Epic Sins (Epic Fail #1)(61)

“Sure,” she says and tosses me the keys to Garrett’s SUV. My car has been at the house that I share with Aunt Peggy since I haven’t been able to drive for the past six weeks. She, Garrett and Cassie have all split duties in helping chauffeur me around.

Garrett has been incredible. Since my injury, he’s really taking a lead in Kai’s care. In fact, he’s home with Kai and the occupational therapist right now.

“Jim wants to know when you’re coming back to work,” Cassie says nonchalantly.

I want to go back. I really do. But I can’t imagine not being here with Kai. And Garrett.

“I don’t know, Cass.”

“You’ve been gone for almost six months. They reversed your suspension almost three months ago. It’s time, don’t you think?”

“I’ll think about it,” I say, trying to dismiss her question.

“Sam, you know I love you, and I’m so proud of everything you’re doing for Kai, but you’re a nurse, not a nanny.” She pauses and pulls something from her purse. “Maybe this will help change your mind,” she says, slipping an envelope into my bag.

“What’s that?” I ask, curiously.

“It’s a letter… from Olivia.”

My heart starts to race and I grip the steering wheel. Ben’s mother.

“What?” I ask and start to feel faint. Thankfully, Garrett’s driveway is just ahead, and I press the button to open the security gate. I slam on the brakes when we reach the top of the driveway and throw the SUV into park.

“Hey, don’t stress out about it. Jim actually read it before he gave it to me. He wants you to read it.”

I open the door and swipe my bag from the center console. “I’m going inside. Are you coming?” I ask and don’t wait for her to respond before I head toward the front door.

“I can’t,” she calls after me. “My shift starts in an hour, and I have to go home to get my scrubs. Pink monkeys today. Jealous?” She smiles warmly, trying to make me feel better.

She walks to her own car and blows me a kiss. “Call me later?” I wave goodbye without confirming.

I enter the house, and I immediately hear giggling coming from upstairs. “Aunt Peggy?” I call out but no answer. I walk up the stairs and follow the giggles obviously coming from Kai’s room.

When I open the door, I see Garrett’s face close to Kai’s bare belly, and he moves closer, blowing raspberries on him. Kai laughs, screeching and kicking his legs. His arms are flailing around, and he’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him. Garrett does it again, and Kai’s giggles get louder. He’s barely able to catch his breath when Garrett tickles him again. “Do you like that?” Garrett asks his son, unaware of my presence.

“It sure looks like it!” I respond, and Garrett turns his head, startled.

Kai claps his hands in front of him and kicks his legs, laughing hysterically. The sight in front of me warms my heart. “Look who it is, buddy,” Garrett says, picking up Kai from the table. Kai continues to giggle and clap his hands. Then he sticks his tongue out and blows raspberries into the air, causing drool to drip from his mouth.

I rush over and grab a baby wipe from the table and dab Kai’s mouth and chin. He giggles and blows raspberries again, causing more drool to fall.

“I think it’s a lost cause,” Garrett says and places his hand over mine, taking the wipe away. Kai continues to giggle and drool, and it’s beautiful. He reaches his arms out in front of him and leans toward me. “Oh, Sam’s back and suddenly you want her, not me?” he teases Kai and passes him into my arms. Kai opens his mouth and places it on my cheek. It’s his idea of a sloppy kiss. And I love it.

Garrett reaches out with the baby wipe and dabs it on the wet spot on my cheek.

“Has he had a nap yet?” I ask.

Our rhythm feels so much like a family right now. It’s wonderful, but I know it isn’t real or permanent.

“No, I was just getting ready to put him down.” Garrett turns on the lullaby music and walks through the room, closing the blinds. Last week, we started putting him down in the crib awake so he can put himself to sleep. We’re slowly weaning him off of his dependence on us being physically present in order to sleep. He’s doing great, and it’s a strong sign that his recovery is progressing positively. His fits of screaming have almost all but stopped, as his body and mind heals.

I walk over to the crib and place Kai down. He grabs his stuffed Dalmatian and puts it in his mouth immediately. I turn on the mobile above him so he can watch the instruments spin. I bend down and kiss him on his forehead. “Sweet dreams, little dude.” He coos and laughs, kicking his legs in the air. He starts conversing with his stuffed animal, and Garrett and I quietly leave the room.

“You lost your boot,” he observes, turning on the baby monitor and sliding it into his back pocket. We can hear Kai’s baby sounds as we walk down the stairs.

“Yes, finally,” I say and hop off the bottom step. Garrett winces, and I trot into the kitchen.

“Don’t you think you should take it easy?” he says, following me.

“It feels great!” I look out to the backyard to the pool house. I can’t wait to finally swim again.

I look over at my bag on the counter. Knowing there’s a note in there from Olivia is rattling me to the core. What could she possibly have to say to me?