Amber gave a slightly hysterical laugh. “I thought you were going to say something much more personal. Like you had beautiful eyes or he wanted to see you naked.”
“Oh, he definitely wants to see me naked.”
Amber firmly pushed her own problems away. “You should let him.”
“Excuse me?”
“You want to. I can hear it in your voice.”
“There’s nothing in my voice that says—”
“Go for it. Your celibacy won’t help me. In fact, it’ll probably distract you from helping me.”
“You want me to have a one-night stand?”
“I had one.” The memories rose one by one in Amber’s mind.
Into the silence, Destiny’s tone turned reflective. “You think you’re the better for it?”
“Not at all. But I’m stuck in the middle of a preposterous circumstance. You’ll be fine.”
“You want some company? Need some reinforcements?”
“You don’t need to come all the way over here.”
Not that Amber wouldn’t welcome the support. Maybe Destiny could take a turn holding Zachary. He was still crying, and it was all but impossible to steel herself against his sadness.
“I’m five minutes away,” said Destiny.
“You are?”
“Just left a meeting at Bacharat’s. You know, that private lawyers’ club? You’re on my route home.”
“Then, yes, sure. Stop by.”
“Sounds good. It might take me a few minutes to park.”
“See you then.” Amber disconnected the call.
Feeling a bit lighter, she headed back into Zachary’s bedroom. He had pulled up on his feet and was gripping the top of the crib rail. His cheeks were flushed red and damp with tears.
“Oh, sweetheart,” she said out loud, lifting him into her arms. “How can I help?”
He cried harder.
She racked her brain. “What about some music? Want to watch videos?”
Zachary seemed to have a fondness for country and western, especially the drawling male singers.
With no better ideas, she carried him to the living room and tuned in the country station. It didn’t fix the problem, but at least it gave something to blend with his cries.
Then the knock came on her door.
“I know you’re too young to understand,” she said to Zachary as they crossed the living room, “but my arms are about to get a rest, and that’s a very good thing.”
She swung open the door.
Cole stood in front of her, Otis at his heels.
She was stunned. “You’re supposed to be Destiny.”