arrangement seemed to suit him. She realized the qualities she admired in him when dealing with Patches were qualities heâd probably gained as a dad. Only, he never talked about that because being a father had ended in tragedy. Losing a child had led to his divorce. However, that divorce and a change in lifestyle had also encouraged him to set up practice with Vince in Kismet.
Yes, she could entrust Ladyâs care to Grant. She was sure of it.
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Forty-five minutes later, Caprice held Benny while Bella set up the cool mist humidifier in the master bedroom. Thatâs where theyâd placed his crib for now.
Caprice lowered her lips to the babyâs head and smelled baby shampoo. His warm little body in her arms, she felt protective as she walked him around the room, crooning to him, rocking him a little. A twinge of something that didnât often nudge her felt almost painful now. What was that? A desire to be a mother? Was that why she took in strays? Because she had the need to nurture? Nevertheless, being a mother meant more than nurturing. She was aware of that .
Unbidden, she thought of Seth Randolphâthe doctor sheâd dated last summer and now e-mailed with more infrequency than sheâd likeâin the role of husband and father. Next, her focus switched to thoughts of Grant. Neither man was ready for married life or babies, but that didnât mean she wasnât. If she reached a certain age and still wasnât married, she could consider adopting a baby. Marriage was complicated. Two people had to compromise. They should be real partners, had to have the same values, even think alike most of the time. Maybe raising a child would be better if she did it on her own.
After Bella set up the humidifier and it was running, she took little Benedict from Capriceâs arms. Caprice felt that wistful longing still remained.
âIâm going to change him and see if I can get him to fall asleep. He likes the swing you and Nikki gave him. Maybe heâll fall asleep in that.â
âSo he likes motion.â
âHe always falls asleep in the car, but with it so cold and icy out, I donât want to take him for a drive.â
âI can understand that.â
Bella glanced at her. âYouâre good with him.â
âYou sound surprised.â
âYou werenât that interested when Megan and Timmy were little.â
âMaybe Iâm older and wiser.â
Bella laughed. âArenât we all.â
Bella was two years younger than Caprice, Nikki two years older. But since Bella had married when she was young, sometimes she seemed like the big sister. She was certainly always ready to give advice, not so ready to take it. But that was Isabella Santini.
Expertly fastening the diaper, she said, âJoe went online and registered a domain name for me.â
âReally? What did you get?â
âCostumesByBella.com. What else?â
Bella sewed Halloween costumes for kids and had sold a few to friends, as well as to parents at Megan and Timmyâs school. Now she was going to go at it in a more businesslike way.
She went on. âJoe found this place we could set up a free Web site, but it will serve our purposes for now.â
âOur?â
Bella shrugged. âI donât know if Joeâs going to want to have much to do with my business or not. He sees how tired I am at the end of the day and heâs being helpful. Dana at the Cupcake House wants me to make a bunny costume for one of the employees for Easter. I said I would.â
âYou could have a real specialty business.â
âI donât know about that, but the extra income would be nice, at least until I go back to work at Rozâs boutique. Joeâs not too thrilled with that idea.â
Caprice hoped they could figure it out and Bellaâs working wouldnât cause dissention in their marriage.
âSo you have an open house this coming
kindle@abovethetreeline.com