The Adoption: An absolutely gripping psychological thriller with a jaw-dropping twist by Jenna Kernan

Author:Jenna Kernan [Kernan, Jenna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781803140216
Publisher: Bookouture
Published: 2022-05-10T16:00:00+00:00

Enid listened and took notes as Dani and Tate went over feeding schedules in the kitchen. Willow woke, yawned, scrunched up her face and began to cry.

“Here, let me,” said Enid.

She swooped in, expertly released the safety harness, and lifted Willow to her chest. The baby’s knees curled under Enid’s breasts as she splayed across the stranger’s body.

Dani felt a tug of jealousy, which she quickly stanched. Enid swayed back and forth, and Willow quieted. Their neighbor moved with such confidence, it rattled Dani.

Dani refused to allow herself to feel threatened by Enid’s competence with the baby. At least, that was what she told herself. After all, she’d invited this woman in, wanted her help. She needed her.

“I’ll take her.” Dani reached out for Willow.

“Oh, of course.” Enid relinquished the infant and Dani suggested they head to the nursery.

Enid trailed behind her, stepping into the newly decorated room.

“Oh, this is lovely. And you have all the gadgets. Is that a light?”

“Music and light.” Dani tapped the top to turn it on.

“That must be nice at night. Low light, so soothing.”

“Yes.” Dani realized she’d never seen the light at night. “But Willow is in our room for now.”

Enid smiled. “Certainly, easier for feeding, but then you need to warm the formula. Such a rigmarole, and not as natural as breast milk.”

Dani drew a disposable diaper from the basket and nodded at the observation.

“Sadly, not an option,” she said.

“No. Unfortunately. Do you want me to change her?”

“I’ll do this one, show you where everything is.”

Dani removed the dirty diaper and cleaned her daughter as Enid watched.

Her silent observer made her so nervous she dropped the soiled diaper into the hamper and missed. She stooped to retrieve it and came up to find Enid at the changing table, a hand on Willow, whom Dani had released as she bent.

Dani sucked in a breath. She’d been right. Maybe she couldn’t do this.

But Willow was too young to roll or turn over. And the mat had side bumpers. Still, her heart was hammering in her temples.

My God, Dani thought. What if she’d fallen? Then that would be my fault, too. I’m a terrible mother.

“Would you like me to get her dressed?” asked Enid. “My pleasure.”

Dani nodded numbly as Enid snapped up the onesie, then lifted Willow and handed her to Dani.

Enid headed toward the nursery door. “I’ll see you downstairs.”

She sailed out of the room. Was she going to tell Tate that Dani had left the baby on the table without the safety strap?

Willow kicked her tiny legs enthusiastically. Alone with her daughter, Dani relaxed.

“This is more like it, isn’t it, jellybean?” She tried out the nickname and shook her head.

Not quite right.

“Do you like Enid, gumdrop?” No, that one didn’t fit, either, and was too close to dewdrop. Dani swaddled Willow, thinking she had it right, but the tucking and adjusting took longer than when the visiting nurse had done it.

Practice, she thought. And she’d have plenty.

Tate was going back to work. She knew he was an overachiever.

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