The Family Gathering (Sullivan's Crossing #3)(30)

“I’m more going to see how Rafe and Lisa are doing. They might be in need of a nap themselves.”

When she put his breakfast burrito in front of him, she said, “Just be sure you rest, Connie. You’re always thinking about everyone else.”

He gave her a flirty grin. “I think about you, that’s for sure. And it doesn’t make me feel like sleeping.”

“I have a feeling you’re going to be like a frisky pup when you’re ninety,” she teased.

“That’s my plan,” he said, grinning.

“Well, it’s my plan, too, so you better take care of yourself. Nap, Connie. And I can make dinner.”

When he’d finished his burrito, he put enough tip on the counter to cover its cost and make her smile. Then he kissed her goodbye and left, smiles all around the diner.

Sierra knew she could have talked this situation over with Cal. In fact, she could have talked it over with Cal and Maggie—if she remembered correctly, Maggie was off today. There was always Lola, who would be working in the diner this afternoon, and Lola was so wise. She could call Moody, her AA sponsor, or just go to a meeting and bare her soul. But she did none of these things. Instead, when she was off work at about two, she went to the Vadas house. She was relieved that Connie’s truck was nowhere in sight. But there was a chance they were resting so she gave the door a couple of light raps.

Rafe opened the door. “Sierra! We weren’t expecting you.”

“I know. Connie told me about the baby and I thought I’d come by and see how you’re doing.” She lifted a take-out bag. “I brought you a cheesecake and some cookies for the kids.”

“Oh, you shouldn’t do that,” Lisa said from behind her husband. She had a chubby baby wearing a onesie against her shoulder. “I’ve been trying to lose the same fifteen pounds for the last five years at least.”

“You always look wonderful,” Sierra said.

“That’s what I tell her,” Rafe said. “But I’m a husband, which means she thinks I’m a liar. Or an idiot.”

“You’re so sweet,” Lisa said. “How thoughtful.”

“I’m neither,” Sierra said. “I’m nosy! I want to meet this little angel.”

Lisa turned him around. He rubbed his little hands in his eyes, then he looked at Sierra and gave her a large toothless grin. “Aww,” Sierra said. Then he promptly threw up on his powder blue onesie.

“Oh, no!” Lisa said. “Well, I guess we filled him up. I’m sorry, I—”

“Here,” Sierra said, taking the baby and turning him so Lisa could mop his face and pajamas. “Oh, now you feel better, don’t you? Elizabeth usually makes sure she gets it on me, but only if I’m wearing something clean and fresh. I think I’ve smelled like cheese since she came into my life.”

“I’ll get a new outfit,” Rafe said, turning away from them.

“He has a little issue. He doesn’t exactly burp,” Lisa said.

“But he’s okay, isn’t he?” Sierra asked.

“He’s amazing,” Lisa said. “We’re watching him very closely, and even though he’s four months, he’s sleeping on a SIDS monitor. In our room. There are no apparent injuries, thank God for that fantastic car seat. He’s going back for another workup tomorrow.”

“What in the world happened?”

“I think she was texting,” Rafe said, coming back into the room with a clean outfit. “Based on what the other involved drivers said.”

Sierra backed up to the couch, put the baby down and began unfastening his pajamas, peeling them off like an old pro. And the baby giggled. There is no sound more invigorating than the helpless giggle of a baby, so Sierra started talking to him—in his language. He giggled all the harder. He laughed all the way through the changing of his clothes, then she picked him up and cuddled him. She looked up at Rafe and Lisa. “Texting?”

“She was awfully young,” Lisa said. “Not that texting while driving is limited to the young. She was barely twenty.”

“Oh my God, just a child herself. Do you know any more about her? Was she married? Is there family?”

“The highway patrol is investigating and they know where this baby is—I’m sure we’ll hear something when there’s something to hear.”

“Is there a chance he’ll be traumatized from the accident? From what he saw and heard?” Sierra asked.

Lisa shook her head. “I don’t think so. He might be startled by loud noises or something, but any child would be.”

“There’s no evidence to suggest he’ll remember or understand,” Rafe said. “He’s just a few months.”

“He feels so cuddly and sweet,” Sierra said. “I think Connie so wanted to bring this little guy home. I didn’t know until last night that Connie is part of the foster care program.”

“A lot of us are,” Rafe said. “Fortunately, we don’t get that much business. This is the second time we’ve had a baby stay with us.”

“Connie asked if I’d think about going through their program so we could be involved if there’s a need. But I don’t know...” She jiggled the baby and absently kissed his head. “I’d be afraid to get attached.”