“I’ll tell him you were here,” the nurse said. She studied the monitor on the swing arm over the bed. “Everything looks fine. He might not have to have the finger clip on if he keeps doing this well.”

“Good to know.”

Mary Beth got ready to go, elated by the thought of a new life to be as she said good-bye and left the room. She thought about who she was to the latest member of the family and decided on honorary aunt. No matter what was to come, she was connected to all of them.

She texted Parr again while she waited for the elevator.

I’m on my way.

He answered. Don’t rush. Apparently Eve won’t get off the sofa. AJ says she says she knows what she’s doing.

The elevator beeped its arrival. Mary Beth got in. Another text followed.

Poor AJ. He’s going crazy.

She snickered and typed a reply. Why do men do that when they’re not the ones having the babies?

I don’t know. What should I do?

Mary Beth typed a reply. Wait for me.

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

“I never held a newborn before.”

Mary Beth looked at the tiny infant swaddled in pink flannel. She seemed so small inside the hospital bassinet. Her round head sported a stretchy cap of fine knit, also pink. She seemed utterly content where she was.

The Rosses had paid for a private maternity suite, which was comfortably furnished and painted in soft pastels.

“Amanda won’t mind.” Eve smiled at her, standing on the other side of the bassinet and holding her four-year-old daughter’s hand. “Is it okay with you, Carrie, if Mary Beth holds your new sister?”

“Tell her to put on a gown first,” Carrie stage whispered. “Visitors are s’posed to wear ’em.”

“You’re right, honey. Mary Beth, you’ll find several peachy-keen pup tents in that closet.”

Mary Beth laughed but did as the junior nurse in training had requested. “Do these come in more than one size?” she asked Eve.

“Afraid not.”

The voluminous gown was easy to slip on but not easy to move in. It hung down to her ankles and flapped at the sides.

“Peach is your color,” Eve said mischievously.

“If you say so. Okay, I’m ready,” Mary Beth said to Carrie. “But how about if I sit down in that stationary rocker first? Then your mother can bring me your new baby sister.”

“That’s a good idea,” Carrie said seriously. “You better not drop her.”

“Oh Lord. This is a huge responsibility.” Mary Beth looked a little worried but she opened her arms to the sleeping bundle of baby girl when she was wheeled over and lifted out. Amanda yawned hugely once the transfer was complete, then scrunched up her face into a comical expression.