Page 11 of Daddy Detectives: Episode 1
Chapter 5 – Ian
The twins are napping when I put a load of baby clothes in the washer. I’ve never done so much laundry in my life. It seems like they’re intentionally spitting up on their clothes, on burp cloths, and on me and Tyler, just so I have more laundry to do.
When I finally get a chance to make myself an iced caramel coffee and sit for the first time all morning, Tyler’s mother, Ingrid, calls. One of the perks of marrying Tyler is that I inherited his mother. Ingrid is far more than an amazing mother-in-law—she’s become a real friend. When I first started dating her son, she and I bonded over our favorite topic of conversation—Tyler. We both adore Tyler, and that automatically made us the best of friends.
“Ingrid! How are you?”
“I’m fine, darling,” she says in her soft, slightly accented voice. “The important thing is, how areyou? And how are my gorgeous new grandbabies?”
I take a sip of my deliciously caramel-flavored coffee. “They’re doing great. Both are sleeping right now. I finally got a chance to sit down after doing the breakfast dishes and putting a load of baby clothes in the washer.”
“And where’s my son?” Her voice is slightly sharper now. “Why isn’t he doing his share of the housework?”
“Oh, he is, trust me. But actually, he’s not here right now. He’s out working a case.”
“Working?” She literally sounds disappointed. “But I thought you two were on paternity leave.”
“We are. But Kimi—you know, our office manager, you’ve met her—”
“The girl with the purple hair?”
“Yes, that’s her. She asked Tyler for his help this morning. Her roommate didn’t come home last night after clubbing with friends. Tyler offered to find her.”
“Of course, he did,” she says, sighing with affection. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from my son. Would you be interested in some company? I’d love to bring you some lunch.”
“Yes, please. Come cuddle babies with me.”
* * *
Half an hour later, I catch a glimpse of Ingrid’s gray Honda as she pulls into the drive. She parks behind my SUV and comes to the back door, where I’m waiting for her so she doesn’t need to ring the bell. I don’t want to risk waking the babies.
I open the door for her. “Ingrid, come in.”
Ingrid Jamison is a beautiful woman, tall and slender and so graceful, with a creamy pale complexion that denotes her Swedish roots. Her silky, pale blonde hair is up in a stylish twist, and her blue-green eyes are as clear and bright as the Caribbean. She looks elegant, as always. Today, she’s dressed in a pair of cream slacks with a pale blue silk blouse. A string of creamy pearls adorns her long, graceful neck.
She walks inside carrying a casserole dish in an insulated bag. “I made a chicken-and-potato casserole,” she says as she sets it on the stove. “This should last you two a couple of days at least and save you some time in the kitchen.”
I laugh. “Not after Tyler gets his hands on it. That man can eat.”
“Don’t I know it,” she says with a grin. Then she gives me a full-bodied hug. That woman gives the best hugs. “Now, first things first.” She turns on the kitchen faucet and washes her hands. As she’s drying them, she asks, “Where are my grandbabies?”
“They’re asleep in the living room but they should be waking up any time now to eat. I swear, that’s all they do—sleep and eat.”
She laughs. “I’m sure that’s not all they do.”
“Well, no. We’ve changed more diapers than we can possibly count.”
“May I?” she asks as she takes a few steps in that direction.
“Of course!” I’m always eager to show our babies off.
I follow Ingrid into the living room and watch as she leans over the side of the playpen and gazes down at the newest additions to the family. She has three grandkids already, courtesy of her daughter, Beth. And now our two.
She smiles at the sight of our two swaddled bundles of joy. “Oh, Ian, they’re so precious. So perfect. I swear, Will looks exactly like Tyler did at that age.”
Hearing her say that tickles me to death.
I stop beside her and gaze down at two sleeping angels. They’re lying about a foot apart. Will is swaddled in a pale green baby blanket, and Lizzie in a pale peach one.
