A noise from the living room caught our attention—the sound of rapid little footsteps and a faint whimpering cry.
"What the—" Riley began, just as the bedroom door pushed open again.
Jenny appeared, looking harassed and apologetic, a tiny bundle in her arms. "I'm so sorry," she said breathlessly. "He's been impossible all morning. Crying for you, wouldn't take his bottle."
In her arms, baby Elijah squirmed, his small face tear-streaked, dark curls wild around his head. The moment he spotted me, his whole demeanor changed. His crying stopped immediately, and he reached toward me with chubby hands, making soft cooing sounds.
"See what I mean?" Jenny sighed. "It's like he can sense you're back from the medical center. Hasn't settled all week."
She approached the bed, carefully placing El
