32. Negotiations
Negotiations
Sara
“Don’t hurry.” Mom seems unsure where to put her hands on Tom, like he’s made of glass. I contain my laugh as I follow behind them.
He turns to face her and rolls his eyes. “It’s my shoulder, Mom. Not my legs. I’m fine.”
“Nonsense.” She finally holds his elbow on his good arm. “You’re on pain medicine that could make you drowsy.”
He glances back at me with a look that says, Help me. My smile might be slightly evil. Yes, he may have taken a bullet for me, but it’s his fault we were shot at and I was kidnapped, so I’m pretty sure we’re even.
He sighs in resignation and Mom leads him over to the couch on the first floor. Not down in his apartment. Caitlyn rushes off to the kitchen and the sound of cabinets opening and closing reaches us.
Tom sits down and leans against the back of the couch. He closes his eyes.
“You should lie down.” Mom narrows her eyes.
“I’m fine.” He meets Mom’s eyes and his tone softens. “Honestly, Mom. I’m good. We’ve got a double posting of Lawson men covering every inch of this house. No one’s getting in, and I doubt we could even get out.” He smirks. “I just have to survive your caregiving.”
“Thomas Benjamin Morris, you will not talk to your mother that way.” Mom huffs out a breath. “I’m caring for my child. You’ll understand when that baby shows up. I hope he or she gives you just as much trouble as you gave me.”
“Tom’s having a baby?” Caitlyn comes back in with a glass of water for Tom.
Mom’s eyes widen. Guess Caitlyn missed that detail.
“Natasha is pregnant.” Tom glances at Mom. “We’re married though, so it’s okay.”
“I’m going to be an aunt!” Caitlyn sits down next to Tom and turns her body to face him. “Will I get to hold the baby?”
“Of course.” Tom takes her hand. “You’ll be my favorite babysitter.”
“She’s not old enough.” Mom sits on the chair.
“I am too.” Caitlyn gets this stubborn look I know I’ve given my mother on multiple occasions.
“She can help take care of the baby while we’re around or if she can pry the baby out of your arms.” Tom smiles at Caitlyn. “I’m sure you’ll be the baby’s favorite aunt.”
She beams at me and I just raise an eyebrow at Tom. He chuckles.
“Come along, Caitlyn. Let’s get busy on making lunch.” Mom stands and holds her hand out for Caitlyn. They head into the kitchen.
Tom glances to make sure they’re gone. “So what’s the plan?”
“You’ve missed a lot.” I lean forward and tell him all about what we found and what the guys and Natasha are currently doing.