. I assume that’s part of your plans.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Mind if I ask some questions? Renovations have always interested me.”

“Not at all.”

Cade took over the conversation, kindly answering queries, detailing out the plans. Sarah acted as if we weren’t there until Lily finished the bottle and became fussy.

“She burps best upright,” I said, taking the empty bottle off the coffee table. Sarah fussed with her in a lounging position, but Lily squirmed. A little cry issued, and Sarah grew more flustered.

Finally, I reached out, took Lily from her, set her on my shoulder, gave her a quick tap, and heard the belch release. She calmed with a sigh. Sarah flushed, cheeks bright red, but I returned Lily to her before she could protest.

Lily, sleepy and full, yawned. I passed Sarah Lily’s favorite blanket and said only, “I’d be happy to show you how she likes to be swaddled and rocked in the bedroom, where it’s quieter. You can put her to sleep in her crib, if you like.” I mentally thanked Marsha for buying and sending the crib last week.

Sarah hesitated, then nodded.

She didn’t say a word to me as I brought her into the bedroom, wrapped Lily, all the while speaking calmly to Sarah about what I was doing, then unwrapped her, ensured Sarah had Lily in hand, and left her to try the same. Sarah set to work, warbling in her high-pitched titter, until she had Lily swaddled. I left her to spend time with Lily. Knowing the boys were outside soothed my still irrational fears that Sarah would try to take her.

I found Thomas and Cade pacing around the kitchen, deep in discussion about plumbing, water access, heaters, and more. I couldn’t tell if Thomas had a thing for renovating, or he really wanted to know Lily was safe. I trailed behind them, listening, contributing with Cade, and paid attention to sounds of distress from the bedroom.

None came.

Their conversation wrapped up fifteen minutes later, around the time Sarah emerged from the bedroom. She patted her cheeks.

“Oh, she is a love. I don’t think I can part with her again.”

You better get used to the idea, I thought ruefully.

She teared up as Thomas said to Cade, “Well, sounds like a good plan. Good luck.” He looked at me. “You’ve got a lot on your plate, but Lily seems healthy. We appreciate you taking good care of her.”

Lily seems healthy.

About as kind and approving a response as I could expect. It wasn’t much, but it wasn’t the worst, either. Sarah wouldn’t say anything nearly that supportive.

Thomas motioned to the door with a swing of his arm. “Time to go, Sarah. We have the information we need. Our flight leaves soon.”

I blinked.

Information they needed? Flight? Didn’t they just arrive this morning? I had no idea they planned to leave so quickly. To my greatest shock, Sarah nodded, gathering her purse from the chair, like she couldn’t wait to depart. The tears had already dried up as she skittered toward the door. Thomas waved, and they rushed so quickly for the exit that I stood there, stunned. I’d braced myself for Sarah insisting on staying through Lily’s nap and beyond.

Cade seemed to share my confusion, because a line appeared between his eyebrows, giving him a perplexed expression. It cleared as Thomas opened the door, called, “Thank you again!” and stepped outside.

In a blink, the door shut behind them.

“Was that oddly fast?” I breathed.

Cade ran his tongue over his teeth. “I don’t know what to make of that hasty departure, but I can firmly say that I think that is not the last we’re going to hear from them.”