Page 8 of Shotgun Spouse
"Excuse me?"
"Who is she?"
"Melissa, can we get back to the baby that was abandoned?" Teddy's was tone sharper than he intended as the baby’s cries ratcheted up a notch. He took a deep breath. "Sorry, it’s just been... a night."
"I understand," Melissa said, her tone even. "Let me check our system for available social workers in your area."
"Great, thanks." Teddy held the phone between his ear and shoulder, trying to rock the baby in a more soothing rhythm.
He heard the faint clatter of a keyboard, followed by a long silence. The baby hiccupped, then let out another wail, making Teddy wince. His shirt was already damp from baby tears—or was it drool? Did it even matter?
"The social worker assigned to your area is currently out on an emergency call. I’m afraid they won’t be available until tomorrow morning."
"Tomorrow morning? You’re telling me I have to take care of this baby overnight?"
"Well, it is your kid," Melissa said matter-of-factly.
"It's not?—"
"You’re the one currently in possession of the child, and as the mayor, you’ve already passed a federal background check. You’re legally qualified to care for them until a social worker can arrive."
Teddy stared at the baby, who was now hiccupping. His tiny fists clutched the labels of Teddy's shirt. "Legally qualified? I’m a mayor, not a babysitter."
"Wow, and I thought you were a catch. But if you're the kind of man who would deny paternity?—"
"It's not my kid."
"And then neglect his kid by turning them over to Child Services, then I think the least you can do is take care of the childuntil a responsible adult can take over for you. Or go make up with the mother."
The baby let out another hiccuppy cry. Teddy's frustration morphed into something closer to panic. Then he looked up and saw an angel in the doorway.
Snowflakes clung to her dark hair, melting into tiny droplets that glistened in the soft glow of his desk lamp. Her expression was a mix of surprise and something else—concern, maybe, or judgment. Probably judgment.
He sighed, setting the phone down on the desk. “Bunny. I’m sorry I missed the speech, but, uh, as you can see…”—he gestured at the crying infant in his arms—“there was a bit of an emergency.”
Bunny crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. “Is the child yours?”
The baby let out another wail. Teddy bounced higher on his heels, trying to soothe him. “Seriously? When’s the last time you saw me on a date?”
Bunny’s brow furrowed as she thought about it. “Not since I came to work here.”
Teddy gave her a meaningful look, his voice dropping to a pointed softness. “Yeah, exactly.”
Her lips parted, but no words came out. For once, Bunny Chou looked a little thrown off her game. Teddy would’ve enjoyed it more if a small human wasn’t currently screaming in his ear.
Bunny stepped forward, her heels clicking against the hardwood. “Give him to me.”
“Be my guest,” Teddy said, transferring the squirming bundle into her arms. As soon as the baby nestled against Bunny, the crying slowed to a soft hiccup.
“Of course,” Teddy muttered, running a hand through his hair. “He likes you.”
Bunny ignored him, her focus entirely on the baby. She swayed slightly, her tone softening as she cooed to the little one. “Are you hungry, sweetheart? Or is it a diaper? Poor thing, you’ve had quite the night, haven’t you?”
Teddy wanted to say yes, he had had quite a night. He wanted her to calm him and call him sweetheart and ask if he was hungry. Though he wanted to be the one to cook for her, to take care of her needs.
The baby made a tiny, almost contented noise. Teddy felt instantly jealous. Was the kid doing it on purpose? Well, Teddy wasn't letting Grant get in his way of pursuing Bunny, and he certainly wasn't going to let a baby block him, either.
“He was on the steps when I got back. Just sitting there, bundled up with a note saying he was for me."
