Chapter 9
Loading two of everything into the pickup truck was like one of the psychological tests given to SEALs where puzzle pieces passed along the bottom of the screen and the men had to fit them as quickly as possible to fill each shape which changed constantly.
Evan had always considered himself above average in spatial acuity but there was just so much stuff.
He was impressed at Genevieve’s ability to find small spaces where she tucked boxes of diapers, bags containing dozens of smaller items, and even suggesting that the boxes containing the beds be loaded on their sides rather than flat.
They finally got everything into the truck bed secured and stuffed several small items behind the seats.
“I’d like to go back to the hospital and feed Ian,” Genevieve announced as soon as Evan slid behind the wheel.
“We can go see him tonight after we get all of this unloaded.” He let out a long sigh.
“It’s going to take me days to put everything together for his room at your house.
I can store my stuff at the temporary quarters they’ve assigned me.
I’m hoping I can move into my own house on base late next week. ”
“I can drive to the hospital while you start on the crib.” Then she shook her head.
“No. I can’t. I’ve got all those bottles, nipples, and pacifiers that I need to open and get them into the dishwasher.
Then I need to get the tags off all the receiving blankets, crib bedding, and clothes and get them into the laundry. ”
Evan dug his phone out of his pocket. “Let’s call the nursery and check on him.”
Genevieve beamed.
After the day they’d had, Evan was ecstatic to see her so happy.
He’d put the nursery on speed dial and had set up the Bluetooth in the SUV. The call was answered on the second ring.
As soon as the nurse had identified herself and area, he spoke, “Good afternoon. This is Captain Evan Hubbard. You’re on speakerphone in my car and I have Genevieve Hubbard with me.
We’re calling to check on Ian. I apologize that we haven’t been able to make it back to see him but there was so much that we needed to prepare for his homecoming that it’s taken hours to select and purchase everything. How is our grandson doing?”
“Ian is just fine. For just less than twenty-four hours old, we’re happy to tell you that he has gained an ounce.” She lowered her voice when she told them, “The woman from social services was in checking on him and asking about the two of you.”
“We should’ve taken a break from shopping and gone back to the hospital.” Genevieve glared at him.
“I wasn’t going to leave thousands of dollars of brand-new baby equipment sitting in the hospital parking lot,” he explained as he turned onto the bridge back to Coronado.
“No worries,” the nurse reassured them. “We told her you’d been here that morning and were shopping for the nursery at your home. She was more concerned with Ian’s health. It’s a miracle, but his fever is now normal.”
All three laughed.
“I told her that he needed to go twenty-four hours without a fever before we could release him. Does that give you enough time?” The nurses at the Naval hospital were so kind and understanding.
Evan was going to get the name of each one who had cared for Ian and helped them gain custody of their grandson.
He’d write them a personal thank you note as well as a letter to the captain in charge of the hospital specifying their names, touting their professionalism.
“Thank you. That’s wonderful. We’re headed home right now to get things set up…after I get everything run through the dishwasher and laundry.” Genevieve looked resigned to the fact that she might not see the baby until tomorrow. “Is it all right if we come after visiting hours?”
“Certainly. Babies at this age only sleep for an hour or so at a time. There are plenty of feedings before sunrise.” The nurse went on to say, “Ian is special to all of us and so are the two of you. Come anytime.”
They gave their thanks and said goodbye.
“Let me see what I can get done in the next few hours, then we can go visit him.” He gave Genevieve a worried glance. “Even though the judge talked with someone over at C.P.S., it wouldn’t surprise me if they showed up within hours after we brought Ian home. I want to be completely prepared.”
Genevieve’s eyes went huge. “They’re going to inspect my house. I’ll have to clean everything from top to bottom. I think I mopped the kitchen floor on Thursday. I think. Oh, damn, I can’t remember.”
He reached across the center console and patted her thigh. “It’ll be all right. You were always a meticulous housekeeper. I doubt that changed after I left.”
“I have no idea what condition Kylie’s room is in.” She sniffed. “And my office will have to be cleared out for Ian.”
He hated to make the suggestion, but it was the best solution since Genevieve was going to need her office, “How about we put Ian in Kylie’s room? I’m certain you use your office every night. Just because we have a baby doesn’t mean that you’re not going to have papers to correct.”
“I called my principal this morning and explained to her what happened. She’s assigned a substitute for the next week while I’m on bereavement.
I have a lot of time built up that I can take off and the school year ends in a few weeks if I had to stretch it out.
” She put her hand on his thigh as he turned down the street to her house. “Ian is more important than my job.”
He glanced at her before returning his gaze to the street. She wasn’t being a martyr; she’d meant what she said. She’d take off work to take care of their grandson. Her job had always been more important than anything else, including their marriage.
“I’m not the same person I was nine years ago.” Determination filled her voice. She must have read his mind, or he needed to work on his poker face.
Evan put his hand over hers. “Neither am I. I’d like to think that I’m not just older but a lot wiser.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “We’ll get through this.”
He looked at cars, trucks, and SUVs parked up and down the street. “Your neighbor must be having a party.”
“Usually we tell each other when the street is going to be crowded.” Genevieve shrugged and pulled out her phone. “I don’t see any texts.”
Her driveway was crowded but had a clear spot for them in front of the garage. When Evan turned off the engine, he looked at Genevieve. “Looks like the word got out.” He slid his hand under hers and interwove their fingers. “Are you ready for this?”
Before she could answer, Marta Merkel stepped out of her front door with Vice Admiral Trevor Maddox right behind her.
Men poured out of her house.
Evan instantly knew they were SEALs. His SEALs.
Lieutenant Commander Harrison started giving orders. Boxes and bags were lifted out of the truck bed and carried into her house. Evan mentally braced. He hadn’t been in that house since before the divorce. The home he’d shared with Vivi and Kylie for so many good years.
Genevieve’s truck door opened and Marta stood there with her arms open. “Oh, Gen, I’m so sorry about Kylie.” The older woman smiled through her tears. “But I’m so excited to meet Ian.”
When his ex-wife fell into her friend’s arms, they burst into tears.
Evan opened his door and grabbed a few boxes.
He was met halfway to the house by his boss.
“When your men heard about your loss and the baby, everyone asked what they could do.” He chuckled as he looked at his administrative assistant still holding Genevieve.
“Leave it to Marta to organize a work party.” He gestured to the door.
“Their wives, fiancées, and girlfriends have been here most of the afternoon cleaning house—not that it needed it in my opinion—and cooking for tonight’s supper.
It’s just spaghetti, but smells fucking awesome.
I haven’t had home cooking since…” He didn’t need to finish that sentence.
Two young men single-handedly carried the heavy cribs toward the house.
“One of those stays in the truck. It needs to go—” Evan’s instructions were interrupted.
“Put the light oak one upstairs and the dark cherry one in there,” Genevieve ordered as she opened the garage door. So much for his plans of filling the VIP temporary housing with baby stuff that will end up in his new quarters.
The SEAL carrying the dark wood crib looked at the captain, his eyes requesting confirmation or new directions.
“Do as the lady says.” Evan’s gaze met Genevieve’s.
It was as though their old nonverbal communication had locked back into place.
Without a word, he said thank you. Her smile confirmed that she understood that she’d opened the door for him… for them.
Half an hour later, Evan peered into what was once Kylie’s room. Marta had parked Genevieve in the rocking chair and given her a glass of wine. She hadn’t been allowed to lift anything, simply give orders.
He’d seen his daughter’s bedding come down the stairs in the arms of one of the wives.
He wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer, but he asked anyway, “What did Genevieve want done with those?”
The lieutenant junior grades’ wife gave him a small smile after she introduced herself and mentioned her husband.
“I’m going to take them home and wash them.
Ms. Hubbard said to give them away. I’ll take them to the Navy Relief Society.
There always seems to be some sailor’s family in need. These are beautiful, and hardly used.”
“Thank you. I appreciate everything you’re doing.” Evan then returned to putting together the changing table with the help of the vice admiral.