She hung up and leapt to her feet. She couldn’t wait totellDrew.
As she stepped into the hall, a baby’s cry came from Madison’s room. She was back from the hospital. Cindy crossed the corridor and knocked on the openbedroomdoor.
“Come in,” Madisoncalled.
Cindy entered to find the new mom propped up on a pile of pillows. She rocked the swaddled baby who keptcrying.
“I don’t know what’s wrong,”Madisonsaid.
“Babies cry a lot after they’re born. When was the last time youfedhim?”
“Thirtyminutesago.”
“Changed hisdiaper?”
“Right after Ifedhim.”
“Did you burp him?” Cindyasked.
“I tried but nothinghappened.”
“Can I try?” Cindyasked.
“Okay.” Madison gently handed her son toCindy.
“What’shisname?”
“We named him Gregory, after Mack’sfather.”
“That’s a strong name. I like it,” Cindy said. “Are you a gassylittleguy?”
Gregory balled his fists and wailed as Cindy held him against her chest and let his chin rest on her shoulder. She rubbed his back before giving him a pat. A tiny belch came out. He stopped crying. As she cradled him in her arms, he looked up at her with huge brown eyes that reminded her of adeer’s.
“He’s a very cute baby,” Cindy said. “My daughter looked like a little alien when she was born. She grew into herbeauty.”
“Hopefully he doesn’t grow out of his,” Madison said as Cindy handed hersonback.
“I doubt it. He has beautifulparents.”
“Thank you.” Madison laid the baby in her lap. He closed his eyes and nodded off. “How’s everything goingwithDrew?”
“Much better than it was a few days ago. He asked to meet my daughter,”Cindysaid.
“That’s a big step in the rightdirection.”
“It is. I’m so happy that my mom agreed to bring her here. My dad’scomingtoo.”
“I can’t wait to meet them. When will they arrive? I want to make sure Mack has a room set up for yourparents.”
“I’m not sure yet, but I’ll talk to Mack as soon as I know,” Cindy said. “I was actually on my way out to find Drew. I just got off the phone with my mom and haven’t toldhimyet.”
“He stopped in an hour ago or so,” Madison said. “I think he went with Mack to the main house. They’ve been working on a crib for Gregory for the last few weeks. I don’t know how a crib could take weeks to complete. They’re probably sanding the wood todeath.”
“Maybe. That’s sweet that they’re making one from scratch,”Cindysaid.
“With all the available wood, it makessense.”
“True. Do you need anything before I go?” Cindyasked.
