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K night followed Claire up the stairs and into the house. Bryanna, Kassie, Samantha, and Catherine sat in the living room while Lizzy, and the woman Patch referred to as Victoria stood at the kitchen counter.

“Knight, you know those three. May I introduce Lizzy and Victoria? They’ve agreed to help us in our endeavor. Since you don’t have any experience with babies, I feel it’s important for you to get acquainted with a few. Kassie and Catherine have volunteered Grace and Tori for our practice sessions. Since your sister’s expecting, it’s important you feel comfortable with two babies. After all, Bryanna says she’s hoping to convince Gabby to stay in the area.”

“Did she mention something to you about where she plans to move?” he asked nervously.

Bryanna shook her head. “No. I hope to keep her close. She’ll need support and doesn’t need to handle a newborn alone.”

His jaw clenched as he bit back the retort. He didn’t plan on letting her do it alone. “What do you want me to do?”

“We’re spending the afternoon working on baby care,” Claire announced. As if on cue, a cry from the nursery alerted them to one of the babies waking.

Victoria walked toward the nursery when Kassie called out, “Victoria. We agreed to let Knight handle this. You can show him how to hold and change her while we’re finishing our tea.” Claire bounced over to join the other women leaving him alone with the older woman. He made a conscious effort not to hold his hand at his crotch as he entered the room. One baby wailed while the other started whimpering and her mouth drew into a bit of a pout.

“Listen and listen well. Both of these precious children stay under my protection. You drop them or hurt them in any way, I’ll unman you in mere seconds,” Victoria threatened.

“Victoria! Monitors, please,’ Kassie called from the other room.

The redhead had the audacity to smile widely at him. “I’m only joking,” she called out to the room as she narrowed her gaze, making Knight want to call this off. Only the thought of Gabby experiencing this alone stopped him. He refused to turn into his father.

“Where do we start?” he mustered.

“Pick up the one screaming her head off. Grace has a bit of colic. It’s important to remember she can’t tell you what’s wrong. We’ll comfort her the best we can. Right now, she needs a diaper change.”

Claire walked in and picked up Tori. “I’ll hold her while you instruct. I’ve missed holding the girls.”

Knight gingerly picked up the crying Grace and held her away from his body as if she resembled a bomb.

“Nope. Cuddle her close, you’re scaring her and not making her feel secure,” Victoria instructed.

When Knight held her to his chest, her cries lessened. “Now take her to the diapering station and let’s get her changed. She’s most likely hungry. You’ll need to rush it or we’ll all need earplugs.”

“I haven’t changed a diaper since Bryanna,” he admitted, feeling helpless.

“We’re here to talk you through it,” Claire encouraged.

He lay Grace on the changing table. Then peered up at Victoria, who rolled her eyes. “Take off her pants and remove her nappy. You’ll find fresh diapers on the side and wipes to your left.”

He grabbed a diaper, removed the tiny pants, and unfastened the soaked diaper, laying it to the side.

“With girls, you must remember to wipe from front to back to prevent UTI’s. Once you wipe her, we’ll add a thin layer of A&D ointment to protect her skin.” Victoria nodded toward the wipes, where he discovered a tube. He gently cleaned Grace, added the ointment and then stared at the diaper. He glanced back at Victoria. “The side with the tape goes on the bottom.”

Knight wrangled the diaper open and tried to capture Grace’s legs as she began to wail. Victoria gently brushed him aside. “Watch.” She showed him how to hold Grace’s legs, slide the diaper underneath the child, and fasten it, all while cooing to the baby. Once finished, she raised the child and held her. “Do it again,” she commanded as she indicated Tori in Claire’s arms.

Claire stepped forward and handed Tori over. Knight copied his actions from before and lifted the little girl to his chest, smiling at the women. Claire grinned at him while Victoria only narrowed her eyes and left the room. He followed with Tori.

The women kept talking as he crossed into the kitchen.

“Do you know how to warm a bottle?” Victoria asked as Catherine entered the kitchen.

“I’ll hold Grace. Teach him how to prepare it and then we’ll instruct him on bottles and such.” Catherine took her child from the formidable redhead.

“Never microwave breast milk. You can use a bottle warmer or hot water. Always test it on your wrist to ensure it doesn’t scald,” Victoria showed him how to prepare the bottle. Then she handed him an empty one.

“How do I know how much milk to add to the bottle?” he asked nervously.

Victoria patiently smiled. “Their hunger levels increases it or if the pediatrician says they need more calories. At first you’ll start by adding what the pediatrician suggests and make adjustments as they grow. Excellent question, Knight.”

Kassie entered the kitchen and opened the fridge, picking out a plate of fruit and cheese big enough to feed a small army. “Do you have a pediatrician picked out yet? Lizzy’s husband, Michael, acts as our pediatrician here in Serenity. We highly recommend him. He allows us to call upon him whenever necessary since he’s part of the team. He keeps an office in town for the residents and has privileges at our hospital. We’re making a small women’s wing and Dr. Beecham will be our attending OBGYN. She and Michael plan to coordinate, providing us with a small neonatal unit to cover typical deliveries and emergencies. We have the option to fly them to Seattle Health if they need more care.”

He glanced down at the floor, embarrassed he didn’t know if Gabby chose a physician. “We didn’t get around to talking about it. I’ll ask for her thoughts on the subject.”

“Michael can provide you with names in Seattle if you decide to stay there. Be sure to book a first month’s appointment soon. Check with the pediatrician if they want to meet with you beforehand,” Lizzy advised.

“Thanks. I’ll get right on it.” Knight turned to Victoria as she showed him how to check the milk temperature. She placed it on her wrist and then on his. “It’s a sensitive part of your skin. It’ll let you know how hot it’ll feel to baby.”

He nodded and followed her into the living room. Handing a bottle to Catherine, Victoria pointed to a chair. “Sit.”

Taking his assigned spot, he held out his arms for Tori. He smiled as she excitedly waved her arms in the air as if she knew what came next.

Catherine pulled a half-circled donut from the edge of the couch and placed it around her waist. Settling her child, she wrapped a cover over herself and proceeded to breastfeed her daughter. Knight appeared confused.

Kassie chuckled at his baffled expression. “We want you to have the practice. Tori’s adopted and I don’t have breastmilk. Catherine opted to breastfeed. Since you’ve seen it done, you’ll fix a bottle for Tori. Do you know if Gabby plans to breastfeed or bottle feed?”

He swiped at his jaw. “She mentioned she wants to breastfeed.”

“When you two devise a plan, you can support her in different ways. You can offer to change the baby while she’s preparing to feed. Or once her supply comes in, she can freeze it and you can warm the bottle and help with feeding. We’re still figuring out a schedule for us. I’m afraid morning sickness has thrown us off.”

“Sometimes, mothers decide on breastfeeding and it doesn’t work out. It can be overwhelming, or the baby may have issues latching on. Have a backup plan in place,” Catherine advised.

Victoria pinned him with a stare. “Whatever she chooses, you support her. Too many women get guilted into believing breast is best. It does have its purpose. But what’s best for mom and baby comes first. Fed is best”

He nodded, adding the information to his overwhelming list. “Does Doc help you?” he asked as he watched Tori grip the bottle he held.

“Yes, we take turns feeding, and he watches the kids while I nap,” Kassie informed him as she glanced at Catherine.

Her friend smiled at him. “It’s important to offer support. Sometimes, it’s in the form of making a meal, holding the baby while she eats hot food, or ensuring she gets enough rest.”

Lizzy sat on the couch. “While she’s handling the baby, throw a load of laundry in or ask if she needs anything. It’s essential for moms who choose to breastfeed to keep hydrated. A nice water bottle comes in handy.”

“What about this stuff? I read online and they mentioned different brands of bottles, and diapers. Where do I find bottle warmers?” He suddenly felt overwhelmed by all the decisions.

“We’re throwing a shower for Gabby. We purchased bottles, diapers, and the basics. We found her a lovely bassinet with animal sheets.” Kassie winked at him.

Knight scanned the women. “Thank you. As you know, Gabby and I need to work on some issues. I appreciate your help.”

“When she finishes two ounces, take the bottle away and burp her,” Victoria commanded.

Checking the amount marked on the side, he pulled it out of Tori’s mouth and her tiny lip quivered, making him panic.

“Hold her over your shoulder and pat her back,” Claire encouraged. A few minutes later, Catherine pulled Grace out of the covering. She bounced her on her knee.

“Each baby reacts differently. You’ll find what way works best,” Catherine assured him as he watched her confident movements while he moved Tori like a delicate piece of China.

When they were alone, Claire gave him his instructions. “Tomorrow, we work on bath time. We’ll meet daily at different times until you leave for California. This will take four hours and then we’ll meet for an hour,” Claire instructed as she sat beside him. “You’ll attend PT, in the mornings. I won’t meet you here. The women can handle this part. You’ll come to see me at the hospital. Patch will take you to your first meeting this afternoon once we finish. I suggest you start three days a week.”

Knight nodded. The women continued to give him pointers and suggestions while he fed the little girl. Cataloging everything the women suggested in his head, he wondered if he and Gabby were prepared enough for this child. She didn’t have a ton of items at the apartment and from the appearance of Bryanna’s nursery and now Kassie’s, he felt they sorely lacked things.

Kassie interrupted his thoughts. “This seems overwhelming. If it makes you feel better, I brought Tori home without any warning. My friends helped us get the things we needed. It’s fun to pick stuff out together. When in doubt, ask Gabby. We’re here, too.”

The knot in his throat grew as he glanced at the tiny human in his arms. She peered at him as if he held her entire world in his hands. He wanted to experience picking out things with Gabby, to feel the excitement as they decided on a crib, or discuss how she wanted to handle feedings. Knight purchased items in town and now he wished he had asked Gabby to pick out stuff with him. Deciding to broach the topic tonight, he listened as Tori burped and he gave her the rest of her bottle. He vowed to catch up on his learning curve and encourage his wife to feel excited about this baby.

Gabby read Marcus’ note and set it to the side while she finished the accounts on her planner for the day. Calling the temporary assistant, she wrote down the time for the luncheon. Mr. Wilkinson asked if she planned to attend and if she might say a few words in honor of her assistant. After three failed attempts at writing what she wanted to say about her only friend in Seattle, she sighed and put away her computer.

Her stomach growled and she searched the fridge for something to appease her hunger. Tacos circled in her brain, causing her to chuckle. At this rate, her child would come out wearing a burrito around him or her.

Finally pulling a cheese stick from the drawer, she poured herself a glass of milk and returned to the living room. Gabby stared at her empty hand, wondering how fast she inhaled the cheese. Frowning, she rubbed her stomach. “We need to get a few things straight. I’m the boss and we’ve eaten tacos for days. As your mother, I’m insisting you pick a different food.”

Gabby’s phone rang. The number flashed as unknown. She remembered her discussion with Marcus about a man named Tex who planned to call her.

“Hello?”

“Hello, Gabrielle. I’m Tex. Knight informed me he gave you the earrings. I’m assuming he reminded you to wear them at all times.”

“Yes,” she replied. “Can I ask you questions? I mean, it feels kinda weird knowing someone knows my every move.”

“I understand. If it makes you feel better, I monitor Alabama and Caroline, too. It’s only a safety precaution after they found themselves in a pickle. Did Knight explain how it works?” Tex asked.

“Yes. He mentioned you might want me to memorize your phone number.”

“Yes. At some point, I’ll quiz you until you know it forward and backward. Matthew, one of the team members on the mountain, said you’re staying in cabin four. I recently visited and stayed there. The view’s spectacular.”

“Yes, it’s stunning. I like to drink my tea outside and enjoy the view and fresh air,” she confessed.

“I don’t blame you. To make this clear, we use this as a safety precaution. I’m under the impression you and Knight plan to arrive in California next week for a divorce. I won’t share your whereabouts with him for the purpose of him tracking you. I want you to feel secure in knowing your information remains confidential.”

“Marcus won’t ask for my whereabouts. Plus, in less than two months, we’ll be parenting together. Once the danger has passed, do I return these to you?”

“No. I assigned these to you. Anytime you feel you need them, I’ll watch over you. Now, memorize my number and be ready next time I call. I want you to repeat it back to me.”

She giggled. “Forward and backward.”

Tex chuckled across the other line. “You got it. If you feel something’s off or want me to know anything, call me. If I don’t answer, leave a message.”

“Thank you, Tex.”

“It’s wonderful to meet you, Gabrielle.”

The line disconnected. She put her phone beside her as tacos crept into her head.

Gabby laughed. “So, you plan on acting stubborn like your dad?”

“Hey, now. I’m not even here to defend myself,” Knight claimed as he walked in the door holding a metal pan.

Her eyes stayed glued to the item in his hands as he set it on the counter. Shaking his head, he pulled a plate from the cabinet and placed two tacos on it and brought it to her.

“Thank you,” she breathed, reaching for the coveted food. She bit into it and closed her eyes. “How did you know?”

Knight let out a full belly laugh. “You’ve eaten tacos every day. It seemed an easy guess. It seems like you get hungry around five. Then you eat again at seven.”

She felt the heat infuse her cheeks as she giggled along with him. “Ugh, this child has a mind of its own. I say I’m the boss, but he or she’s ruling from the womb.”

Sitting beside her, he placed a hand on her belly and put on his sternest voice, “Hey, it’s your father. Listen to your mother, little tiger.”

“Little Tiger?” She gazed at him, feeling the heat of his hand on her stomach. The baby started moving. “Oh.”

“What’s the matter? Did I do something?” he asked panicked and jerked his hand away.

She shook her head and smiled. “The baby likes it.” She took his hand and placed it on her side. “Wait a minute,” she whispered.

Knight sat still, enjoying his hand against her body. A minute later he felt the baby’s movements. He beamed with delight. “Wow, Gabby, we made a miracle,” he said under his breath.

She smiled tremulously. “Yeah.”

“Do you really not want to know if it’s a boy or a girl? Isn’t the suspense killing you?” He watched as her smile disappeared. “Please don’t block me out. I know you, Gabby. You’re a planner. Your apartment held very few baby items. Do you regret making this child? It’s not as if we planned it.”

“I love this baby.” Gabby crossed her arms over her stomach as if to protect it.

“Then why don’t you want to know what Little Tiger is? I refuse to call it Tiger all its life,” he attempted to joke.

Gabby sat for a moment, debating whether she dared to confide in him. “It hurt when you refused to meet with me. It became me and Tiger in our own little world. Now, you’re here by coincidence and it feels like an intrusion. I don’t know what to tell you because I’m afraid you’ll try to hurt me again.”

Knight sighed. “I deserve everything you feel.” He rose, taking her plate, added two more tacos and returned it to her. “What do you need to enjoy the rest of this pregnancy? Do you need me to leave? I can stay with Bryanna. Tell me what I can do to make you happy about all this.”

Gabby lifted her gaze to his. “Whether we like it or not, we’re involved with each other for the next eighteen years. I want us to get along for the baby’s sake.”

“What about us?” he asked gently. “I’m not saying take me back. I’m asking if you think you can forgive me one day.”

Gabby glanced away. He caught the tears glinting in her eyes. “It’s too hard, Marcus. I have to separate you into little boxes. One for the man I married, another for the man who came home, a third for the man who criticized everything, a fourth for the stranger who picked fights with me and walked out, a fifth for the angry man who accused me of cheating.”

He picked up her hand. “I know. I’m not asking for a pass because I don’t recognize myself either. We didn’t plan on this baby and I want to believe Tiger came because of divine timing. Most importantly, I want you to enjoy this experience. I’ll support you and the baby. I don’t want you worried about maternity leave, or losing your job. We’re in this together.”

“Thank you,” she responded quietly.

Unsure if his words helped or hindered his situation, he tried to put her at ease. “I’m going with Patch in about an hour. Then, I’ll head to the grocery store. Can I pick up anything for you or Tiger?”

A slight smile played on her lips. “Can I go with you? I’m going stir crazy in the cabin.”

“When I finish up with Patch, I’ll pick you up. We’ll take a couple of hours. Will the tacos hold you over until dinner? We can pick up something,” he suggested.

“Pizza with veggies and pineapples.” She finished off the fourth taco. “After we finish the shopping.”

Knight’s heart thumped loudly in his chest. Hating to leave her when she opened up to him and he felt his child move inside her, he reluctantly stood. “Make your list and we’ll leave as soon as I return. We can’t let little Tiger starve.”

She held her tummy and chuckled. “Little Tiger isn’t a very good name.”

“Oh. Have you thought about names? What did you come up with?”

She bit her lip, struggling to keep her distance and wanting to tell him. “I’ve not decided…”

Knight narrowed his eyes. “Why don’t you think about it and we’ll compare notes when I return?”

Gabby glanced at him. “Have you thought about names?” she asked surprised.

“Yeah. Of course, it’s all I think about. Sometimes, I wonder how my dad faced my mom after she gave birth to Bryanna and walked out like we didn’t matter. Our family means everything.”

Gabby winced as she turned away, unable to hide the pain. “I’m a bit tired.” She rose and left him sitting in the living room. Knight brushed the scruff along his jaw in frustration. Reminding himself he was in this for the long haul and needed to stay patient, consistent and work on himself, he put the other tacos in the fridge. Taking a sticky note from the basket on the counter, he scribbled a note.

“Be good, Tiger. I left two more tacos in the fridge. Try to convince her your dad’s a butthead but he’s working hard to fix it.”

He stuck it to the fridge before changing his clothes. Not knowing what this meeting entailed, he wore a T-shirt and jeans. Maybe he’d ask Patch to help him find ways to tear down Gabby’s walls. He recalled his friend’s words. Live a life worth living. Marcus’ life crumbled as he continually shut Gabby out. Determined to prove his love, he’d endure the uncomfortable conversations because his family was worth fighting for.