Safe and Sound Read Free

against Henry’s cheek. He gurgled and cooed as she set him in his Mamaroo. His chunky legs kicked happily as he gnawed and drooled around his fist.
    “Go! Take care of what you need to and have a little fun!” Lane insisted as he turned Kat toward the door. She’d grown up a lot during the pregnancy and the months after Henry was born. Her career as an interior designer was taking off as she transitioned from party girl to professional working mother. Surprisingly, their parents had been thrilled about the baby. Unbeknownst to Lane and his siblings, they were ready for grandkids and didn’t care how they got them.
    “I haven’t spent more than a few hours away from him since he was born. You don’t think it’s too soon for me to leave him for twenty-four hours?” She asked as she searched Lane’s face. He held up his hands soothingly as he guided her toward the door.
    “I want you to go out and have a few drinks later then take a long, hot bath. Sleep in and have an amazing interview. You deserve a break and we’ll be fine. Between the two of us, we can figure out how to work a baby,” Lane winked at Aiden but he was too busy staring at Henry as if he was a large cobra. Kat bit her lip and her eyes watered as she looked longingly at Henry. “Go!” Lane said loudly as he held the door open. Kat waved her hand in front of her face and her lips trembled.
    “If you need me to come back at any time, I will,” she promised as her eyes flicked from Lane to the baby, to Aiden, back to the baby and then back to Lane. “Or, you can call me if you have any questions,” Kat said for about the tenth time. Lane gave her a hard look before he jerked his head toward the door.
    “Shut up and get out,” he ordered and she scowled as she grabbed the door handle.
    “Promise me you’ll text me and let me know he’s alright,” she begged as she stepped over the threshold. Lane rolled his eyes as he leaned against the door frame.
    “I will. I’ll send pictures so you can see that he’s still in one piece,” he promised and she smiled weakly as she pulled her car door open. Lane waved as she started the car and waited until she was driving away before he shut the door. When he walked into the living room Aiden was studying Henry. From across the room. Lane chuckled as he unbuckled Henry and picked him up. “It’s a baby, Aiden. Not a booby trap,” he said softly as he cradled Henry in one arm and raised his plump foot to his mouth. Lane pretended to gnaw on it as he growled loudly and gummed his heel. Henry squealed and laughed while Aiden’s face twisted in mild disgust and confusion.
    “Why does he like that? Why do you? Feet are covered in bacteria and funguses,” he said and Lane rolled his eyes.
    “Not Henry’s. He isn’t even walking and he’s never worn a real pair of shoes. Baby feet are adorable,” Lane said and Aiden frowned as he watched Lane.
    “Do you need me for anything?” He asked and Lane shook his head.
    “We’re good for the moment,” Lane murmured softly as he dropped into a chair and Aiden exhaled loudly as he looked around at all of Henry’s supplies and equipment. Kat clearly lost her mind and brought everything Henry would need for several weeks away from home.
    “Ok. I’m going to go into the study and try to do some work. They sent over another box of reports and photos. I need to email Graves,” Aiden said as he watched Lane raise Henry high above his head before he pretended to let go. Henry shrieked and laughed wildly and Aiden jumped.
    “Go on,” Lane insisted and Aiden waved before he dashed into the study and shut the door.
    Lane shook his head in disbelief. Aiden was always very open about being uncomfortable with children but this went beyond that. It was probably because it was harder to escape Henry now that he was in their home. The few times Lane saw Aiden cope with children, they were in public and the encounters were brief. Now, Aiden was practically cornered