Page 147 of Such Sharp Teeth

“You made that!” I say.

“It was so hard,” she says. “Why does it have to be so hard?”

“For us ladies to prove how strong and amazing we are so we can continue to be overlooked for leadership positions and receive less pay.”

“That’s your aunt Rory,” Matty whispers to the baby.

“Does she have a name yet?”

“We wanted to wait until we met her,” Scarlett says.

“And?”

“We’re thinking Lennox,” Matty says. “Lenny for short.”

“Cute and a little edgy,” I say. “It suits her.”

“You want to hold her?” he asks.

My stomach flips. I look at Scarlett. “Really?”

“Here,” she says. “Support her head and neck.”

“You trust me?”

“Yes,” Scarlett says, “I trust you.”

I take a deep breath and reach out for her. I carefully slide one hand behind her head, the other under her body. She’s so scrawny. There’s nothing to her.

I cradle her in my arms. She looks up at me with her goopy dark eyes. She’s taking me in. Considering me. It’s so clear that’s what’s happening, that she’s sizing me up.

“Very cerebral, this one.”

“She’s serious,” Scarlett says.

“Weird they come with personalities.”

“Didn’t we?”

I look down at Lenny, who still appears to be on the fence about me. I gently swipe my finger against her fuzzy cheek. I whisper, “I’ve got you, kid. I’ve got you.”

She closes her eyes and falls asleep in my arms.

—

I don’t sleep. I haven’t slept in two days, and I’m in a state beyond exhaustion.

Scarlett’s being discharged from the hospital. Matty’s taking her home, and Ian’s coming to get me.

He shows up with flowers.

“For me?” I ask.

“For your sister.”

I gasp. “My sister?”

“I mean, for Lenny.”