Cindy eyed James as he walked past with a handful of bags. “Be sure to leave room for me,” she commanded, her hands on her hips.
It took almost as long to pry Maria away from her mother and best friends, but they were on the road by four-thirty. She and Cindy chatted during the trip home, and James felt content to listen. The baby shower had lifted his wife’s spirits. He had worried when Sarah informed him Maria cried all afternoon, but apparently those were tears of joy. His wife appeared happy now and excited about her baby gifts.
Lynn and Cindy remained long enough to help unload both vehicles. Maria thanked them once more for their generosity and the women left the couple to sort out the confusion in their apartment. James was feeling apprehensive, but Maria bubbled with joy as she i
