“Alice.”
She shook her head. “You say you don’t know what you’re doing, but many new parents don’t at the beginning. Even if you think you’re prepared, if you’ve read every child-rearing book and article ever published, if every weekend has been filled with classes and workshops, nothing prepares you for the moment you hold the baby. Nothing truly prepares you to take that tiny bundle home, knowing you’re responsible for another life. I’ve learned a lot in just four months, and here’s the one thing that can’t be taught.”
She took a deep breath, cleared her throat. “It’s how to love someone. The reason parents work so hard is love. A life-altering, fierce and potent love for your baby that makes all the sleepless nights and fear and doubt worth it.” She stepped closer, watched Charles’s blue eyes widen as he glanced between her and Flynn. “You said your father was wonderful, and I know you come from a close-knit family. You know how to love, Charles. I don’t expect it to happen overnight, but I know you’ll make a good father. I believe Flynn is lucky to have you.” She smiled and held the baby toward him.
* * *
Charles didn’t realize how much he needed to have someone believe in him until Alice said the words out loud. This woman, whom he barely knew, seemed to see into the heart of him, past his superficial facade and the walls he’d constructed that everyone else assumed made him who he was. She slew him with her honesty—a unique mix of vulnerability and strength.
He reached for Flynn, even as he wanted to scoop up Alice, too. His fingers itched to pull them both close and hope some of her goodness transferred to him. He settled for the baby, aware that Alice had let him into her life for the sake of the boy.
Supporting Flynn’s body in the crook of his elbow, he placed a hand on the back of the baby’s head and lifted him. Flynn’s deep blue gaze focused on Charles, glancing from his nose to his mouth, then finally settling on his eyes. They watched each other for a moment before Flynn squirmed and his tiny, rosebud mouth curved into a small smile.
Charles hitched in a breath, knocked for an emotional loop at how much one tiny smile could mean to him. “I think he has gas,” he muttered.
Alice laughed. “He’s smiling at you. He’s a happy baby, Charles.” She stifled a yawn. “Not much of an overnight sleeper, but very happy.”
He stood there, transfixed by the baby in his arms. “What do I do now?”
She laughed again. “Talk to him. Bounce him. He’s just like your niece and nephews.”
“He’s different,” Charles whispered. “He’s mine.”
Alice sank to her knees on the floor. “Is there anything in this generous pile of gifts that he can use before he’s a toddler?”
Right. The toys. The reminder snapped Charles out of his reverie. “We should be able to find something. What do you think, Flynn?” He lifted the baby closer, blew a tickling breath against his neck and was rewarded with a gurgling laugh. It was the best sound he’d ever heard.
“Try that,” he said, pointing to one of the larger shopping bags. He lowered himself next to her, turning Flynn to sit on his forearm, the baby’s back and head resting against Charles’s chest. “I got an activity gym. The colors are glaringly bright, but the saleslady assured me it’s top-of-the-line and perfect for a four-month-old.” He glanced at her. “Unless you have one already?”
“Not yet,” Alice said with a shy smile. She reached for the bag but stopped as Flynn let out a determined grunt.
Charles glanced down at the boy, whose face turned bright red. “I think he’s digested the bottle,” he told Alice as he quickly held out Flynn with two hands. The baby kicked and gurgled some more, but there was no mistaking the smell radiating from his back end.
“Let me,” Alice said quickly, scrambling to her feet. “We’ll be back in a minute.”
Charles let out a relieved breath as she disappeared into a bedroom with Flynn. Twenty-four hours a dad, and Charles wasn’t sure he was quite ready for nappy duty. Instead he pulled the activity gym out of the box and fastened the toys to the arches that crisscrossed over the soft mat. By the time Alice returned with a fresh-scented Flynn, Charles was just putting batteries into the motorized mobile piece of the play set.
Alice crouched down and lay Flynn on his back under the arches. The boy immediately kicked his feet and swatted at the dangling toys with his hands.
“He’s got the hang of it already,” Charles said proudly. “Smart lad. Takes after his...” He paused as Alice arched a brow. “Both his parents.”
“Of course,” she agreed with a grin.
He loved making Alice smile and was surprised to find himself content to watch Flynn play with the toys, entranced by the joyful noises the baby made. Alice settled on the floor, stretching her legs in front of her, her back resting against one of the chairs in the small family room. Charles wished he could pull her to his side, tuck her up against him and feel her breathing, but he also knew what he wanted from her was less platonic than simple companionship.
He moved to the far side of the activity gym and traced one finger along the leather strap at her ankle. “I love these shoes,” he told her.
“Me, too.” She flexed and pointed her foot a few times. “I’d have a lot more savings in my retirement account if I didn’t love shoes so much.”
“You don’t have to worry about a retirement account any longer,” he said. “I’m going to take care of you and Flynn.”
Immediately she moved, drawing her feet up underneath her. “That’s not what I was suggesting. You don’t owe me anything, Charles.”
“You’re the mother of my child, Alice. Do you really think I’d ignore that?”
“I didn’t seek you out for financial support.”
“Which doesn’t change the fact that I have it to give.”
She bit down on her lip, moved closer to Flynn and softly stroked one of his tiny feet. “Are you going to try to take him away from me?”
“No,” Charles answered immediately, taking her hand in his. “Alice, look at me.”
She glanced up, her gaze wary.
“Why would you think that?”
“Because you’re rich and powerful and British. Texas isn’t your home. I know that.”
He chuckled softly. “It’s quickly becoming my second home, especially since most of my family lives here now.”
“But you’ll return to England at some point.”
He nodded.
“I can’t be separated from Flynn. He’s too young. He’s all I have.”
“That isn’t my intention, Alice.” As much as he’d loved making her smile, Charles equally hated that he’d caused the pain he saw in her eyes now. “I’ve changed my plans so I’ll be in Austin for three weeks. After that, I’ll need to figure out the next step. But I’m not going to take Flynn from you. I promise, Alice.”
She gave a shaky nod, swiped under her eye. He shifted closer to her and traced the pad of his thumb along her moist cheek. “No tears, sweetheart.”
“I’m sorry,” she said automatically. “I’m tired and...”
“No apologies, either.” He dipped his head until his lips barely brushed hers. “We’re in this together. The three of us are a team.”
“A team?” she said, the husky note in her