Nathan made me the best coffee before putting it in the cutest Starbucks cup that had a lid. He kissed me goodbye, making me want to get into bed with him and Aiden. Callum was with Kelsey, so my chance at all of them at the same time would have to wait. Driving to Kelsey’s condo, I enjoyed my coffee and an audiobook. I parked in front of the complex and made my way to her door. I heard a baby crying as I knocked, hoping someone would hear me through the deafening noise.

“Who the fuck is here so early?” Kelsey sounded angry.

“I don’t want to buy anything, it’s fucking….” Kelsey noticed me and instantly looked like she felt bad.

“Jane…” she breathed out, looking absolutely exhausted. She rushed to give me a hug, and I felt bad for not coming sooner.

“It’s ok, come on, let’s get this little one settled.” I walked into her home, noticing all the baby stuff everywhere.

“I can’t get her to stop crying, Jane.” I followed her to the nursery where Callum was moving around to calm the baby down. Baby Rose was red in the face and wailing like she was being hurt instead of soothed. Callum also looked distraught at the piercing shrill coming out of Rose.

“When was the last time she ate?” I asked, taking Rose from Callum, who gave me a look of relief.

“Two hours ago, but she wouldn’t take the boob because she was so angry.” Kelsey said, coming in right behind me. “She’s been getting fussier and fussier every day.”

“Ok, I’m going to try to calm her down. Then we can try to feed her.” I walked to the changing table to make sure her diaper was clean. “Relax, I’ve got this.” I stripped her down to her diaper while they both just stared at me. “Guys, I’m serious. Go, you need a break.” I took the baby to the restroom and turned on the sink for warm water. She cried as I got the stuff I needed, never letting up that high pitch.

I wet her hair, letting the warm water soothe her. I took her lavender baby wash and began washing her hair. She instantly stopped and looked up at me with grayish eyes, more alert than I would have thought possible. I sang softly to her, trying to stay as calm as possible because babies were more aware than we gave them credit for. I rinsed her hair, still singing, and dried her off, taking her back to her room.