She texted back, If it’s you. I’m at home. Foster and Vi wanted to take care of Sammy themselves tonight.
Be there in ten, Jonas texted back.
Daisy automatically went to the kitchen to brew a pot of tea for the two of them. Jonas wasn’t particular and she knew he liked White Symphony tea, so that’s what she chose. The tea was ready, and she’d cut apple gingerbread slices and placed them on two dessert plates by the time Jonas rang the bell. She couldn’t seem to break him of that habit.
Yet being careful as he’d taught her to be, she checked the camera app on her phone. Yep, it was Jonas. Instead of using the door intercom to talk to him, she ran to the door and opened it.
He took her into his arms and gave her a huge hug and then a kiss. That kiss was better than all the desserts in her tearoom.
“Rough day?” he asked.
Tonight Jonas wore a black T-shirt, blue jeans, and a black leather bomber jacket. She didn’t know any other man who could look so protective, dangerous, yet safe at the same time. Raising herself up on her tiptoes, she kissed him again.
He looked surprised but pleased. “It must have been a really rough day.”
“Take off your jacket and I’ll tell you about it over a cup of tea. Jazzi’s already ensconced in her bedroom for the night.”
After he shrugged out of his jacket and slung it over a chair, he asked, “Where’s my feline welcoming committee?”
His smile made Daisy feel all warm and cozy inside. “They’re cuddled up with Jazzi. They miss Vi and I just got home a little while ago. My mom was still with Foster and Sammy when I left.”
They both took seats on chairs at the island. “Did you and your mom have a heart-to-heart?”
“Not exactly. But I saw a side of her I don’t know if I’ve ever seen before.”
Jonas appeared to note the cat-decorated teapot on the island, as well as the slices of apple gingerbread. “You mean the way she handled Sammy?”
“Yes, that. And her concern for Violet as a new mom.”
“That seems only natural.”
“I suppose. The good thing is, we didn’t argue. That tension that’s been there ever since Vi’s wedding reception seems to have lessened a little bit.”
“Good.”
After Jonas poured tea into mugs, Daisy added a spoonful of honey to hers and stirred. “I think Mom’s concerned about Vi, and maybe I am too.”
Picking up his mug, Jonas took a cautious sip. He set it down. “The midwife was there and checked out Vi today. Did she raise any concerns?”
“No, but Vi doesn’t seem to have the joy a new mom should have.”
Jonas shifted on his stool. “Can you explain that to someone who hasn’t been a parent?”
Relieved Jonas could talk about what had happened to his significant other now—she’d been pregnant against his wishes when she’d been killed in action—Daisy saw he wanted an honest answer to his question. “I can try.”
She moved her dish of gingerbread in front of her but didn’t touch it. “Where to begin. The birth of a child, even one as uncomplicated as Vi’s was, takes every ounce of energy and every speck of emotion that a woman can possibly feel . . . and give. After I had to give that last push when I had Vi, I actually felt like I was going to die. Maybe it’s a little too poetic to say, but my old self died. The whole experience was physically taxing and I felt like a wreck. The thing was, though, as soon as Vi was laid in my arms, all I thought about was her. It was like an adrenaline rush—better than riding on a roller coaster, eating whipped cream, or even having sex.”
Jonas laughed. “That explains it pretty well.”
“It all summed up to be the most joy a woman can feel. I haven’t seen that with Vi. Oh, she followed everything Willa told her in order to urge Sammy to breastfeed. And even that went pretty well. Every two or three hours, she rouses herself, takes him in her arms, and feeds him again. It will be that way around the clock unless or until she and Foster decide she can pump breast milk and feed the baby a bottle. If they make that decision, then Foster or a babysitter could take over the feedings.” Daisy snuck a peek at Jonas and asked, “Is that too much information?”
He just grinned at her. “Not really.” He sobered. “Do you think the whole experience is overwhelming Vi?”
“That could be some of it. She’s as young as I was when I had her. But I didn’t have to get married. Ryan and I didn’t have to be careful because we wanted to have a baby. I put my degree aside to marry Ryan and have Vi, knowing I would finish it later. But Vi’s in a place where she has no idea what’s going to happen in her future. Sure, she can finish her education eventually, but she might not have the confidence, willpower, and motivation to do it. The problem is—I don’t know how to help her.”
“Vi is a determined young woman like you were. The difference? You knew exactly what you wanted and Vi’s still figuring it out. All you can do is watch and listen and do what you think is best. Maybe even in consultation with your mom.”
Automatically Daisy frowned. After forking a piece of the apple gingerbread into her mouth, she shrugged. “Maybe.”
“So you’re worried about Vi, but your visit with your mom wasn’t too bad.”
“It wasn’t. But I had a visit from someone else today. Zeke.”
“You knew that would be coming.” Jonas began eating his gingerbread.
“I did. Maybe not so soon. Anyway, he wanted me to come down to the station and I told him I couldn’t. So he came to Vi’s and Foster’s apartment.”
“Was that okay with you?”
“Yes, it was fine. Actually, both Vi
