By the second morning, Eira had made a list. That was the first warning.
The second was the title written at the top in large, serious letters:
"Lessons for New Parents."
Marla found it pinned to the cupboard. She read it twice, laughed once, and said, "Heaven help us."
Shannon walked in, half awake, holding a mug of coffee. "What now?"
Eira looked up from the table where she was arranging pots, spoons, and blankets like battle equipment. "You're both going to learn essential skills. We must prepare for daily tasks."
"Daily tasks?" Tristan asked from the bed, still wrapped in his blanket. "The baby's not even born yet."
"Exactly," Eira said. "We must stay ahead of the chaos."
Marla poured herself tea and muttered, "Here it comes."
Eira clapped her hands. "Drill number one: Soothing practice!"
She produced a small sack of flour wrapped in cloth. Two button eyes had been stitched onto it. "Meet Baby."
Tristan stared. "That's a bag of flour."
