' Tom suggested Jessica and Cole spend the night with them so that the
adjustment for Caleb would be easier on him. Jessica let Josey bathe
Caleb but hovered over her like a mother hen. Josey did know her way
around babies. She filled a basin in the sink and let Caleb splash
water everywhere while she lathered him up.
'You're very good with him, ' Jessica told her.
She followed Josey up the stairs to the guest room. Caleb, wrapped in
a thick towel, was peeking at his mother over Josey's shoulder.
'He always sleeps with a rag doll. It's in his valise, ' Jessica
said.
'Oh, and he hates carrots. He'll spit them out if you try to force
them on him.'
'I wouldn't do that, ' Josey said. 'I hate carrots too. I know you're
gonna worry, no matter what assurances I give you, but I promise you
I'm gonna love this boy like he was my own. Why don't you go on
downstairs for a bit and let Caleb get used to me.
I'll call out if I need help.'
'Yes, that's a good idea, ' Jessica said. It was also a test. Putting
Caleb to bed required stamina and patience. Every once in a while, if
he was overly tired, Caleb would throw a tantrum. The baby was all
wound up now, and that was a sure indication that trouble was coming.
Jessica left the valise on the bed and closed the door behind her.
When she came downstairs, she found Cole in the living room standing by
the window, looking out. She glared at him before turning her back on
him.
'What was that all about? ' She began to pace. 'This is all your
fault, ' she whispered. 'Can't you see that this is breaking my
heart?
' He started toward her, but she put her hand out to keep him at bay.
'I can't leave him. I'm sorry, but that's the way it is. He'll be
lost without me, and he'll be afraid and he'll be miserable and . .
.
' As if to mock her, Caleb's peal of laughter echoed down the stairs.
