Dorothy heard Jake’s key in the lock at 6:47 PM and her heart lurched into her throat.
She looked down at Kylee sleeping in her arms—so tiny, so perfect, barely eight pounds of warm weight against her chest. The rise and fall of her breathing. The little fist curled near her mouth.
“Dot? I’m home!” Jake’s voice carried from the entryway, breathless and excited. “Where’s my girls?”
His footsteps were quick, urgent. He appeared in the doorway between the hall and living room, his duffel bag still on his shoulder, his face flushed with excitement and exhaustion.
“There she is,” he breathed, his eyes immediately finding the bundle in Dorothy’s arms. He dropped the bag and crossed the room. “Oh my God, Dot. Let me see her.”
Dorothy’s throat tightened. “Meet Kylee.”
“Kylee.” Jake knelt bes
