concentrated on Alex who sent her an ambiguous smile before returning to the bar to see to the drinks.
Natalie spoke to her husband as he poured a water then what looked like scotch for himself.
“Honey, I might change his diaper for Tammy before we go.” Natalie explained to Bailey, “Tammy’s the wonderful lady who looks after Reece when I go into the office a couple of times a week. She’s catching up on her knitting in the family room until we leave.”
“Mateo mentioned that you work outside of the home.”
“It’s a great balance. Only four hours each day—” Natalie rubbed noses with her baby again “—and then I’m dying to get back to him.” She met Bailey’s gaze. “Want to help me change him?”
Bailey’s knees locked. She’d done some babysitting but never one so young. “I’m not sure I’d be any help.”
Natalie only smiled. “You look like a quick study.”
They left the men, who were busy discussing football, and moved into a nearby room—a downstairs nursery. Bouncing the baby, Natalie crossed to a white lacquered changing table where she gently lay her bundle down then set about unbuttoning his suit.
“Mateo mentioned you know Mama Celeca?”
“I lived in her town for a few months.”
“I’ve heard so much about her. Alex says she’s the biggest darling ever. He went with Mateo to Italy one summer a long time ago. Apparently Mama tried her best to get both of them married off.”
She seemed so genuine, Bailey couldn’t help but like her. Couldn’t help but feel relaxed and at home, even in a dress that looked more like a rag next to Natalie’s exquisite creation.
Bailey brushed a palm over the baby’s soft crown and carried on the thread of their conversation.
“Lucky for you Mama’s matchmaking didn’t succeed.”
“Lucky isn’t the word.” Natalie peeled back the diaper and let out a pleased sigh. “I love when there’s no messy surprises. Could you hand me a fresh diaper, please?” Natalie cast a glance to her right. “They’re in that lower drawer.”
Bailey dug one out while Natalie cleaned up, shook on powder then slid the fresh diaper under the baby’s bottom.
“Mateo mentioned that you’re in between jobs,” Natalie said, pressing down the diaper tabs.
“I was out looking today.” All day.
“Find anything?”
“Not yet.”
Natalie took both the baby’s feet and clapped the soles together, but the baby’s smile was a little slow to bloom this time. Must be past his bedtime, Bailey thought.
“What are you interested in?” Natalie asked, scooping her baby up. “Do you have office skills?”
“Afraid not. I’ve been waitressing, serving and general cleanup.”
“In Italy?” Bailey nodded and Natalie beamed. “What an adventure.”
Bailey arched a brow. “It certainly was that.”
“I don’t know of any waitressing positions, but we’re always after good cleaners for rentals at the agency.”
Bailey’s heart leapt. “Really?”
With the baby’s head resting against her shoulder, Natalie headed for the door. “You’re probably not interested—”
“No,” Bailey jumped in. “I mean, yes. I am interested. When do you think I could start?”
“I’m going in Monday. I’ll give you the address.”
“I’d appreciate that.” A lot. “Thank you.”
Natalie’s pace had slowed. The baby’s eyelids were drooping now. He was about to drift off. “Would you like a cuddle before we leave?”
Bailey gave a nervous laugh. She would. He was so adorable and full of smiles. But what if she took him and he cried? She’d feel terrible. But, as if to reassure her, little Reece stretched his arms out to her and found a drowsy smile.
“Seems at least one of you wants a cuddle,” Natalie joked. But then she saw Bailey’s hesitation. “He’s a darling, honest. The worst he’ll do is pull your nose.”
Bailey blew out a shaky breath. “Well, I’ve never had my nose pulled before.” She put out her arms.
The baby weighed more than she thought. Close up, his heavy-lidded eyes looked even bluer. And he smelled divine—all fresh and new. No wonder Natalie and Alex were so happy. They had it all.
“He likes your bracelet.” Natalie touched the dangling charms that Reece was fingering too. “So do I. Did you get it overseas?”
“It was a gift.” And then Bailey admitted what she hadn’t in a very long while. “A gift from my mother.”
“Then it’s doubly precious. Do your parents live in Sydney?”
“My father does. My mother passed away.”
Natalie’s beautiful face fell. “Oh … I’m so sorry, Bailey.”
“It was a long time ago.”
The sudden lump in Bailey’s throat made speaking a little difficult. Over a decade had passed since her mother’s death. Not everyone would understand why her grief hadn’t faded. But something about Natalie made Bailey feel as if she would. As if the two of them could be more than acquaintances. That, maybe, they could be friends.
Still, she didn’t want to mire down the conversation, not when Reece was mumbling adorable things she couldn’t quite understand and hiccuping in such a cute way.
But Natalie’s expression had grown alarmed. Slanting her head, she held out her arms.
“I think you’d better give him back.”
Bailey’s heart sank. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No, no. It’s just I think he’s about to—”
Natalie didn’t move quickly enough. Reece gave another hiccup. Heaved a little. Then a lot. Next his dinner came up.
All over the front of Bailey’s dress.
When Natalie barged into the room, Mateo and Alex had been discussing the state’s current public hospital concerns. Mateo immediately dropped the conversation and peered past Natalie’s shoulder. Bailey wasn’t in tow and Natalie’s hands were clasped tight before her. Seemed unlikely—Natalie
