“Not half as happy as I am. I know I’m prejudiced, but she really is gorgeous. An exceptionally beautiful baby. And intelligent. I can see it in her eyes.”

“Her eyes are closed, Sergeant.”

“Her intelligence is so remarkable, it shines through the eyelids.”

The nurse burst into laughter and began unfolding the Portacrib. “I’ll take her whenever you’re ready.”

“Just another moment.” Decker kissed a silken cheek. “God, she feels good. Why do babies feel so good?”

“The Lord made them that way so we’d take care of them. Can you imagine waking up at all hours of the night to take care of a thing that smelled and felt like beef jerky?”

Decker laughed.

“You need your sleep, Sergeant.”

“Yeah, I suppose I do.” Reluctantly, Decker yielded his daughter to the nurse.

Nora cradled the baby in her arms, then placed her in the crib, tucking her in tightly with a pink blanket. She checked her watch. “She’s sound asleep, probably won’t be needing another feeding until three, maybe even four, hours from now. I suggest you catch your sleep while you can.”

“Thanks, Nora.”

“Night, Sergeant.”

Decker lingered a moment over the Portacrib, staring at the small face, the tiny hands clenched in fists. He patted the curled fingers, feeling bones so thin and fragile. He thought, Even the bad guys start out this way. How we muck up our lives. He blew Hannah a kiss, then went back to the bedroom. Rina had wrapped herself under the blanket.

“Can I talk to you for a moment?” Decker asked.

“Talk.”

Rina’s voice came out muffled.

Decker ran his hand over sheeted curves. “First off, I want to say that I love you. Second, I want to say that I think you’re coping really well.”

“That’s a laugh!”

“I don’t think a man could manage a tenth as well as you’re doing.”

“That’s being patronizing!”

When the frustration mounts, what better to do than laugh. Decker let out a soft chuckle.

“Great! Now you’re laughing at me! You think I’m being childish, don’t you!”

“No, Rina, I don’t think you’re being childish.” Decker pulled down the blanket, exposing his wife’s face. “I think you’ve been through a terrible ordeal, and I’m amazed that you’re functioning as well as you are. Look at you, sweetheart. You’re taking care of an infant, you’re spending time with the boys—”

“I was falling asleep in their faces.”

“Honey, they’re so happy just to see you…talking. They know what you’ve gone through. You’re doing terrific. Just give yourself time.”

Rina snaked under the covers and curled her body, bringing her knees to her chest. “I feel ugly and useless.” She pulled the blanket off her face. “But at least I make beautiful babies.”