Jessi sat on the floor with Lucas in the playroom and entertained him with a Baby Einstein Octopus. He laughed and bounced on his diaper, then made a beeline across the room for Mason. Mason’s aunt sat in the large chair in the corner and also watched the boys play. “I’m so glad you decided to join us, Mary. I hope you like your room.” She had been eyeing every inch of the bus with wide eyes since they boarded early this morning.
“I can’t believe they fit all these rooms in a bus. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Poor Mary. She looked overwhelmed and out of place on a bus full of rock stars. “Once we’re on the road, you’ll settle in, and it’ll be just like home.”
“I’m not sure what to expect, but I needed to be here to make sure it was suitable for Mason.”
“Don’t worry, Aunt Mary.” Jimmy stood in the doorway with Damien. “We’re all going to be on our best behavior.” He elbowed Damien in the ribs. “Isn’t that right?”
Damien nudged him back. “Whattaya pokin’ me for? I’m an angel.”
Aunt Mary laughed. “You boys are worse than kids. Look how well Mason and Lucas get along.”
Mason was showing Lucas how to play an electronic drum pad. Lucas was enthralled at the sounds Mason created, and he giggled. Then Mason handed it over to Lucas so he could pound on it with his little hands. They were like brothers, the elder teaching the younger sibling. Jessi imagined it was Lucas as the older brother teaching his little brother or sister the same way Mason was teaching him, and Mason watching over the both of them.
A daughter. Jessi let the idea fester in her head. A baby girl would be a little fashionista that she could dress up in custom-made clothing – frilly little skirts and pink bows in her hair. She had been so focused on a son that she never entertained the idea of having a daughter. Now it was all she could think about.
After the show, they all piled back into the bus and headed for Milwaukee. Jessi checked on Lucas, still asleep in the playpen with Mary sitting next to him reading quietly. “I’m sorry, Mary. I would have come back from the show early if you were tired.”
“It’s no trouble.” She held up her book, the spine crackling from wear. “I may finally have time to finish some of my stories. These two boys wear each other out. I tucked Mason into bed long ago, but I didn’t have the heart to wake up the little one.”
“Thank you, Mary.” She had been fighting the idea, but Jessi knew she would have to hire a nanny soon. She couldn’t rely on Mary to watch Lucas once he started walking and needed constant supervision. And her busy schedule at home necessitated a consistent babysitter.
She picked up Lucas from the playpen, careful not to wake him. He squirmed and settled on her shoulder with a soft sigh. Her entire body filled with warmth at the tiny noise he emitted. His little heart beat against her chest, and his silken blond hair tickled her nose. He smelled like baby powder and freshness. She loved him so much.
She put Lucas down in the small room adjacent to the bedroom she shared with Tommy and Angel and waited to make sure he didn’t wake. Lucas slept peacefully after playing with Mason all day. She blew him a tiny kiss and slipped into the bedroom. She turned the baby monitor on high just in case Lucas stirred, but he was a sound sleeper, just like his daddy.
Tommy and Angel were already in bed when she got to the room. Tommy flipped through the channels on the TV. His hair was still damp from the shower and hung down onto his chest in darkened, matted strands. Angel had his arm behind Tommy’s head and offered a pillow in the form of a profuse bicep muscle.
“Is Lucas asleep?”
She nodded. “He’s knocked out from playing with Mason.”
Tommy started to peel back the covers. “I’ll just take a peek and—”
“You don’t have to. You can see him right here.” She handed him the video monitor.
Tommy sat back and leaned toward Angel so they could both share the display. With a tilt of their heads, their faces softened and smiles covered their lips.
“He’s a cherub,” Angel said, still watching the screen. “Positively celestial.”
Tommy clicked off the TV. “I can just sit here and watch him all night.”
Jessi changed into her favorite Immortal Angel T-shirt and crawled into bed with them. She let out a contented sigh as she looked over Tommy’s shoulder and watched Lucas sleeping on the monitor. “He’s beautiful.”
“With parents as gorgeous as the two of you, was there any doubt?” Angel asked.
“I’ve been thinking . . .” She paused and they both turned to her and waited for her to continue. “I think Lucas needs a little brother or sister. I think we should have another baby.”