Praying for Grace (The Grace Series Book 5) by M. Lauryl Lewis Page B

sorry for him. It was a warm day, but not warm enough for a newborn to be naked and getting a lukewarm bath. I heard a noise behind us, and keeping a hand on the little one I turned to see that Erik had returned. He was busy setting up a second table. I watched for a brief moment as he folded a clean towel and set it down. I looked back at Emmett, who was turning red in the face and beginning to wail. I found the end of the hose dangling nearby and grabbed it with my free hand. I turned the valve just part way, creating a gentle stream of tepid water. I began by letting it run over his head, which caused him to shriek. I felt horrible.
    “You guys ok in there?” asked Erik.
    “Yeah. He’s just really mad. I’ll try to quiet him.”
    “It’s ok. There’s guards on all the walls, so nothing will get in. He’ll be happy enough once he’s warm again.”
    I continued to wet his skin, making him even angrier. Eventually I managed to soap him up and rinse him off. By the time I was done I was nearly in tears myself. I felt so bad for having tortured him. I quickly powdered his bottom and diapered him before swaddling him tightly.
    “He sounds ticked as hell,” I heard Gus say as he walked up, Gretchen at his side.
    I looked up. “He hated the bath and he’s hungry.”
    “Erik told us you were out here. Why don’t you let Gretchen take the baby in and get him settled? Abbey’s on her way with fresh clothes so you can shower.”
    “Where’s Boggs?” I asked, realizing I hadn’t seen him in a while.
    “He’s helping wrap up some loose ends before dinner. They’re making a big feast to welcome you all.”
    “Hoot’s setting up a crib for the baby,” interrupted Gretchen. “I’d be happy to watch him for a few hours so you can sleep for a bit,” she said kindly.
    I took a slow deep breath while considering the offer. “I am tired,” I said, giving in. “But promise you’ll wake me up if he needs me?”
    “Sure,” she answered. “Want me to feed him a bottle?”
    “That’d be great. Thanks. How’s Katie?” I asked.
    “Pretty upset. She and Trudy had been friends since grade school. Abe gave her something to help her sleep. She’s strong. She’ll be ok, in time.”
    I nodded and handed Emmett to Gus’ new blood-bound-friend. Oddly, he quieted once in her arms.
    “I’ll have him in the library for now,” said Gretchen.
    “Thanks, Gretch,” said Gus. I didn’t like him using a pet name for her.
    She smiled at us both and walked with the baby toward the bunker.
    “I’ll fill the shower for you,” offered Gus.
    “No offense, but you’re pretty ripe too.”
    “Yeah I know. Tackling the fucking dead fucks will do that to a man.”
    “Are we safe, Gus? Here? With them keeping the dead for experiments?”
    He adjusted his stance until he stood right in front of me. Taking my hands in his, he looked deep into my eyes. “I wouldn’t have you here if I wasn’t sure. I promise these people are ok and I promise the dead are secure. They’re making progress, Zoe. Real progress. There’s only one guy I’ve met who gives me the creeps and if he does anything to harm a hair on your head, or our baby, I’ll kill the fucker. Ok?”
    I nodded.
    “C’mon, we both stink and the showers are going to be in high demand in just awhile,” he said, letting go of my hands.
    I watched as he filled two shower stall tops with water. I admired how easily he lifted the heavy bucket. I looked to my left when I heard someone walking toward us. Abbey and Danny were side-by-side, each carrying a neatly folded stack of clothes and towels.
    “Gus, I grabbed these out of your drawers. Gretchen mentioned you were both going to shower. Sorry to go through your stuff,” said Danny.
    “No problem. Thanks for bringing them out.”
    “I just guessed on your size,” said Abbey as she handed me a pile.
    I smiled in thanks.
    “Will you guys hurry up so we can go next?” asked Danny dramatically.
    “Sure,” said