Page 5 of Ruined Vows
“You’re a natural. I’m sure you’ll have a large family one day.”
I chuckle. “They’re so innocent,” I say, marveling at Little Girl. I call them “Little Girl or Little Man. Names aren’t assigned unless they were known when they came in.
“Sit in the rocker,” Joanne suggests.
I sink into a nearby rocker, leaning forward. I place Little Girl in my lap. I move her into the middle of the baby blanket before I wrap the cloth tightly around her tiny body. Swaddling a baby is no small feat.
I marvel at her. She’s beautiful, sweet, and innocent. I lift her into my arms again, raising her to my cheek as I close my eyes. I inhale. I love the familiar scent of babies. I smile and nuzzle her soft, warm cheek.
“You can’t take her home,” Joanne teases.
“I know,” I sigh.
Joanne leaves me to talk to the caretakers, and I rock Baby Girl. I swear, I get more out of this visit than anyone can imagine.
She sleeps peacefully in my arms.
Joanne swings by. “I have to go, enjoy yourself. I’ll see you before you leave. Lunch?”
“Yes,” I say, my eyes brimming with gratitude.
She softly touches my shoulder before she turns and walks to the door.
I don’t know how long I sat, but my legs are stiff. I stand and walk around the room with Baby Girl in my arms. I talk to her, filling her head with the hopes and dreams I was denied as a child. I want her to go to a loving home.
I return her to her crib before I return to Joanne’s office.
“You look happier,” she says as soon as I enter her office.
“I am. Are you ready for lunch?”
“Sure.” She reaches for my purse, hands it to me, and stands.
“Where to?” I ask.
“The sandwich shop?”
I know she says that because it’s the only affordable place on this side of the city.
“How about my family restaurant? It’s free.”
She gives me a side eye, accusing me of manipulating an angle to treat her to a free meal.
“What?” I feign innocence.
“I’m on to you,” she replies, but when she smiles, I know she’ll agree.
“I’m eating for free, too. Seriously, it’s the best Italian food in the city.”
“You’re biased,” she smirks.
“Of course,” I deadpan.
“Fine.” We walk to my car, and she frowns when the door opens.
“It won’t hurt you, honestly.”
She gives me an unsettled look before she crawls into the car and sinks into the leather seat.
