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she
alternated between Arie’s arms and his, keeping up a constant flow of baby
babble.
    Not that he understood a word of it, but where he’d
started out apprehensive about meeting the child, he’d ended up actually
enjoying the time he’d spent with her. He’d thought it would take some time to
get used to her – it wasn’t like he was around babies all the time – but with
Maya it almost felt like he’d known her all her little life.
    It was weird but he’d had an immediate connection with
her and when it was time to leave he almost couldn’t tear himself away.
    And neither could Arie. She’d shed tears when it was
time to go. “So when can I take her home?” she’d asked as she rocked Maya in
her arms.
    “It will be soon,” the agent said with a smile. “We have
to move cautiously with this little one. We’ve already met with one hiccup in
her processing and we want to make sure everything is clear before we move
forward. You understand, don’t you?”
    “Yes, I understand. We have to do what’s best for Maya.”
But even as she nodded Arie was staring at the baby with eyes full of longing. “But
how soon can I have her? Please make it soon.”
    That got her a gentle laugh. “I know you’re anxious but
give it some more time.  Just a few more months. Promise.”
    “Months.” Arie said the word like it was a lament.
    That was when Rome stepped in. “The timing is
reasonable, Arie. The agency needs to do its job. And besides,” he put an arm
around her shoulder, “it will give you time to get yourself one hundred percent
ready for the baby.”
    Arie looked up at him, seeming to give his words some
thought, and then she sighed. “I guess you’re right. I want to make sure everything’s
perfect for Maya.”
    And that was how he finally got to pry her away from the
prize in her arms.
    It was a pensive Arie who traveled back to New Orleans
with him next day but when he took her home to Bayou House she gave him a brave
smile. “I’ll be counting the days,” she said, “but at least I’ll be counting
them with you.”
    She couldn’t have known it but those words made him feel
good. She was beginning to rely on him, drawing strength from his presence in
her life, and that was exactly what he wanted. He would be there for Arie no
matter what, and it seemed she was finally beginning to accept that. And he was
glad.
    When he drove out of the driveway Rome made the quick
decision to swing by his office. It was almost five o’clock, pretty much the
end of the workday, but he had a few loose ends to tie up and it wouldn’t hurt
to get them out of the way so he could start fresh in the morning. He should be
exhausted but instead he was feeling restless. He might as well burn up some of
that extra energy clearing his desk.
    By the time he navigated traffic and pulled up in front
of the Belitalia office five o’clock was long gone. With the mood he was in, he
didn’t mind at all.
    Instead of taking the elevator he bounded up the stairs
to the third floor then headed for the executive suite. When he saw Iyana
standing in front of his office door he pulled up short. “Hey, you’re still
here? I thought you’d be long gone.”
    His assistant rolled her eyes. “When have you ever known
me to leave office by five o’clock?”
    He chuckled. “True. Anyway, get outta here. I’m sure
there’s a couch at home calling out for you to sprawl off on top of it.”
    “Yeah, I’m going,” she said, stepping away from his door
so he could pass.
    But then, just as he entered his office and was heading
toward his desk she stopped him. “Uh, Rome, may I ask you a question?”
    “Shoot,” he said as he turned to glance at her. “What’s
up?”
    For the first time since he’d known her, Iyana seemed
hesitant. “Forgive me for being nosy,” she said, “but the day before you left
and you were  on the phone, did I hear you say something about a baby?”
    That took him by surprise. He wasn’t in the