Chapter Five
"What is it, boy?" Sue Hudson looked down at her hearing dog as he pawed her leg then glanced up at her husband.
Jack shrugged. "I don't hear anything."
They followed the dog into the living room.
"Ah," Jack tapped Sue on the shoulder. "I know what's upsetting our buddy now. Anna Grace is crying."
He lifted the squirming newborn out of the bassinet. "Hey, baby girl. It's okay. Daddy's here." Jack watched hopefully for some reaction to his voice.
But there was none. At three weeks old Anna Grace had yet to show any recognition of her parents' voices. She was so different than the boys. So tiny. And her cry was so quiet and tentative.
Jack couldn't help but worry about this precious daughter who had entered the world so dramatically.
Jack pressed a kiss on Anna Grace's forehead and glanced at Sue. "I think she needs a diaper change."
"Oh!" Sue said quickly and reached for the baby. "Here, I'll do it."
"I can do it, Sue. I don't mind."
"No." Sue took Anna Grace into her arms. "I'll take care of her. You don't have to bother." She turned and quickly left the room.
Jack sighed heavily and looked down at Levi. "You have any idea what's wrong with Sue, buddy?"
Levi whined mournfully, his large eyes gazing up at Jack.
Jack knelt down and ran a soothing hand over the dog's head. "Ah, I know, pal. I'm worried about her too. Maybe she's just tired. Come on, let's get the boys and go for a walk before Lucy gets here."
Levi jumped up, his tail wagging excitedly at the magic words, and trotted out of the living room in search of his two playmates.
"Oh, Sue!" Lucy squealed loudly. "She's beautiful. I can't believe I had to wait so long to see her. Let me have her." Lucy reached out eager hands.
Sue hesitated and Jack frowned. She had never had a problem letting the team hold the boys.
Lucy's smile faltered slightly and she looked at Sue questioningly. "Is something wrong?"
"No, of course not." Sue smiled slightly. "Here." She reluctantly handed over the baby girl.
Jack turned to Joseph and had to smile at the satisfied look on the man's face.
"I take it the honeymoon went well."
Joseph Davis grinned widely. "Very well. When she wasn't wanting to cut it short to come see that baby of yours."
Jack winced. "Sorry about that."
Joseph shook his head, still smiling. "Not your fault. You know women have a mind of their own and rarely come on our timetables. Even before they're born."
The tall agent looked down at the boys who were happily looking at the book Lucy had brought them. "How are those two handling having a sister?"
Jack smiled proudly as he looked at his sons. "They're doing great. They're going to be awesome big brothers."
Joseph nodded and clapped a hand on Jack's shoulder. "I think your little Anna Grace is a very blessed young lady." He looked toward the sofa where the two women sat.
Sue looking at the infant outfits Lucy had brought and Lucy crooning over the tiny, purple-blanketed bundle in her arms. Concern filled Joseph's black eyes. "Is Sue alright? She doesn't seem to be herself."
Jack hesitated. "The delivery was very hard for her. I think it's going to take longer for her to bounce back than it did with the boys."
Joseph nodded. "Well, I think my wife has had that little angel to herself long enough now." He winked at Jack and strode over to the sofa.