The woman pointed toward a white bassinet that was set up like a throne as she said, “Here. Cosimo is yours.”
The maid handed her a note as Ashley said, “No. Wait. That doesn’t make any sense.”
The maid walked away, making the sign of the cross like she’d been saved.
Ashley read her cousin’sletters and covered her lips.
She should have answered the phone.
Drat. She couldn’t even swallow around the lump in her throat. She handed the paper to Matt. “Jennifer’s in the hospital today. Appendicitis. She wrote that I, her cousin, would take her son.” She remembered that Jennifer had mentioned she’d granted Ashley custody of Cosimo if anything were to happen.
His eyeswidened as he read the note and said, “Appendix? I’m calling Brandon, the producer.”
The man in the center of the set earlier?
Not that it mattered. She walked across the room to the bassinet and looked down at the little boy in his sailor suit had her cousin’s eyes. Her heart raced when she realized she shouldn’t be here. Babies were bad for her.
The baby wailed like he disagreedwith her ignoring his golden bottle beside him. Cosimo’s dark hair and sweep of his nose already made him adorable and one day king of the the world, so she gave in and picked the baby up. He immediately stopped screaming. “And what am I going to do with you? Cosimo, you’re cute.” She turned to Matt. “What hospital would Jennifer be at?”
“Beverly Hills General,” he answered. “An appendixis usually day surgery, with another day’s recovery.”
“Okay.” Her shoulder relaxed slightly—Jennifer would be all right, and mom and baby could be reunited soon. She could do this for a day or two. “How do you know that?”
“It’s the nearest hospital, and I read for a role as a doctor once where I had to look up appendicitis.”
“Interesting.” Matt must know all sorts of informationbecause of his job.
Matt went to the door and his face was white as he said, “Get the baby’s things. Let’s go.”
Now he made no sense. Why would she leave? She rocked the baby in her arms. “I’m not sure where or what…”
He headed into the living area. “Bring him back to the set for now.” He followed after the maid and asked just out of Ashley’s line of sight, “Do you have hiscar seat?”
No. Jennifer wouldn’t want her son out of the house, the baby she clearly treated as royalty. She held the baby close to her neck and called out, “You cannot put a car seat on a motorcycle.”
He nodded at her like he heard her but they weren’t staying. “Pack his things for an overnight at my house. I’ll be back with the Bentley.”
But that wasn’t what her cousin wouldwant—she’d want her baby here overnight. Jennifer trusted Ashley.
Was Matt uncomfortable by the idea of being in Jennifer’s house, where the baby bottle was made of gold? She couldn’t blame him, especially since the Morgans had created contracts depicting how much contact Matt might have with Jennifer on the movie set.
Perhaps a few hours out wasn’t that bad. She wanted Matt withher and she wasn’t sure about those contracts he signed. She walked over to Matt before he stormed out and asked, “Are you sure that’s what you want?”
He kissed her forehead and nodded. “Unless you want to stay here by yourself, because I don’t think I can…”
Doubt wasn’t good. Her relationship with Matt mattered, and she was only babysitting for another day or so. All of her fearsthat rushed in her head were silly. Jennifer would understand. “No. Not really. Okay. Jennifer trusts me and I’m really her only family. Let’s head back to your place.”
“I’ll be back.” He reached for the door.
Matt didn’t kiss her.
Her lips had puckered but he hadn’t done it as he strode out.
She bounced the baby. This ease wasn’t what she’d expected but holding himwasn’t that bad. He was cute and well cared for and so far… pretty chill for being Jennifer’s spawn. She explored the house. “So, Cosimo. I’m your aunt Ashley. Your mom’s sick it seems but I think it’s day surgery. She should be ready to have you back super soon.”
Technically she was his cousin, but her own mother treated her and Jennifer like they were siblings, so the reference wasn’tfar off. She found the kitchen and the maid. “Where are the diapers and the food?”
“Both in the pantry, Miss Ashley.” The maid opened the door, bowing her head to the side.
