Page 23 of Renard's Deliverance

“It’s too loud in here for her. Too stimulating.”

“She’s fine,” Saxon told him. “It’s just gas, I think.”

“Oh for goodness’ sake.” He couldn’t take the noise anymore. How was a man supposed to think?

Reaching out, he grabbed her, holding her against his chest.

A soft burp escaped the baby and she instantly started to settle.

“How do you do that? Every time she’s upset and you touch her, she settles,” Saxon said with exasperation.

“She just knows I mean business. You’re too wishy-washy.”

Poor guy just wasn’t as good as him and it was time he figured that out.

“I am not wishy-washy. Now, give her back,” Saxon demanded.

“No. You had your chance. She’s mine now.” Renard turned away. “Jones! Cut those carrots smaller. And how is the gratin coming along?”

“Renard, you cannot keep my baby,” Saxon told him.

“Sure I can.”

“You just told me that it was too loud and stimulating in here,” Saxon said with exasperation.

“She doesn’t seem to know that. She’s fast asleep. She was probably just upset because she doesn’t have a name yet.”

“Lord give me strength.”

Renard didn’t know what he was asking for strength for. Probably to help him be less wishy-washy.

“When are you going to name her?” he demanded.

“When Aspen can decide on a name.”

“Why don’t you name her?” Renard asked.

“Because this should be a joint decision and right now Aspen is in a . . . she’s just not ready.”

He was not going to ask.

Wasn’t any of his business, but still . . .

“She got that depression women get after a baby?” he asked as he moved into the pantry.

“I don’t know,” Saxon said, looking pensive. “Maybe? I need to get her to Jenna, but she doesn’t want to leave the bed.”

“So get Jenna to come to her. Problem solved.”

“I think I will.”

“Well?” Renard demanded.

“Well what?” Saxon asked.

“Go do it now. What are you waiting for?”

“It’s Saturday. Jenna doesn’t work on a Saturday.”

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