“Scared?”

“Terrified!”

“So am I.”

Rina raised her head. “You are?”

“It hit close to home.” Decker straightened up. “You and Hannah are checking out of this place. Your mom’s moving in with us until everyone’s back on their feet. She’s overjoyed that I asked for her help. I never thought I’d be saying this, but thank God for mothers-in-law.”

Rina managed a smile. “Cindy really appreciated being part of the experience, too. She’s been a real godsend. If it wasn’t for her—”

“Don’t even think about it,” Decker interrupted. “It’s too damn frightening.”

No one spoke for a moment. The silence became eerie rather than comforting. Decker cleared his throat. “So…we have your mom and Cindy watching over you…and watching over the baby nurse, too. It’s terrible to be suspicious, but after what happened—”

“Definitely. Look, Peter, Georgina said Nora was the best. But we both know what that means. If you don’t want to use a baby nurse, I can manage—”

“No friggin’ way!” He wagged his finger at his wife. “I don’t want you out of bed, let alone working, even if you think you can do it. Your mom and Cindy’ll be there full time, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. I don’t want you doing anything until the doctor says you’re one hundred percent healed, understand?”

“Why not? I’m useless for anything else—” She stopped herself and sighed. “There I go again, feeling sorry for myself.”

“Darlin’, life isn’t school. You don’t have to get straight A’s. Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself—physically and emotionally. Do something nice for yourself, Rina. Read that book you’ve been putting off. Drink a cup of hot chocolate, smothered in whipped cream. Hey, I’ve got a great idea. Why don’t we finally use the satin sheets we got for our wedding?”

“I’m saving them.”

“For what?”

Rina thought about that. What was she saving them for? “You’re right, Peter. I’ll have my mom put them on the bed.”

Decker couldn’t believe his ears. She was actually agreeing with him. “Thank you, Rina.” He checked his watch. “Do you know where Cindy is?”

“Jack took her away about a half hour ago.” Rina knitted her fingers together. “Peter, who’s watching Hannah?”

“All the nurseries are under special watch. Don’t be concerned with Hannah’s safety. I guarantee you she’s fine.”

“I didn’t have a fever last time the nurse took my temperature.” Rina’s eyes became wet. “Do you think I could hold her now?”

Decker remembered how uplifting it had been to hold his baby—pure love for something so beautifully innocent. Rina needed that feeling.

“I’ll ask the doctor, darlin’.” Decker stood. “I’m sure it would do wonders for your spirit.”