Hometown Valentine. Lissa Manley

      “Of course not,” Lily replied, shooing him away. “Go meet everyone.”

      “You’ll let me know if you need me?”

      “I can handle her if she fusses,” Lily said with a crooked smile.

      The teasing glint in Lily’s eyes made his heart bounce. “Yes, I guess you can.” Smiling back, he handed her the carrier. “Here you go.”

      She hoisted it into the crook of her arm and headed into the living room. He couldn’t help but notice the curls at her nape as she walked away.

      Grant came up and handed him a glass of what looked like lemonade. “You know Lily?”

      “She came in yesterday to apply for the barista job.” Blake took a sip of his drink. Tart, but good. “I had to tell her it was already filled.”

      “She seems to like Peyton,” Molly observed.

      “She helped out yesterday when it got busy and Peyton was having a fit.” He smiled. “She’s a genuine baby whisperer.”

      “She’s also a very good clothing designer.” Grant looked at Molly. “Didn’t you tell me she wants to go to LA and audition for some fashion reality show?”

      “Yes, Project Fashion,” Molly said. “She’s very talented. She designs and makes most of her own clothes.”

      Surprise and unexpected disappointment washed through Blake. “She didn’t mention any of this yesterday.”

      “Going to the audition has been in the works for a while.”

      “I got the impression she helped with her brothers and sisters a lot.” Her commitment to her family had impressed Blake yesterday.

      “Yes, her dad died when she was in her early teens and Lily has helped her mom with her siblings since then.” Molly put her arm around Grant’s waist. “She’s put off her own dream for her family. She lost her job at a local clothing store last week, so she really needs one.” Molly waved at someone who’d just stepped into the kitchen. “She helps her mom out with bills and stuff, so it’s taken her a long time to save the money she needs to go to LA.”

      More admiration spread through Blake. “I wish I could have hired her, then. Even temporarily.”

      “Hopefully she’ll find something else soon,” Molly said.

      “Sounds like she’s pretty set on the reality show,” Blake replied, still feeling inexplicably disappointed Lily would eventually be leaving town.

      “Oh, she is,” Molly said, nodding. “I think she could win, too, if she just had the chance. Either way she plans on staying in LA for the foreseeable future.”

      Blake suddenly heard Peyton crying. “Excuse me,” he said. “Peyton calls.”

      He headed into the living room, and there sat Lily, holding a screeching Peyton. “Hey, there,” he said, rushing over. “What’s up?”

      Lily stood, pulling Peyton close so her head was touching Lily’s cheek. “She just started in.” Her face froze. “Oh, wow. I think she has a fever.”

      With concern bubbling through him, Blake laid a hand on Peyton’s forehead. Though he was no nurse, even he could tell she was way too hot to the touch. “I think you’re right.”

      “Poor baby,” Lily said.

      He leaned in to look at Peyton’s flushed face, trying to ignore how close he was to Lily. “She’s never been sick before,” he said as more worry chomped away at him.

      “All babies eventually get sick.” Lily pulled away slightly and then started in with the swing, swing, swing thing she did so well. She gave him a look tinged in sympathy. “Not that that makes it any easier.”

      Peyton quieted just a bit.

      “I have no idea what to do with a sick kid,” he said, swiping a hand through his hair. He was so out of his element trying to take care of Peyton.

      “Infant fever reducer would be a start.”

      “Do I just get that at the grocery store?” This fatherhood thing was complicated.

      “Yep,” Lily said. “It’s in the pain reliever section.”

      He scratched his cheek. “How do I give her a pill?”

      “It’s a liquid you can put in her formula, or squeeze in her mouth with a dropper.”

      “Oh, okay.” There was so much to learn. He stood for a moment, his shoulders sagging. He was just barely keeping his head above water; how was he going to handle the store and a sick baby? He prayed Mrs. Jones would be back at work tomorrow. If not...was it possible Lily could help him out? She did need a job. Hopefully he wouldn’t have to ask, but he filed the idea away, just in case.

      “I know it’s scary to have her be sick, but since she’s too young to be teething, it’s probably just a virus that will go away in a few days.”

      He let out a heavy breath. “I hope so.”

      Peyton started wailing again.

      Molly came into the room, her brow creased. “Is everything okay?”

      “Peyton has a fever,” he said. “I should go.” He rubbed Peyton’s overly warm head. “I don’t want to spread germs around.”

      “Once you get the medicine in, she’ll feel a lot better,” Lily said. “She’ll probably conk out as soon as you get home.”

      “I hope so,” he said. Just the thought of another sleepless night filled him with dread. Of course, he’d do whatever she needed. But the strain of no sleep and another long day tomorrow made him feel as if he wore a cement coat.

      As Lily tried to put Peyton back in the carrier, the baby arched her back and screamed, making it difficult for Lily to get the straps over her head.

      More worry scraped across Blake’s nerves.

      “I know, sweetie,” Lily soothed as she got the Y strap over Peyton’s head and snapped it in. “Daddy needs to get you home.”

      “I’m so sorry you have to leave,” Molly said, handing Lily Peyton’s blanket. “You’ll have to come to next month’s get-together.”

      He just nodded. Though he’d given the gathering tonight a try, at this point, with so many things pulling on him, socializing had fallen to last on his list. Maybe he’d feel like going out...in a million years or so. Or maybe when Peyton turned eighteen. Provided she was still with him then. Permanent custody still hadn’t been determined yet.

      Lily tucked the blanket around Peyton and stepped back. “There you go. Nice and cozy.”

      Blake picked up the carrier. “Thanks for all your help,” he said to Lily before looking at Molly. “And thank you for having me. Say goodbye to Grant for me, would you?” Blake started moving toward the door.

      “Of course,” Molly said. She hurried ahead of him and opened the door. “Bye. Take care of that little girl.”

      “I will.” Feeling the weight of responsibility bearing down on him, he went outside, down the cement stairs and headed to his car. He swung the carrier and Peyton’s crying went down a notch. Maybe she’d follow tradition and fall asleep in the car. But then she might not sleep tonight, and that meant he wouldn’t sleep, and tomorrow would be a bigger challenge than usual. The cycle went on and on.

      Now he knew why God intended for kids to have two parents—to split the duties. What he would give for someone to help him out. But he was alone as a parent, with no one else to depend on. Though many people managed in his plight, he wasn’t sure he could do this by himself.

      All of a sudden his stomach hollowed out and a feeling of hopelessness washed over him. He put the baby carrier