CHAPTER 13
Over the next weeks, Bosco discovered his protective urges ran deep. He had hinted at staying at Sophie's for a time after bringing Grace home - to help out of course - although he didn't have a clue how to care for a child. Sophie informed him that Mrs. Grayson had already seen to it that Sophie wouldn't be alone when Bosco was at work and staying all night -even on the sofa- would not be proper. Sophie could handle her daughter alone in the wee hours of the morning.
Though he didn't especially like it, Bosco abided by her wishes. He soon found himself changing diapers and giving Gracie baths. The only thing he didn't do was feed her. As far as he could tell Sophie was supermom, keeping Gracie on a schedule and she didn't think twice about reprimanding Bosco when he tried to deviate from it.
Sophie loved being a mother. She would admit the two a.m. feedings were tiresome but she didn't mind. She had always heard there are no words to describe what a parent feels for a child. Sophie now knew there weren't.
She had accustomed herself to being Gracie's mother and, at the same time, taking care to include Bosco in their life as much as he wanted. Watching him rocking Grace one night, she admitted to herself that she had come to love the man who seemed to watch over herself and her daughter as if they were his own. He had questioned her once, after bringing Gracie home, if she wanted to call anyone. She knew 'anyone' meant Grace's father and refused. Bosco never mentioned it again but it was still between them and that ate at Sophie in the early hours when Grace was still sleeping and she was left with too much time to think.
Sophie knew she was going to have to tell him soon. And when she did, she prayed she would have the strength needed to let him go when he left.
CHAPTER 14
Sophie was still on extended maternity leave but slowly returning to work, mostly through messenger service, computer and fax from her home as she had arranged with her employer. Gracie was two months old when Sophie left her alone with Bosco for the first time. He had arrived at his usual six- thirty a.m. time to find Sophie opening the door to her apartment before he had a chance to enter on his own.
"Bosco, I'm sorry but I've got to go to the office," Sophie was saying as she returned to the diaper bag on the sofa.
Bosco followed her, closing the door behind him. He was still reeling a little from when she opened the door to him and for the first time saw her dressed to go to the office. Not in shapeless, post-maternity clothes but her normal, everyday, pre-baby clothes: slim knee-length skirt, blouse, tapestry print vest and blazer, all of which accentuated her curvy, post- baby figure but left much to the imagination. He'd never seen her like this -so professional, so -so -well -sexy.
"Are you listening to me?"
Bosco concentrated on what she was saying. "But you're on maternity leave."
She paused in packing the bag. "I know. It's just for a couple of hours but they can't find the documents and this case goes to trial next week. I have to go. I hate to wake Grace but-"
"I'll stay with her," Bosco interrupted.
"What?" Sophie was certain she'd heard wrong.
"I'll stay with her."
"Are you sure? What if she wakes up? She shouldn't but you never know or-" Sophie realized she was experiencing what other mothers had warned her about: separation anxiety. It was not a pretty sight.
"Soph, I'm a cop, remember? I can handle one sleeping baby. And I'll call Faith if I need to," he pushed the diaper bag to the floor and took its place next to her. "It's only a few hours."
Sophie mentally argued with herself. She was depending on him too much. No, she wasn't. He didn't know how to care for Grace. Yes, he did, you've seen him with her. Didn't she trust him? Of course she did. "Okay. But it should only be a couple of hours."
"Fine," he said guiding her to the door.
"You'll call if you need me?" She picked up her bag.
"Uh huh. Now go." He opened the door. "I'll see you after while."
She issued a few more instructions and then stopped. "Thank you."
He pointed at the door. "Go," and watched her hurry down the hall.
It had taken Sophie a mere twenty-minutes to locate the missing documents that were needed. The commute from her apartment to the office and back again took twice that long. She expected Grace to be furiously crying and Bosco ready to run screaming in terror from her. Instead, the apartment was silent. She soon discovered why.
The scene that greeted her in the living room was one that would stay forever imprinted on her memory. Bosco, lay on the sofa sound asleep. On his chest, lay her daughter, also fast asleep. The scene was too precious. Quietly, she retrieved her camera, snapped the photo and woke Bosco. Apologizing with a wry smile, Sophie planted herself on the floor in front of the sofa. "Was she any trouble?"
Glancing at the baby still sleeping on his chest, he shook his head. "Nope, just had a nightmare, I guess. She went right back to sleep." He noticed her clothes. "You done?"
She smoothed the curls on Gracie's head and nodded. "Just got back. Thank you again. For staying with her."
Eyes closed, he nodded in acknowledgement.
Sophie watched him for a moment. She knew what kind of hours he worked and considering that he seemed to be coming to her apartment every available minute since Gracie was born, figured he wasn't getting enough sleep. Don't question it, she thought rising, picking up Grace to put her in her crib.
Bosco didn't move. He'd fallen asleep again.
CHAPTER 15
Bosco didn't stick around the locker room long. Sophie and Grace were meeting him at the station and he didn't want her waiting on him. He showered and changed as quickly as possible. Faith caught up to him as he was leaving, walking with him outside, she almost remarked on his silence when he abruptly abandoned her, having seen Sophie patiently standing across the street with Gracie in the carrier.
"Damn. She looks good." Faith exclaimed, spying Sophie greeting Bosco. Clad in a lightweight plum colored sundress that skimmed her post-baby curves, Sophie was completely unaware of the attention she was drawing from the multitude of male policemen and firemen milling about. Her dark hair had been cut to just above her ears, parted on the side and held back with a vintage jeweled barrette. The darkness of her dress and hair contrasted sharply with her porcelain complexion from which her dark eyes sparkled as Bosco approached. Oh yeah, they were both goners, Faith thought.
Having heard Faith's comment and joined her, Kim followed her gaze, remembering Sophie. "I never looked like that after Joey was born."
"I never looked like that before my kids were born."
"What are we starin' at?" Davis interrupted, seeing the two women basically blocking traffic in the middle of the street.
"Bosco and Sophie."
"Bosco and who?" Sully asked, joining the small group.
"Sophie." At their blank look, Faith continued. "Remember? Bosco was her coach?"
"That's her? Damn!" Davis remarked, having remembered the tiny but very pregnant woman he and Sully had come across at the coffee shop about four months ago.
"I'm sure Taylor would appreciate the sentiment," Kim commented to Davis about his exclamation.
"Bosco's really not -?" Sully let the question unspoken but Faith picked up on what he was asking.
"No!" Studying her partner's interaction with mother and child, she added, "Although, you'd never guess it, right?"
Sophie spied their audience as Bosco took the bag and carrier from her and quietly remarked on the attention he was getting.
"They're just being nosy. They have to have something to talk about." He said, casting a nasty look at the small gathering.
"Come on, they haven't officially met Gracie yet." Before he could respond, she had headed over to the small group, leaving him no choice but to follow.
"Hello." Sophie smiled at Faith and reintroduced herself to Kim, Davis and Sully. "I wanted to thank you for your help when Gracie was born and introduce her to all of you."
Somewhat embarrassed, they accepted the thanks and stood talking for a moment until the shrill whistle of a police car nearby, startled Gracie awake. Attempting to calm her daughter with a pacifier she would not take, Sophie noticed the time and groaned.
"What?" Bosco asked, alarmed.
"It's time for her to nurse. Past time, actually."
Overhearing the remark, Kim invited her to the station. "You can go upstairs and take care of her."
"You're sure it's okay?" The options for privacy were very slim at the moment. Sophie would take what she could get.
"Come on. I'll show you."
Glancing at Bosco, he gestured after the paramedic. "Go on, I'll come over in a minute."
She hurried after Kim. Gracie now furious at having to wait to eat.
Sensing Faith wanted to talk to her partner in private, Sully and Davis quickly departed.
Strolling in the direction of the firehouse, Faith broke the silence. "She's cute."
"Yeah." He adjusted the backpack that served as a diaper bag over his shoulder. He wasn't sure if she was referring to Sophie or Grace; it didn't much matter.
"You tell Sophie you love her, yet?"
Bosco stopped abruptly. There was no use lying to his partner. She knew him too well. "No."
"She tell you about the father, yet?"
Again. "No."
Faith remained silent until he met her gaze. "Tell her you love her. Keep her, Boz. She's the best thing to ever happen to you."
Silently, Bosco nodded once and continued alone to the station.
He found her upstairs, nursing Gracie, singing softly. He took in the sight, committing it to memory until cheering from downstairs drew her attention to the doorway - and him.
"Hey. I was beginning to wonder what happened to you." She adjusted the blanket covering her shoulder and breast before patting the space next to her. "Come and tell me what you did today."
"You don't want to hear about my day." Truth was, he didn't want to tell her. He would prefer to keep her sheltered from the realities of the drug dealers, gangs, prostitutes and general scum of society that he dealt with on a daily basis. He tried to change the subject. "What did you do today?"
She grinned. "The same thing I did yesterday and don't change the subject. Ouch!" She reached under the blanket covering Gracie and, at his confused frown, explained. "She bit me."
"She bit you?" he repeated, incredulous.
"Yes. She does bite. Okay, she doesn't have teeth but it still hurts." Realizing what she was saying and whom she was saying it to, Sophie felt her cheeks grow warm.
Bosco watched mother and child and realized that Faith was right. He had fallen for this woman and her daughter. He had never wanted to kiss her so much before that moment. He leaned forward.
Footsteps on the landing startled him and Sophie turned her back to the door as she heard an apology being issued. "I didn't know anyone was up here. I can come back."
Sophie handed Grace to Bosco and, fastening her bodice, hastened to stop the newcomer. Regardless that she was dressed in the uniform of a firefighter, Sophie recognized her as the other paramedic that had helped her to the hospital when Grace was born "No, I'm - well - Gracie is finished. Kim said it was okay for me to nurse her here."
"Oh, it is. I just didn't know anyone was up here." The petite blonde kept glancing at Bosco, clearly confused.
Bosco, for once, remained silent, holding the baby, lightly patting her back.
"I wanted to thank you for the help you gave me when she was born."
A blank stare.
Sophie continued, "We stopped for Bosco when I was in labor? Almost didn't make it to the hospital?"
Recognition dawned and Alex felt a slight twinge of jealousy as she took in the woman before her. She wasn't much taller than herself but, judging by her dress, didn't spend her days as Alex did. And she sure didn't look like a woman who had had a baby recently. No doubt the others were going to mind their manners with her around. "That was you?"
Sophie shrugged. "As I was saying, I wanted to thank you for your help."
Like Kim, Sully and Davis, the blond shrugged off the thanks. She was never much for girly things, having too much tomboy in her. She looked to the baby Bosco was holding against his chest. "She's gotten big. What's her name?
Sophie threw a burp rag over Bosco's shoulder, under the baby's head, as she spoke. "Gracie. Lillian Grace, actually. I'm Sophie, by the way."
"Taylor. Alex Taylor." Okay, maybe she'd been hasty in her judgment. She really was sincere and had no clue how delicate and feminine she looked, and no doubt, was.
A burp sounded from behind her, Taylor glanced at Bosco. Wondering once again why couldn't men have the common decency to mind their manners?
Sophie rolled her eyes. "And that would be my pride and joy."
Taylor's gaze flew back to Sophie. "You're kidding."
"No. Amazing that she only does that for him, though." Turning, Sophie reached for the baby. "And I have a feeling she needs changing."
Bosco tightened his hold on Gracie and edged around her. "I got it; you go downstairs."
Taylor stared. "You know how to change a diaper?"
Instantly defensive, Bosco gently laid Gracie on the bed, replying, "Yes, I know how to change a diaper."
"Now," Sophie added impishly, earning her a narrow eyed look from Bosco before he turned his attention back to the diaper bag he was going through. Sophie shrugged. "Okay, she's all yours."
"Now that's something I never thought a loving mother would say to Bosco," Taylor muttered, returning downstairs after dropping her bag on one of the neatly made beds.
"Oh, she can fend for herself pretty good," Sophie said following Taylor downstairs.
Like most women, Sophie was drawn to the kitchen where she found Kim preparing a meal. "Thank you. I'm not sure how long Gracie would have settled down before I could feed her."
Adding spices, Kim replied, "I remember when my son was that little. I finally had to stop nursing when I came back to work."
The two women traded motherhood stories briefly, often interrupted by the stream of firefighters moving through the kitchen.
"Am I in the way?" Sophie asked after moving around the island for the fourth time.
"Nah, the natives are restless. It's close to dinner and they're firing up the grill. Would you like to stay?"
"Stay for what?" Bosco asked, dropping the diaper bag on the table and moving next to Sophie. Gracie cradled protectively in his arms.
"Dinner and what happened?" Sophie asked, noticing Gracie's change of clothes.
"She spit up so I changed her."
"Was this before of after you rolled her around?"
Sheepishly, he answered, "After."
Throwing her hands up, Sophie continued, "How many times do I have to tell you not to roll her around after she eats?"
"But she likes it," Holding the baby at eye level, he continued, "Don't 'cha, Gracie-girl?"
"And stop calling her that." Though she said it as a command, there was no force in her tone. Actually, she like him calling her daughter a special name.
Kim watched the exchange as she prepared a salad. She wondered if they knew, Bosco especially, what they sounded like: parents, happily married, deeply-in-love-parents. She was having a time adjusting to this Bosco when the one she knew was so self-centered and smart-mouthed. It was almost like meeting another person. "So, you stayin'?"
Sophie looked at Bosco. It was up to him.
"Sure. I don't get to sponge off these guys enough."
Sophie rolled her eyes. He couldn't just accept an invitation. "We'll stay if there's enough to eat."
Kim looked at her, surprised. "You kidding? This bunch? They eat more than their fair share."
"Fair share of what? Hello."
"Back off, Doherty," Bosco said, stepping forward. "She's with me."
Glancing at the baby in his arms, the dark-haired, dimple-cheeked fireman remarked, "Go back to babysitting, Bosco," before turning to Sophie. "Jimmy Doherty, firefighter, and you are - "
Sophie put a hand on Bosco's arm, silently reminding him that he held her daughter and answered. "Sophie, mother."
Jimmy stepped back slightly. He hadn't expected that. He glanced at Bosco again. "What's she doin' with you?"
"Jimmy, get the meat on the grill," Kim interrupted, sensing the tension between the men. She handed him a platter and directed him to the door.
Meanwhile, Sophie moved in front of Bosco, putting her hand over his on Gracie's back, giving the impression of checking on her daughter to an onlooker. She met Bosco's gaze. "Please don't," she whispered.
"He-" Bosco began.
"Please." She felt him calm down, adjusting Gracie in his arms. "Do you want me to take her?"
"No," He moved past her to join the others outside. "I'm gonna join the others outside."
Sophie watched him go, calling, "Keep her out of the smoke!"
He waved a hand in response.
"You've made an impression on him."
Sophie turned to Kim, who had been joined by Alex. "Excuse me?"
"Bosco. I wasn't sure this was the same Bosco we all know and mostly hate. You've really had an influence on him."
Sophie's brow drew together in uncertainty. "I don't understand."
Kim started filling a cooler with bottles of water and a variety of soft drinks and juices. "Bosco is Bosco. Like most men, he sees women as his personal plaything. Or his mother. Or at least he did. You seemed to have changed that."
Sophie remained silent and excused herself soon after, going in search of Bosco. That description didn't seem to fit the man she knew.
Kim and Alex exchanged glances at Sophie's hasty departure, each hoping too much hadn't been said.
TO BE CONTINUED
Over the next weeks, Bosco discovered his protective urges ran deep. He had hinted at staying at Sophie's for a time after bringing Grace home - to help out of course - although he didn't have a clue how to care for a child. Sophie informed him that Mrs. Grayson had already seen to it that Sophie wouldn't be alone when Bosco was at work and staying all night -even on the sofa- would not be proper. Sophie could handle her daughter alone in the wee hours of the morning.
Though he didn't especially like it, Bosco abided by her wishes. He soon found himself changing diapers and giving Gracie baths. The only thing he didn't do was feed her. As far as he could tell Sophie was supermom, keeping Gracie on a schedule and she didn't think twice about reprimanding Bosco when he tried to deviate from it.
Sophie loved being a mother. She would admit the two a.m. feedings were tiresome but she didn't mind. She had always heard there are no words to describe what a parent feels for a child. Sophie now knew there weren't.
She had accustomed herself to being Gracie's mother and, at the same time, taking care to include Bosco in their life as much as he wanted. Watching him rocking Grace one night, she admitted to herself that she had come to love the man who seemed to watch over herself and her daughter as if they were his own. He had questioned her once, after bringing Gracie home, if she wanted to call anyone. She knew 'anyone' meant Grace's father and refused. Bosco never mentioned it again but it was still between them and that ate at Sophie in the early hours when Grace was still sleeping and she was left with too much time to think.
Sophie knew she was going to have to tell him soon. And when she did, she prayed she would have the strength needed to let him go when he left.
CHAPTER 14
Sophie was still on extended maternity leave but slowly returning to work, mostly through messenger service, computer and fax from her home as she had arranged with her employer. Gracie was two months old when Sophie left her alone with Bosco for the first time. He had arrived at his usual six- thirty a.m. time to find Sophie opening the door to her apartment before he had a chance to enter on his own.
"Bosco, I'm sorry but I've got to go to the office," Sophie was saying as she returned to the diaper bag on the sofa.
Bosco followed her, closing the door behind him. He was still reeling a little from when she opened the door to him and for the first time saw her dressed to go to the office. Not in shapeless, post-maternity clothes but her normal, everyday, pre-baby clothes: slim knee-length skirt, blouse, tapestry print vest and blazer, all of which accentuated her curvy, post- baby figure but left much to the imagination. He'd never seen her like this -so professional, so -so -well -sexy.
"Are you listening to me?"
Bosco concentrated on what she was saying. "But you're on maternity leave."
She paused in packing the bag. "I know. It's just for a couple of hours but they can't find the documents and this case goes to trial next week. I have to go. I hate to wake Grace but-"
"I'll stay with her," Bosco interrupted.
"What?" Sophie was certain she'd heard wrong.
"I'll stay with her."
"Are you sure? What if she wakes up? She shouldn't but you never know or-" Sophie realized she was experiencing what other mothers had warned her about: separation anxiety. It was not a pretty sight.
"Soph, I'm a cop, remember? I can handle one sleeping baby. And I'll call Faith if I need to," he pushed the diaper bag to the floor and took its place next to her. "It's only a few hours."
Sophie mentally argued with herself. She was depending on him too much. No, she wasn't. He didn't know how to care for Grace. Yes, he did, you've seen him with her. Didn't she trust him? Of course she did. "Okay. But it should only be a couple of hours."
"Fine," he said guiding her to the door.
"You'll call if you need me?" She picked up her bag.
"Uh huh. Now go." He opened the door. "I'll see you after while."
She issued a few more instructions and then stopped. "Thank you."
He pointed at the door. "Go," and watched her hurry down the hall.
It had taken Sophie a mere twenty-minutes to locate the missing documents that were needed. The commute from her apartment to the office and back again took twice that long. She expected Grace to be furiously crying and Bosco ready to run screaming in terror from her. Instead, the apartment was silent. She soon discovered why.
The scene that greeted her in the living room was one that would stay forever imprinted on her memory. Bosco, lay on the sofa sound asleep. On his chest, lay her daughter, also fast asleep. The scene was too precious. Quietly, she retrieved her camera, snapped the photo and woke Bosco. Apologizing with a wry smile, Sophie planted herself on the floor in front of the sofa. "Was she any trouble?"
Glancing at the baby still sleeping on his chest, he shook his head. "Nope, just had a nightmare, I guess. She went right back to sleep." He noticed her clothes. "You done?"
She smoothed the curls on Gracie's head and nodded. "Just got back. Thank you again. For staying with her."
Eyes closed, he nodded in acknowledgement.
Sophie watched him for a moment. She knew what kind of hours he worked and considering that he seemed to be coming to her apartment every available minute since Gracie was born, figured he wasn't getting enough sleep. Don't question it, she thought rising, picking up Grace to put her in her crib.
Bosco didn't move. He'd fallen asleep again.
CHAPTER 15
Bosco didn't stick around the locker room long. Sophie and Grace were meeting him at the station and he didn't want her waiting on him. He showered and changed as quickly as possible. Faith caught up to him as he was leaving, walking with him outside, she almost remarked on his silence when he abruptly abandoned her, having seen Sophie patiently standing across the street with Gracie in the carrier.
"Damn. She looks good." Faith exclaimed, spying Sophie greeting Bosco. Clad in a lightweight plum colored sundress that skimmed her post-baby curves, Sophie was completely unaware of the attention she was drawing from the multitude of male policemen and firemen milling about. Her dark hair had been cut to just above her ears, parted on the side and held back with a vintage jeweled barrette. The darkness of her dress and hair contrasted sharply with her porcelain complexion from which her dark eyes sparkled as Bosco approached. Oh yeah, they were both goners, Faith thought.
Having heard Faith's comment and joined her, Kim followed her gaze, remembering Sophie. "I never looked like that after Joey was born."
"I never looked like that before my kids were born."
"What are we starin' at?" Davis interrupted, seeing the two women basically blocking traffic in the middle of the street.
"Bosco and Sophie."
"Bosco and who?" Sully asked, joining the small group.
"Sophie." At their blank look, Faith continued. "Remember? Bosco was her coach?"
"That's her? Damn!" Davis remarked, having remembered the tiny but very pregnant woman he and Sully had come across at the coffee shop about four months ago.
"I'm sure Taylor would appreciate the sentiment," Kim commented to Davis about his exclamation.
"Bosco's really not -?" Sully let the question unspoken but Faith picked up on what he was asking.
"No!" Studying her partner's interaction with mother and child, she added, "Although, you'd never guess it, right?"
Sophie spied their audience as Bosco took the bag and carrier from her and quietly remarked on the attention he was getting.
"They're just being nosy. They have to have something to talk about." He said, casting a nasty look at the small gathering.
"Come on, they haven't officially met Gracie yet." Before he could respond, she had headed over to the small group, leaving him no choice but to follow.
"Hello." Sophie smiled at Faith and reintroduced herself to Kim, Davis and Sully. "I wanted to thank you for your help when Gracie was born and introduce her to all of you."
Somewhat embarrassed, they accepted the thanks and stood talking for a moment until the shrill whistle of a police car nearby, startled Gracie awake. Attempting to calm her daughter with a pacifier she would not take, Sophie noticed the time and groaned.
"What?" Bosco asked, alarmed.
"It's time for her to nurse. Past time, actually."
Overhearing the remark, Kim invited her to the station. "You can go upstairs and take care of her."
"You're sure it's okay?" The options for privacy were very slim at the moment. Sophie would take what she could get.
"Come on. I'll show you."
Glancing at Bosco, he gestured after the paramedic. "Go on, I'll come over in a minute."
She hurried after Kim. Gracie now furious at having to wait to eat.
Sensing Faith wanted to talk to her partner in private, Sully and Davis quickly departed.
Strolling in the direction of the firehouse, Faith broke the silence. "She's cute."
"Yeah." He adjusted the backpack that served as a diaper bag over his shoulder. He wasn't sure if she was referring to Sophie or Grace; it didn't much matter.
"You tell Sophie you love her, yet?"
Bosco stopped abruptly. There was no use lying to his partner. She knew him too well. "No."
"She tell you about the father, yet?"
Again. "No."
Faith remained silent until he met her gaze. "Tell her you love her. Keep her, Boz. She's the best thing to ever happen to you."
Silently, Bosco nodded once and continued alone to the station.
He found her upstairs, nursing Gracie, singing softly. He took in the sight, committing it to memory until cheering from downstairs drew her attention to the doorway - and him.
"Hey. I was beginning to wonder what happened to you." She adjusted the blanket covering her shoulder and breast before patting the space next to her. "Come and tell me what you did today."
"You don't want to hear about my day." Truth was, he didn't want to tell her. He would prefer to keep her sheltered from the realities of the drug dealers, gangs, prostitutes and general scum of society that he dealt with on a daily basis. He tried to change the subject. "What did you do today?"
She grinned. "The same thing I did yesterday and don't change the subject. Ouch!" She reached under the blanket covering Gracie and, at his confused frown, explained. "She bit me."
"She bit you?" he repeated, incredulous.
"Yes. She does bite. Okay, she doesn't have teeth but it still hurts." Realizing what she was saying and whom she was saying it to, Sophie felt her cheeks grow warm.
Bosco watched mother and child and realized that Faith was right. He had fallen for this woman and her daughter. He had never wanted to kiss her so much before that moment. He leaned forward.
Footsteps on the landing startled him and Sophie turned her back to the door as she heard an apology being issued. "I didn't know anyone was up here. I can come back."
Sophie handed Grace to Bosco and, fastening her bodice, hastened to stop the newcomer. Regardless that she was dressed in the uniform of a firefighter, Sophie recognized her as the other paramedic that had helped her to the hospital when Grace was born "No, I'm - well - Gracie is finished. Kim said it was okay for me to nurse her here."
"Oh, it is. I just didn't know anyone was up here." The petite blonde kept glancing at Bosco, clearly confused.
Bosco, for once, remained silent, holding the baby, lightly patting her back.
"I wanted to thank you for the help you gave me when she was born."
A blank stare.
Sophie continued, "We stopped for Bosco when I was in labor? Almost didn't make it to the hospital?"
Recognition dawned and Alex felt a slight twinge of jealousy as she took in the woman before her. She wasn't much taller than herself but, judging by her dress, didn't spend her days as Alex did. And she sure didn't look like a woman who had had a baby recently. No doubt the others were going to mind their manners with her around. "That was you?"
Sophie shrugged. "As I was saying, I wanted to thank you for your help."
Like Kim, Sully and Davis, the blond shrugged off the thanks. She was never much for girly things, having too much tomboy in her. She looked to the baby Bosco was holding against his chest. "She's gotten big. What's her name?
Sophie threw a burp rag over Bosco's shoulder, under the baby's head, as she spoke. "Gracie. Lillian Grace, actually. I'm Sophie, by the way."
"Taylor. Alex Taylor." Okay, maybe she'd been hasty in her judgment. She really was sincere and had no clue how delicate and feminine she looked, and no doubt, was.
A burp sounded from behind her, Taylor glanced at Bosco. Wondering once again why couldn't men have the common decency to mind their manners?
Sophie rolled her eyes. "And that would be my pride and joy."
Taylor's gaze flew back to Sophie. "You're kidding."
"No. Amazing that she only does that for him, though." Turning, Sophie reached for the baby. "And I have a feeling she needs changing."
Bosco tightened his hold on Gracie and edged around her. "I got it; you go downstairs."
Taylor stared. "You know how to change a diaper?"
Instantly defensive, Bosco gently laid Gracie on the bed, replying, "Yes, I know how to change a diaper."
"Now," Sophie added impishly, earning her a narrow eyed look from Bosco before he turned his attention back to the diaper bag he was going through. Sophie shrugged. "Okay, she's all yours."
"Now that's something I never thought a loving mother would say to Bosco," Taylor muttered, returning downstairs after dropping her bag on one of the neatly made beds.
"Oh, she can fend for herself pretty good," Sophie said following Taylor downstairs.
Like most women, Sophie was drawn to the kitchen where she found Kim preparing a meal. "Thank you. I'm not sure how long Gracie would have settled down before I could feed her."
Adding spices, Kim replied, "I remember when my son was that little. I finally had to stop nursing when I came back to work."
The two women traded motherhood stories briefly, often interrupted by the stream of firefighters moving through the kitchen.
"Am I in the way?" Sophie asked after moving around the island for the fourth time.
"Nah, the natives are restless. It's close to dinner and they're firing up the grill. Would you like to stay?"
"Stay for what?" Bosco asked, dropping the diaper bag on the table and moving next to Sophie. Gracie cradled protectively in his arms.
"Dinner and what happened?" Sophie asked, noticing Gracie's change of clothes.
"She spit up so I changed her."
"Was this before of after you rolled her around?"
Sheepishly, he answered, "After."
Throwing her hands up, Sophie continued, "How many times do I have to tell you not to roll her around after she eats?"
"But she likes it," Holding the baby at eye level, he continued, "Don't 'cha, Gracie-girl?"
"And stop calling her that." Though she said it as a command, there was no force in her tone. Actually, she like him calling her daughter a special name.
Kim watched the exchange as she prepared a salad. She wondered if they knew, Bosco especially, what they sounded like: parents, happily married, deeply-in-love-parents. She was having a time adjusting to this Bosco when the one she knew was so self-centered and smart-mouthed. It was almost like meeting another person. "So, you stayin'?"
Sophie looked at Bosco. It was up to him.
"Sure. I don't get to sponge off these guys enough."
Sophie rolled her eyes. He couldn't just accept an invitation. "We'll stay if there's enough to eat."
Kim looked at her, surprised. "You kidding? This bunch? They eat more than their fair share."
"Fair share of what? Hello."
"Back off, Doherty," Bosco said, stepping forward. "She's with me."
Glancing at the baby in his arms, the dark-haired, dimple-cheeked fireman remarked, "Go back to babysitting, Bosco," before turning to Sophie. "Jimmy Doherty, firefighter, and you are - "
Sophie put a hand on Bosco's arm, silently reminding him that he held her daughter and answered. "Sophie, mother."
Jimmy stepped back slightly. He hadn't expected that. He glanced at Bosco again. "What's she doin' with you?"
"Jimmy, get the meat on the grill," Kim interrupted, sensing the tension between the men. She handed him a platter and directed him to the door.
Meanwhile, Sophie moved in front of Bosco, putting her hand over his on Gracie's back, giving the impression of checking on her daughter to an onlooker. She met Bosco's gaze. "Please don't," she whispered.
"He-" Bosco began.
"Please." She felt him calm down, adjusting Gracie in his arms. "Do you want me to take her?"
"No," He moved past her to join the others outside. "I'm gonna join the others outside."
Sophie watched him go, calling, "Keep her out of the smoke!"
He waved a hand in response.
"You've made an impression on him."
Sophie turned to Kim, who had been joined by Alex. "Excuse me?"
"Bosco. I wasn't sure this was the same Bosco we all know and mostly hate. You've really had an influence on him."
Sophie's brow drew together in uncertainty. "I don't understand."
Kim started filling a cooler with bottles of water and a variety of soft drinks and juices. "Bosco is Bosco. Like most men, he sees women as his personal plaything. Or his mother. Or at least he did. You seemed to have changed that."
Sophie remained silent and excused herself soon after, going in search of Bosco. That description didn't seem to fit the man she knew.
Kim and Alex exchanged glances at Sophie's hasty departure, each hoping too much hadn't been said.
TO BE CONTINUED