11. Sterling
As I stood there in the middle of the dance floor with couples swaying around me, watching Cecelia walk away, I became aware of several things all at once.
Failure was not an option, and I was currently failing Georgie. I was failing the memory and trust of my sister. Argene had wanted me to take care of Georgie. Me. I had been named. It was not some throwaway line in a request to send her to family but a specific request that I be the one to take Georgie should anything happen to Argene and the father not be located.
But Georgie’s father’s name wasn’t provided. Was Argene keeping Georgie from him? Did I need to protect the child from her other family? I couldn’t protect her if she was put into foster care.
I wasn’t going to let that happen.
I watched every swaying step of Cecelia’s hips until she was obscured from view. I hadn’t even glimpsed at Katherine as she had left the party. I wasn’t even disappointed that Katherine was no longer coming home with me or even an option for future potential interactions. But I felt a sense of loss with Cecelia gone.
Quickly scanning the event, I located Robin and Georgie and strode over to them.
“Did you find a resolution for your little love triangle?” she asked as I stepped up to the table. She tilted her head, and I took the seat next to her.
“Hardly a love triangle. I messed up.”
Robin took her attention away from Georgie to give me a perplexed look. “Beg pardon? Did Sterling Alexander just admit to not being perfect?”
I laughed, tension rushing away from my shoulders. Robin Johnson knew me better than I had clearly given her credit for.
“You’re a natural at this,” I said as I pointed to her and Georgie.
“I’ve had children, and grandchildren. And I raised my children. I didn’t have nannies around the clock. I learned. You can learn too. I am sorry to learn of your sister’s passing.”
“You knew Argene?” I asked.
“Not exactly. But I had met her a time or two, back when your mother was still with us.”
Robin was old money, old family. And she knew my parents, and by extension, we were friendly enough. Enough that I felt comfortable asking advice.
“How am I supposed to learn?” I eased back in the chair and stretched my legs out under the table. Georgie seemed content. She did when she was with other people.
“Hmm,” Robin hummed. She seemed to be thinking. “Well, I had help. My mother, my grandmother, and pretty much anyone who thought I was doing something wrong.”
I shrugged. “Unfortunately, my mother is no longer with us. But even if she were, she didn’t think that men raised children. That was the woman’s role in the family.”
“Well, your parents were from an older generation. Times have changed. Who was that young woman? The one who brought Georgie in this evening.”
“She’s my case worker,” I said flatly. At least I thought she was still my case worker.
Robin nodded. “Ah, I think I see. You need to get into some parenting classes.”
“Do they exist? I have some books.”
Georgie yawned and rubbed her tiny fists into her eyes.
“You need to take this adorable baby home while she is still adorable and not fussing. Monday morning, call Maurice’s office and talk to his assistant. She’ll be able to find some classes for you.”
I raised my brows at her in an unasked question.
“The children’s museum is all about education and outreach. She has the resources to find what you need. Call.” Robin picked Georgie up with her as she stood.
She pressed her lips against the baby’s hair and murmured as I got the car seat ready. She kissed Georgie one last time before placing her into the car seat. As I buckled Georgie in, Robin grabbed my arm and squeezed. A car waited for us when I stepped outside. She fell asleep on the ride home.
I had an entire weekend on my own with the baby. Wayne prepared meals, but I still was the one to feed and change the baby.
It was as if some switch got flipped to the On position inside. I was somehow better attuned to Georgie’s needs. I could interpret her signals better. I wasn’t about to get her a cat, but I did order a stuffed cat toy.
When the toy arrived and I gave it to her, her entire body shook as she laughed and squirmed. She hugged the toy in her little arms and bit down on one of the ears. She was happy and no longer stressed out because I didn’t know what I was doing.
I still didn’t know what I was doing, but I had a hint more experience with her. And I was not going to let that child down.
It was a long couple of days before Monday arrived. I needed to call Maurice’s assistant, and I needed Cecelia to come over for our appointment. I wasn’t used to having to wait for people. If I was ready to start a project, I tended to jump in and get started no matter the time of day or night. Georgia wasn’t a tech problem I needed to find a solution for. I had to wait for the people and resources that were going to help me.
I couldn’t say that mornings had settled into a routine that we had all mastered. But it wasn’t nearly the struggle as it had been even four days earlier. And there were fewer tears involved. I had Georgie in her highchair. Wayne had tepid oatmeal ready for her, and I had a hot cup of coffee. I wasn’t dressed for the day, Georgie only had on a diaper, but we were doing it. We were figuring this out.
The concierge pinged, and a moment later, Wayne announced, “Miss Cecelia is on her way up. Do you want to take a moment to prepare for your guest?”
I shook my head. I didn’t care if Cecelia saw me in sweats and a T-shirt. This wasn’t a social call, and I wasn’t trying to impress her. I continued to spoon mush into Georgie’s mouth, and she managed to get it everywhere.
“Miss Cecelia, Mr. Sterling.” Wayne introduced her as he led her into the kitchen.
“You’re early,” I said. “Want coffee?”
“Thank you,” Cecelia said as she took a seat. She looked severe this morning. She wore a gray suit with a plain pink shirt. Her hair was twisted at the back of her head. She really was a lovely woman, even dressed for business. “Did you think about what I mentioned the other night?”
She thought she was here to take Georgie into foster care. That wasn’t happening.
“I did. I had a conversation with Robin Johnson after you left.”
Cecelia furrowed her brow.
“The woman who swept in like a grandmother. She gave me some guidance.”
“You take guidance?” Cecelia’s voice was sharp.
“Cute.” I acknowledged her sarcasm by raising my own brows. “I take guidance. I purchased everything you told me to. And believe it or not, I even know how to ask for help. Which I am doing right now. The books you suggested have some good information, but they do not really help with the hands-on aspect of this. And as you can see, Georgie is a hands-on kind of girl.”
She had a fist full of mush and was trying to chew on her hand.
“I understand there are parenting courses. I need some assistance in locating those, getting signed up. Also, I am going to need a little more coaching through the day-to-day.”
Cecelia stared at me for a long moment.
“Your coffee, Miss.” Wayne placed a mug in front of Cecelia.
Her gaze fell to the mug, and she stared at it for even longer. “What made you decide to keep her?” Cecelia’s voice was quiet.
“Not keeping Georgie isn’t really an option. She’s family, and it isn’t her fault that I don’t know how to take care of her. But I’m the adult here, and it is my responsibility. She is my sister’s daughter. I owe it to both of them, Georgie and Argene, to do my best. She stays with me until her father is located.”
Cecelia lifted her eyes to meet mine. Tears pooled against her lower lids, and her lip quivered.
She blinked a few times before wiping her face. “I’m really happy to hear that.”
I reached out and placed her hand over mine. Warmth spread up my arm. She started to laugh in relief. “I’m really glad you are keeping her. I’d miss her.”
The way Cecelia’s gaze was locked with mine, and the warmth that flowed between us where our hands touched, it felt as if she were saying she’d miss me. Maybe that was just my ego talking.