Mother also told me it's impolite to stare, yet I can't help but gape at Charlie Carter McKenna. I've seen her on television many times, but never in person, and never walking toward me wearing a smile bright enough to light the entire district. Red hair falls in waves around her shoulders, loose and elegant in its simplicity. But her eyes, as green as a forest, somehow haunted and sparkling with life at the same time, pin me down. Her silk dress is the same color as her irises. Plunging to a V in the front, it shows a hint of cleavage and hugs her curves, including a belly bump that's all too familiar and one I just lost.
Caden stalks forward two steps to intercept the First Lady. In the blink of an eye, she disappears into his embrace.
"Ma'am," he says and then laughs when she gives his shoulder a good-natured wallop.
"Always asking for trouble. Try using ma'am with Gram and see how you fare on the other side of that comment." Prying herself out of his hug, she holds him an arm's length away, scanning his face. "You look good."
That's the understatement of the century. Caden is gorgeous and intimidating all the time. But witnessing the glory of him in his dress blues, adorned by badges and pins, and spontaneous ovulation occurs. Add the baby bag hanging from his shoulder like he was born to carry it, and the get up is almost as good as naked Caden. Almost.
JT squawks, holding out his balled fists as if begging for Mrs. McKenna's attention. And he gets it. Tilting her head a fraction she takes us in. She glances at Caden, murmuring, "And I know why you look so good."
"Charlie. This is my girl, Piper, and her son, Justin Taylor."
She places a hand over her heart, and a mist coats her eyes. I knew Caden established a friendship with her when he was at the rehab center, and based on her reaction, I'm assuming she knows about Justin. Her sad yet pleased look makes me believe she approves of Caden's new family.
"We call him JT," I say hoisting him up a little higher in my arms.
"Piper, it's my pleasure. Welcome to our home." She waves around the private residence of the White House and its twenty-foot walls, the height accentuated by crown molding that goes on for miles. "He's beautiful. May I?" She reaches for JT, and my nerves shatter as I take in her hair, long platinum earrings, and the straps of her dress. A veritable minefield of toys for a three-month old. As if knowing my thoughts, Mrs. McKenna pushes her curls over her shoulder and takes him from me without hesitation.
"Oh," she says bouncing him once and grinning as JT reaches for her chin. "What a sweet guy. How was your flight and the hotel? Do you have everything you need?"
"Beyond wonderful. Thank you, Mrs. McKenna."
"Charlie, please."
Caden steps to my side. His hand rests on the curve of my hip while Charlie coos and wrestles a curl from JT's fist as if it's the best thing to happen to her today.
An older woman with a smile as bright as Charlie's walks out of the kitchen, drying her hands in a towel. "Charlie Carter, why didn't you tell me they were here? Anna, your daughter's hogging the sweetest baby you've ever seen." She calls over her shoulder, but then winks at Caden and me as she comes up to JT, tickling his side until he screams in baby giggles.
"You and Mom will get him all night, Gram. Let me have a minute of him to myself." She rolls her eyes but her grin doesn't quit. Charlie's mom arrives, and it's an out-and-out tug of war for JT's attention. He gurgles and flirts, just like Justin, and my heart explodes when he flings his fist out of his mouth and a long line of drool lands precariously close to Charlie's dress. But she just laughs, and Gram uses the kitchen towel to wipe the goo from her skin.
"Oh, God. I'm so sorry. Here." I slide the baby bag from Caden's shoulder. "I have a bib. And a burp cloth. And a journal. I've listed out everything he may need, including his bottle schedule and when he'll go down. My phone number is at the top of the first page. Thank you for watching him tonight. Really, Mrs. Carter, thank you for babysitting JT."
"It's Gram, please, and Anna. We're deligh-"
"He's a good baby, he shouldn't give you any trouble but if you have any problems call me. I'll keep my cell on. I . . . it's just . . . I haven't left him with anyone but Tess and Car-"
"Piper." Gram places her hand on my arm as I dig through the bag searching for anything to ease my racing heart. "Between us we've raised six children and I've been known as the baby whisperer, he'll be fine. We'll call if we have any questions, deal?"