Page 2 of Dare to Stay

“Babies are complicated.”

Charlie makes the sound again.

I turn toward Gray. “Your daughter is requesting a more qualified adult.”

He reaches for her immediately.

Ivy lifts her phone. “Wait. Let me get a picture.”

“No.” I groan.

“Yes.” The phone is already pointed in my direction.

“I look terrified,” I say while smiling for the camera.

“That’s why I need it,” she urges.

Ivy has taken an abundance of pictures since I arrived. Fourteen of Charlie sleeping. Nine of Gray holding Charlie. Six of Charlie’s hand around Gray’s finger. One of Micah crying, though he claims he had something in his eye.

Ivy takes three pictures of me before I can move, then looks down at her screen. “These are so cute.”

Harper crosses the room toward Ivy and leans over her shoulder. “Aww! Send me that one.”

“The one where I look like I’m being held hostage?” I groan.

Micah leaves the window and takes the chair next to me, where Harper was just sitting. “You look like a natural.”

I stare at him.

He smiles.

Micah has always had an impressive commitment to obvious lies when he thinks they will make someone feel better.

Charlie begins to fuss and I motion for Gray to take her now.

The transfer takes longer than necessary because he talks me through it as if we are disarming something explosive. One hand beneath her head. One under her body. Keep her close. Do not twist.

I release her into his arms. Charlie settles against his chest and goes still.

Traitor.

I can’t wait for the day when I can take her to my favorite bakery, hype her up on sugar, then drop her off at home. I’ll be the fun aunt.

Gray looks down at her with an expression I have seen countless times, though never aimed at anyone this small. It is the same way he looks at Ivy when he thinks no one is paying attention. Complete focus. No part of him anywhere else.

“You did fine,” he tells me.

“I know.”

Harper snorts.

I ignore her.

Gray rocks back and forth, Charlie tucked against him. Ivy watches them for a few seconds, and I watch her expression soften as she takes it all in.

The room goes almost still.

A cart rattles past the door. Someone speaks over an intercom. A machine near Ivy’s bed gives one soft beep.