Hearts and Aces (Kelsey's Burden Series Book 7) by Kaylie Hunter (great books for teens txt) 📗

you take her for a minute while I use the restroom?” the nanny asked, holding Abigail out for me.

“No way,” I said, taking a step back. “Last time I held her, she puked on me.”

“I haven’t fed her yet. You’ll be fine,” the nanny said before forcing Abigail into my arms and turning toward the door.

Holding Abby out away from me pulled at my stitches. I moved her to my good side, carrying her on my hip. I walked into the nursery. “I heard you’re crawling these days, but I don’t believe it,” I whispered to her as I sat on the carpet. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

I laid her on her belly and scooched away. Abigail fussed a bit but got her arms under her and started rocking her body back and forth as she watched me.

“That’s it. Build your momentum,” I said as I held my hands out and wiggled my fingers. “Now come here.”

She launched forward a little too fast, landing on her face. Without crying out, she lifted herself again and moved an arm forward, then the other. Her legs weren’t as fast as her arms, but eventually she reached me and I lifted her up, holding her in a standing position as she squealed and bounced her legs underneath her.

“That was good stuff, Miss Abby. We just need to strengthen those legs. Maybe register you for a kick boxing class.” I moved her back and only partially held her weight, letting her test her legs and practice standing.

“Better not let Lisa see you,” the nanny said as she entered and sat on the couch. “She insists babies don’t walk or crawl at this age.”

I scooched back again, still holding Abigail but increasing the distance between us. She squealed, stepping forward before teetering sideways. I kept her upright, and she watched me intently as she placed her fist halfway into her mouth and covering it with drool.

“I’ll take care of Lisa,” I said, looking at the nanny. “In the future, if you think there’s an issue that would negatively impact Abby’s developmental years, let me know. I’m a pro at manipulating Lisa.”

The nanny laughed. “I’ll be sure to do that.”

I sat Abigail down and moved to the side to roll myself onto all fours to stand. My side pinched a bit, but it wasn’t too bad. “I need to go hunt down some food. You need anything?”

“We’re all set. Thank you.”

Abigail saw I was leaving and started to cry. I hurried toward the door.

Entering the dining room, Hattie greeted me with a plate of food. “You read my mind, but you should be resting.”

Pops chuckled from the breakfast bar where he sat reading a newspaper.

“Nonsense. I’ve been resting all morning, sunshine,” Hattie said. “Is Wild Card coming back? He hasn’t eaten yet either.”

“He’ll be here any minute.”

“He’s here,” Wild Card said, closing the front door. He hung my handbag from the hook by the garage door. “I was distracted by Abigail’s aunt teaching her to walk.”

“I always knew you were a rat,” I said, giggling.

I took a bite of my ham and cheese sandwich. Wild Card washed his hands at the kitchen sink while Hattie prepared a plate for him.

“Are you going to explain why Wild Card took Doc with him to Alex’s house to see you,” Hattie asked as she set a plate on the table for Wild Card.

“You hurt?” Pops asked, lowering his newspaper.

“Just a scratch,” I said, shaking my head.

“What kind of scratch?” Pops asked, raising an eyebrow and looking at Wild Card.

“The kind that needed stitches,” Wild Card answered as he joined me at the table. “We need to keep it quiet, though, for some reason.”

“Is she safe?” Pops asked Wild Card.

“I’m sitting right here. You can ask me.”

Wild Card chuckled as he answered Pops. “She took down the bad guy, but that’s also a secret for some reason.”

“Good enough,” Pops said, lifting his paper back in front of him.

“You’re not curious as to why she’s keeping it a secret?” Wild Card asked.

“Would be a waste of mental energy,” Pops said behind his paper. “She’s always got something cooking in that brain of hers. Whatever it is, it will work. That’s all I need to know.”

I took another big bite of my sandwich before setting it down and walking over to pull my phone from my handbag. I texted Jackson and walked back to the table. Before I took another bite, Jackson replied. I grinned to myself as I chewed and texted Charlie. It took a few more bites of my sandwich before her reply came through. I nodded to myself and texted Donovan. By the time I finished my sandwich, Donovan walked through the front door with Jackson.

“Aren’t you worried someone will see him here?” Donovan asked, pointing a thumb over his shoulder at Jackson as he stole some chips from my plate.

“Not really. You can tell anyone who asks that you needed help to prepare for the rope pulling contest.”

“There’s not much work involved in a rope pulling contest.”

“Whatever. Make up an excuse.”

“What do you need?” Jackson asked, stealing a chip from Wild Card’s plate.

“First,” I said, turning to Donovan. “Charlie will be here soon. According to the rules, substitutes are allowed for the rope pulling contest as long as they are comparable in size. Do you agree Charlie’s my approximate height and weight?”

“I’m fine with her being your substitute. Why do you need someone to cover your spot?”

“I have a meeting that I can’t reschedule.”

“I’ll let Jerry know,” Donovan said, stealing another chip. “With a bullet wound in Grady’s shoulder, he’s out as well.”

I slid my plate in front of Donovan, offering up the last of my chips. “I also want the rope pulling event