He took in the colossal foam coffee cup clutched in Nick’s hand. “I didn’t know the Java Hut made to-go cups that big.”

“Trust me, there isn’t a container big enough for the caffeine hit I need,” Nick said with a tired smile. “I think I should just request an IV drip. Sorry to be so late.”

“No problem. That’s why I’m here-to hold down the fort for the proud new dad.”

A grin that could only be described as totally besotted curved Nick’s mouth. “Oh, man, Adam, I don’t think there’s ever been a more beautiful baby in the history of babies than Caroline.”

“Can’t argue with you there. I was the proudest honorary uncle at the nursery when I visited her at the hospital. But I bet your parents said the same thing about you when you were born.” He made a great show of looking Nick over. “Then again, maybe they didn’t.”

“Ha-ha. Tread carefully, my friend. You’re dealing with someone who’s had about seven hours of sleep in the last seven days. Caroline may be adorable and gorgeous, but whew, can that kid yell. Gotta tell ya, whoever made up that phrase ‘sleep like a baby’ clearly never spent any time with an actual baby because let me tell you-babies do not sleep. At least not for more than like twenty minutes at a time. And you know what? When the baby isn’t asleep, the parents aren’t asleep.” He stifled a yawn. “Things will be easier after Annie’s mom arrives the day after tomorrow to help out. Nothing like having a doting grandma on the premises. Annie and I’ll finally get some sleep and I can get back to work. And you’ll be off the hook.”

Adam dragged a hand through his hair. “Listen, I still feel bad about leaving-”

Nick held up his hand to cut off the words. “Do not feel bad. You’ve wanted to take this trip as long as I’ve known you. Hell, you even scheduled it so you’d be around for a few weeks after the baby was born. Who knew she’d decide to be two weeks late?” He shook his head and grinned. “Typical female. But don’t worry-uber-grandma is coming to the rescue.”