When she saw me, her face lit up. “You’re back! I thought you wouldn’t be back until tomorrow night.”

“I brought you a surprise,” I said, staying in the doorway.

“You know I hate surprises,” she complained, but she couldn’t hide the glimmer of excitement in her blue eyes.

“You don’t want it?” I asked with a pout. “Okay, well, I guess I’ll—”

“Who said I didn’t want it?” she grumbled. “I don’t like surprises, but I will never turn down a present.”

“I didn’t have time to wrap it,” I said. “And even if I did, I probably wouldn’t have been able to find a box big enough.” Stepping into the room, I moved aside so Mom could come in behind me.

“Surprise!” Mom shouted softly.

“M-Mrs. Hannigan?” Cali whispered in shock before turning accusing eyes on me. “You kidnapped your mom?”

I snickered. “Does she look like she’s here under duress?”

“Well, no, but how is she here?” Cali started to sit up, agitated. “Wait, is anyone else here? Is—”

“I only brought Mom,” I rushed to assure her, and I was thankful when she carefully dropped back against her million and one pillows. “Since you were being stubborn about everything, I felt like I needed reinforcements. I couldn’t think of anyone better to help than my own mother.”

Cali relaxed into the pillows and gave Mom a small smile. “It’s great to see you, Mrs. Hannigan, but your daughter wasted your time if she thinks I can be dissuaded from having the baby here at home.”

Mom crossed to the bed and sat down beside Cali. Taking the girl’s hand, she gave it a loving squeeze. “We can discuss that later. Right now, tell me how you are feeling. Nova told me everything, and I’ve been so worried about you, sweet girl.”

“Oh, well, I’m fine,” she said shyly. “I mean, I’m a prisoner of this bed at the moment, but I’m okay with that.” She rubbed her hand over her slightly distended belly. “This little girl is worth being bored out of my mind all day long. If she’s okay, then nothing else matters.”

“May I?” Mom asked, her gaze going longingly to where Cali was touching.

Taking one of Mom’s hands, Cali pulled up her shirt and placed it on her skin. “She’s not too active yet, but when she does kick, it’s pretty powerful. Right, Nova?”

I walked over to sit in the chair beside the bed. “She tends to be squirmier at night. Sometimes I’ll snuggle up with Cali and rub her belly. Usually, I end up falling asleep talking to the little brat.”

“I don’t care if she’s a brat or not. She’s perfect.” Cali pressed Mom’s hand closer. “Right there, do you feel it?”

Mom’s eyes were full of wonder as she experienced her grandchild kicking against her palm. “That’s so amazing. I remember how it felt when Garret and Nova would kick me. I didn’t think there could be a more magical experience.” Her chin began to wobble, and she sucked in a steadying breath. “But this is something else entirely.”