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The Missing Heir(19)

By:Barbara Dunlop


                “Okay.” She seemed to digest that while Zachary continued to wriggle. It was clear she had her hands full. “Could you maybe just bring them in and toss them down?” She glanced around the foyer.

                “Sure.” Cole moved through the doorway, spying a closet door. He opened it and placed them inside.

                The baby’s cries faded to whimpers behind him.

                He turned back. “I’ll have you know I practically risked my life to rescue these.”

                Zachary suddenly stiffened. He twisted his head to stare at Cole in what looked like amazement.

                “The party got that wild?” Amber asked.

                Zachary’s silver-gray eyes focused on Cole like lasers. He went silent and stared unblinking, seeming to drink in Cole’s appearance.

                Then, suddenly, he lunged for Cole.

                “Hey.” Amber grappled to keep hold of him.

                Zachary’s own arms were outstretched, reaching almost desperately for Cole. He started to howl again, hands clasping the air.

                “This is weird,” said Amber.

                Cole didn’t have a clue how to respond.

                “Do you mind?” She moved closer, glancing meaningfully at the baby.

                “I guess not.” Who would say no?

                Taking Zachary from her arms, he cautiously brought him into his chest. Zachary instantly wrapped his arms around Cole’s neck, squeezing tight. He nuzzled his sticky, tear-damp face against Cole’s skin. Then he sighed, and his entire body went limp against Cole’s chest.

                Through his shock and surprise, Cole’s heart started to pound, bringing a strange tightness to his chest. For some bizarre reason, his baby brother trusted him. How was a guy supposed to react to that?

                “You’re magic,” Amber whispered. “Whatever it is you’re doing, just keep it up.”

                “I’m only standing here.”

                “He’s been crying for over an hour. He gets like that sometimes.”

                “He probably exhausted himself before I got here.”

                “I think he misses his parents,” Amber said softly, her expression compassionate as she gazed at Zachary. She reached out to stoke the baby’s downy hair. “But he doesn’t understand what he’s feeling, and he certainly can’t put it into words.”

                Then she gave Cole a sweet smile. “You should come inside for a minute.”

                The dog seemed to understand the invitation. It padded gamely into the living room.

                Amber’s cute, disheveled appearance, the mutt’s claws clicking on the hardwood and the baby powder scent of Zachary’s warm body curled in his arms brought a sense of unreality to Cole.

                “Sure,” he answered, and followed her through the archway.

                It took only seconds for him to realize this was a perfect opportunity to learn more about her.

                “It was either this or the mansion.” She seemed to be apologizing for the opulent surroundings. “We thought it would be less disruptive if Zachary kept his nanny, Isabel. She occasionally sleeps over, so there was no way we’d all fit in my apartment. It’s one bedroom with a tiny kitchen. This place belonged to Samuel.”