“I’m sorry to hear that,” Braxton said sincerely.
“I’m surprised it lasted as long as it did. You’ve never been one to commit to a relationship ever,” Paisley commented snidely “You have obviously already moved on if you’re thinking with your other head.”
“I love you too, sister.” Paxton scratched his temple with his middle finger.
Paisley gave her brother a forced smile, before turning her attention to Braxton. “Brax,” she started, “how about the three of us have dinner tonight? It’ll probably be the last time we’ll be able to enjoy dinner uninterrupted.”
Braxton tilted his head to the right slightly. “Uninterrupted?”
Paisley tossed the coffee twirler at him. “Yeah. With Emmersyn taking up all your time starting tomorrow, we won’t get to go out together that much.”
“Wait, who’s Emmersyn?” Paxton questioned.
Braxton’s eyes lit up at the mention of her name. “Emmersyn Ivey Michaels. That’s my little caterpillar’s name. Chose it today.”
Paxton leaned back in his chair, raising his arms over his head and then locking his hands behind his neck. “I like it. It’s an awesome name.” Paxton got a familiar look in his eye. “The guys are gonna love that name.” Watching his best friend’s face turn beet red, he laughed like he’d said the funniest thing on earth.
Braxton reached out and punched him hard in the shoulder, knocking Paxton off his chair. “Pax, shut up. That’s my daughter you’re talking about. I don’t even want to think about those days.”
Paisley rolled her eyes at her brother. “Ignore him, Brax. He’s an idiot.” She gave her brother a sideways glance before she turned back to face Braxton. “So, dinner. What do you say?”
Braxton stood and the chair scratched against the floor. “Yeah. Seven. Grimaldi’s. I’ll meet you there.”
“Hey, where you going, bro?” Paxton asked as he picked himself off the floor and took his seat.
“Back to the hospital to spend some time with someone who’s intelligence level is greater than a baboon.”
Paisley’s body shook uncontrollably, and the sweetest sound rolled from between her lips. “Bye, Brax. See you tonight.’
Chapter 17
Braxton dragged his feet as he strolled through the doors to the hospital. He was late and had missed the doctor’s morning rounds due to his hangover. The dinner with Pax and Paisley the night before had gotten out of hand.
They had celebrated Emmersyn and every tiny beautiful detail about her. It had taken the majority of the evening and left little time to discuss the company.
However, they couldn’t part ways for the evening until they had all agreed on which direction the business needed to go moving forward. By the time everything was ironed out, and they had mourned the loss of Alissa, they’d left several empty wine bottles and just as many highball glasses. They had been the last patrons to leave the restaurant.
Braxton stood at the entrance to the nursery, waiting for the morning nurse to scan the band around his wrist. He had seen her yesterday and wondered what the rules of the hospital were that allowed the petite blonde with bright pink highlights to work there. Surely the hospital’s policy didn’t encourage party-colored hair.
She hadn’t seemed happy yesterday. But today there was a bounce in her step and a smile that showed off her overly white teeth as she made her way toward the nursery door. “Good morning, Mr. Michaels.”
“Good morning.” He took a closer look at the ID that was clipped to the pocket on her scrubs. “Kelsie. How’s my little caterpillar today?”
Kelsie’s face lit up with joy at the mention of Emmersyn. “She’s been waiting for her daddy to arrive to take her home.” The scanner beeped and Kelsie glanced down, ensuring it had read the wrist band properly. “Can’t be too cautious.” She snickered. “We sure are gonna miss Emmy around here.”
Braxton had already pushed past and was on his way to Emmy’s bassinet when he stopped in his tracks. His heart raced as panic set in. It’s too soon. His hands grew clammy and he found it hard to catch his breath. He turned to face nurse Kelsie as he spoke. “Really? Like, right now? Go home? I thought it would be later today or even tomorrow before that would happen.”
Nurse Kelsie flipped her hair over her right shoulder as she bent to change the diaper on the baby in front of her. “Yes. Doc left just a few minutes ago. He gave her the all clear and said once you visit with the hospital’s social worker, you’re free to take your baby girl home.”
Braxton stared at the young nurse, his eyes void of emotion. He swallowed and he could feel his Adam’s apple bob. He was lost and didn’t understand why he had to see a social worker. Would she assess his abilities as a father and determine that he wasn’t suitable? After everything that had gone wrong, that would be another knife to his heart. He worried he wasn’t enough—he couldn’t handle hearing that someone of authority had also come to that conclusion. What would he do if they decided to take Emmy away?
She must have read the sheer fear reflected on his face. She stopped what she was doing for a brief moment to explain that the social worker would be going over what Emmersyn’s daily care should include and what he could expect.
Braxton expelled the deep breath he had been holding. Knowing that they weren’t sending him out on his own without guidance was comforting, since he was going to need all the help he could get.
Emmy was asleep in her bassinet. Reaching in, he picked her up and placed her against his chest, holding her tight. Braxton closed his eyes as he lowered his head and peppered her little forehead with several gentle kisses.
“We’re going home today, caterpillar. I hope I don’t let you down.”
