Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
CORA
Waking up to the soft hush of Elias’s breathing filled me with a peace I didn’t even know I needed. His tiny chest rising and falling against mine as he lay atop me in his crib was magical.
I’d had no intention of falling asleep with him after his last feeding for the evening, but when he wouldn’t settle, I’d crawled into the crib with him. I’m not sure what type of mattress Jason purchased to go with the crib, but it was better than the regular mattress back in my apartment.
One minute, I’d been thinking about all the things that had happened, and the next, it was lights out. Now, through the window, a crescent moon was half hidden by the baby blue curtain that matched the baby-animal-covered quilt.
Every time I stepped inside the room, I was reminded just how amazing Jason was. I’d been so worried about getting guardianship of Elias, it hadn’t even crossed my mind to get a room set up for him. I just thought I’d cuddle him on the bed until we got back to Chicago.
My phone softly chimed in my pocket. I startled and jostled Elias before fishing it from my pant pocket and silencing it.
After a few times of running my hands over his back, he quieted down and went back to sleep. Once I was sure he was settled, I picked up my phone and checked it.
I tried to wait until you texted me, but please let me know how the court hearing went. I know it’s late, but when you see this, no matter what time it is, you text me. You hear me!
I tapped my forehead with my fist in frustration before tapping out a response to Anna.
I’m sorry, I completely forgot to text you. I was granted temporary custody.
That’s amazing news! I’d yell at you for not texting me sooner, but I’m so happy I can’t be mad. I can’t wait to meet him.
I lowered the phone until Elias’s face was in the frame and smiled as I snapped a picture before sending it.
Oh, my goodness. He is beautiful. Look at that red hair! I’ve always wanted to have a ginger in my family. Oh, I can’t wait to babysit him. I’m telling you right now, you better get used to me spoiling him.
Turnabout is fair play. You spoil mine, I’ll spoil yours!
LOL!
I was totally not kidding. Honestly, though, I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to outdo Aunt Thea.
Anna’s sister-in-law was absolutely terrifying, but I could totally see Thea doting on that baby like no one’s business.
He or she would definitely know how to protect themselves once they got old enough.
Seriously, though, I can’t believe how much I love him already. It happened so fast. The first time I held him it was like I’d discovered my purpose in life. He’s such a good baby.
Awww… I can’t wait to meet him. But you need sleep, momma. Go get some rest.
Momma. Hearing Jason say it the first time had surprised me. But I was. I was his momma. Me.
I smiled. I was his momma. Just the word alone was precious and filled with such a weight of responsibility. Not heavy or burdensome. But about loving him, raising him, and teaching him how to be a good human being.
Another text from Anna popped up.
I think I’m going to run downstairs and make myself some warm milk. I’m running on empty, and I haven’t been able to sleep.
Okay. You take care of yourself, for sure. Love you!
Love you too. Kiss that baby for me!
I carefully rolled to my side, holding Elias as securely as possible until his back was on the mattress. When I was certain he was settled, I turned on the noise machine and slipped out of the room.
At the top of the stairs, voices drifted up from below. Jason and Thomas, but also a deeper voice I almost recognized, tense and urgent.
“… you need to know what Colter’s planning…”
Colter? My need for warm milk vanished instantly. I crept closer to the banister, straining to hear more.