The Perfect Someday (A standalone novel ~ Book three in The Mathews Family) by Beverly Preston Page B

tsunami battering the shore after an earthquake. She let out a lion sized yawn and snuggled closer to her new little buddy. She pressed her lips to the thin pale skin near his forehead, letting her finger follow his arm and slip into the small grip of his hand. She examined Richards’ precious features, nuzzling her nose into the sweet smell of lilac and baby powder.
    “It’s unbelieva ble how much they look like you and Dad.” She touched the back of her finger to his cherub pink cheek. “It’s hard to believe Dad’s been gone almost three years.”
    “ Your mom brought out pictures of John and your dad when they were babies. The resemblance is uncanny.”
    John retrieved two cream colored throws, draping them over Tracy and Shayla. “It’s nap time. You wanna rock him to sleep?”
    Richard’s lip quivered opening his mouth wide and stretching his little fists above his head triggering a reflexive yawn from Tracy. She nodded, talking to the baby in a syrupy voice, “I think Aunt Tracy needs a nap too.”
    People always consider babies to be gifts, but Richard and Thomas conveyed countless blessings to their family. They brought immeasurable amount of joy, but also something so much deeper. Something infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression in their smiling eyes. Each boy carried on the name of their grandpas. Richard bore Tracy’s father name, a man who loved his family and was the best man she’d ever known. And Thomas was named after Tom, Tracy’s stepfather and Shayla’s uncle who raised her like his own.
    Tracy was not a fan of Tom when they first met. She wasn’t impressed or fascinated by his good looks, charm or Oscar on the mantel. Saying that he’d never married and led a scandalous love life would be an understatement. Not a very good first impression for three very protective children, especially since his love life made headlines around the world. Trust, the kind you could depend on with your life, didn’t come easy in their family. Tracy made him earn every ounce of respect she held for him. It didn’t take long. After witnessing the happiness Tom brought back to their mother, they couldn’t deny the fact that their mom was crazy about Tom. And so were John, Tracy and JC.
    The next time Tracy opened her eyes, Tess stood in front of her wearing a rapt smile.
    Tom peered over her shoulder, a distinct glower of disapproval puckered between his brows. “Rule number one. There will be no baby hogging in this house.”
    Tracy rolled her eyes and stretched one arm to the ceiling. Her gaze flickered around the room, assembling her bearings. Richard lay wide awake in her arm, happily sucking on his fist. “One little baby, I mean, two little babies, and all of a sudden we have rules? You must be a grandpa now.”
    Tess nestled into Tom’s arms wrapped at her waist, tossing Tracy a wink. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”
    “Merry Christmas , Momma.” Tracy pretended to scowl at Tom. “You too, Scrooge.”
    “Bah humbug,” he countered, kissing Tracy’s cheek and coming in for the steal before Tess could get to the baby.
    “He’s impossible, I tell you.” Tess’ blue eyes gleamed, leaning down, welcoming Tracy in a motherly embrace.
    The hiss of the fire and popping of wood, echoed through the expansive family room. Laughter and sounds of family spilled from the kitchen. Tracy glimpsed Benny’s broad shoulders. She waved to Lisa standing at the counter chatting with JC.
    “Well,” Lisa purred, flashing a gorgeous smile. “Did we wake you, princess?”
    White twinkle lights cast a glimmer on Lisa’s smooth long blonde hair as she sauntered past the Christmas tree.  Benny gave a quick wave, hollering, “Merry Christmas” and returned to his conversation with JC. Her sister smiled and held up a finger gesturing she’d be there in a minute.
    “I was out like a light.” She scrubbed her face and raked her fingers through her hair,
    “I’d say. You were snoring so