Free A Bid for Love by Rachel Ann Nunes Page A

held out her arms for a chance. Trent supervised the two-minute holdings until each child had a turn. They brought to Cassi’s mind the perfect image of the family she herself wanted. She backed away from the bed, determined to leave them to their happy moment.
    Then, to Cassi’s surprise, Trent plopped the baby into her arms.
    “What!” she said, feeling awkward and privileged at the same time. “I don’t know how to hold a newborn.”
    Renae laughed. “Don’t worry. Babies are tougher than they look. Just support his head and you’ll be okay.”
    Cassi cradled the baby, smelling his newness and feeling his warmth. His very existence was still a miracle to her. “He’s so perfect,” she said. She held the baby for as long as she dared, before giving him back to Renae.
    “What are we going to name him?” Trent asked. “We hadn’t thought of any boy names.”
    “Jared,” Renae said without hesitation. “If Jared hadn’t come and brought that nice man from church, I don’t know that things would have turned out so well.”
    “Jared it is then,” Trent agreed. “And what was the other fellow’s name?”
    “Larry,” Cassi said.
    “How about Jared Larry Benson?” Trent proposed. Renae nodded in agreement, and the kids cheered.
    The doctor came in again, looking pleased with all the celebrating. “Everything checks out great,” he said to Renae. “You lost more blood than usual, but I think we can release you tomorrow if you’re still intent on leaving so soon. Of course, you’ll want to report any odd signs to your doctor and take the baby in for a checkup there.”
    “Thanks,” Trent and Renae chimed together. The doctor left, promising to send a nurse with the birth certificate information.
    “Well, kids, I think it’s time for you to all go back with Cassi to her hotel. I’m going to stay here with Mom and baby Jared. We’ll come pick you up in the morning.”
    The kids had seen Cassi a few times each year since their births and loved being with her. The idea of the hotel added measurably to their excitement.
    “Can we watch TV?” asked Andrea as they left the birthing room.
    “Of course. They have cable and everything.”
    “Can we order some food?” asked Scotty, who carried little Sandy in his arms.
    “Sure. Or we can go for some hamburgers on the way home.”
    “Yeah!” the children said together.
    “And some candy?” added Janet.
    “Why not?”
    “Can we play on the elevator and race in the halls?” Andrea asked.
    Cassi knew she was being tested. “Sure. As long as I get a turn to push the buttons and a head start in the race. I’ll be carrying Sandy, you know.” The children giggled.
    They were still laughing when they reached the waiting room, where Cassi was surprised to see Jared and Larry lounging on the couches. At least she had an opportunity to thank them.
    “He’s beautiful and healthy,” she said. “Seven pounds and twenty inches. They’re naming him Jared Larry Benson.” Both men smiled and slapped each other on the back in congratulations.
    “I thought you’d be gone by now,” Cassi added. “But I’m glad you’re not, so I can tell you thanks. I don’t know what we would have done without you.”
    Jared shrugged, seemingly embarrassed at her words. “We couldn’t go without giving you this,” he said, handing her a diaper bag. He pointed to Sandy in Scotty’s arms. “Sandy here is potty training, and you may need a change or two of clothing. Her father said there were diapers for nighttime.”
    “Great.” Cassi grimaced slightly. She had forgotten that Sandy hadn’t mastered bathroom techniques. How did you even potty train a child? She had zero experience in that field. “Thanks again.” She took the bag and motioned to the children. “Come on, gang.” She started down the corridor with the children and men right behind her.
    “Uh, do you have enough room in your car?” Jared asked.
    Cassi stopped in mid-stride. “Oh, I forgot.