Free Not Quite Perfect (Not Quite Series Book 5) by Catherine Bybee

house and stood. “I knew she was pushing herself.”
    Mary stopped him from opening the door. “Dinner is almost done, but my guess is Dakota would covet an hour of sleep and she can eat later. Which means you men need to help your wives understand it isn’t personal.”
    Dr. Eddy followed his son’s lead and stood. “C’mon, Dennis, it’s time to remind our wives what it was like those first weeks after our kids were born.”
    They filed into the room together.
    Walt beelined to his wife and whispered in her ear before removing the blanket from her lap.
    She offered a tired nod and buried her head in his shoulder.
    “Dinner’s not quite ready,” Elaine told them.
    Everyone spoke in softer tones than normal and occasionally glanced over at Leo to see if they woke him.
    Walt lifted Dakota off the couch and carried her.
    “Don’t drop me,” Dakota teased.
    “Have some faith.”
    Walt was walking Dakota up the stairs before the conversation in the kitchen began. “She’s exhausting herself, JoAnne. Keep a plate for when Leo wakes up.”
    JoAnne had an expression of shock before pulling it in. “Bless her heart, she should have told me. I could have waited to put the roast in.”
    “Sleep when the baby sleeps, remember?” Elaine said, wiping her hands free of the biscuit mixture.
    “I understand there is some debate on who is staying around to help.” Mary glanced at both women.
    “Well, I should,” Elaine said first. She left the notion that Dakota was her daughter unsaid.
    “And you drive her a little crazy, Elaine,” Mary said flat out.
    Elaine sucked in a deep breath, and for a moment Mary thought she’d deny the truth.
    “She’s right, hon,” Dennis calmed his wife before she could respond.
    Mary leaned against the counter and offered her advice. “You know what I think will be the most helpful thing right now?”
    The collective silence in the room kept her talking.
    “Spend the next two days cooking meals for Walt and Dakota so all they have to do is pop stuff in the microwave or oven. Walt isn’t going back to the ER for at least a month. He even took himself off the call list for Borderless Doctors. I’m across the street for emergencies, and I’ll come by every day to do laundry or shop, or whatever they need.”
    “But—”
    “Just listen, Elaine.”
    “Give them a couple of weeks to figure this parent thing out. Dakota has enough hospitality genes in her to not want to offend you by saying she’s too tired to eat. Imagine keeping that pace for the next few weeks. I promise to call you back if they’re struggling or need another set of hands.”
    Elaine and JoAnne exchanged glances. “Two more days with the baby.”
    JoAnne painted on a properly insincere smile. “Why do our children live so far away?”
    Mary mentally patted herself on the back.
    An hour and a half later she received a text from Dakota.
    I managed an hour-long nap. Thank you. I don’t know what you said, but I owe you.
    You’d do the same for me. Only they both knew that Mary wouldn’t have family clamoring around to help if she had a baby.
    I would!
    Mary considered letting the conversation fade there . . .
    BTW  . . . I have a date with Glen this Saturday. Giddy excitement bubbled up inside her as she watched the instant dot, dot, dot on her tiny phone message screen.
    OMFingG! About damn time! I’m in a room full of in-laws or I’d call you over to squeal about it.
    You’re a little busy right now. We’ll chat later when you’re awake.
    Bet your ass we’ll talk later. I’m gonna want details.
    Mary looked forward to a little normalcy so she could provide them. But to dominate any of Dakota’s time right now would be selfish, all things considered.

Chapter Eight

    Monica called Mary the next morning, asked if they could have lunch before she flew home the next day.
    “I love pizza.” Monica removed a slice and let the cheese drip down the sides.
    “Me too. Glad you suggested it. I feel