Baby bishops

Chapter 2

The day after the boys' flu shots, Maya dropped Rustle and Max at nursery and headed to work.

"Montgomery, Max wants your gingerbread recipe," she said, smiling at the thought of her sons bonding with her Station 19 team.

"Tell him to bring his apron—it's on!" Travis laughed.

"They're coming to the station today. Bailey's picking them up," Maya added as they walked into the beanery.

Suddenly, a call came through—just a minor incident involving burnt toast—Maya and Travis geared up and left. When they returned, Maya was about to head to the showers but paused at the sight of Bailey arriving with Max and Rustle.

"Mommy!" Max called, running to hug her.

"Hi my gorgeous boys," Maya beamed, lifting and kissing each of them. "Thanks, Bailey."

"No problem," Bailey smiled, watching the sweet reunion.

"Max, guess what? Uncle Travis is making ginger biscuits with you!"

Max lit up. "Really?"

"Uncle Travis make biscuits!" he shouted, dashing into the beanery and leaping into Travis's arms.

"Woah! Of course, buddy. Let's get started," Travis grinned, setting him down.

Rustle, however, pouted. "Me not make biscuits?"

"You can, sweetheart," Maya reassured, scooping him up.

Jack entered just as Rustle's tears began. "Wanna do something with me?" he offered. Maya handed Rustle over, kissing his nose and wiping his tears.

Rustle quickly calmed, resting his head on Jack's shoulder. Maya mouthed a "thank you" as Jack carried him to the table.

"They're good here?" Maya asked.

"Go shower," Travis nodded, whisking Max into baking prep.

As Maya made her way out, Andy stopped her. "Someone downstairs is asking for you."

Groaning, Maya went to the entrance—and found Carina.

"Hi?" Maya blinked.

"Ciao," Carina smiled.

"How did you find me?"

"You're kind of famous," Carina teased. "I asked around... and came to return this." She pulled out Max's toy fire truck.

"You're a saint," Maya said, stunned.

Carina smiled. "Honestly, it was just an excuse to see you again."

Maya couldn't help but smile. "Well, I'm glad my son lost his toy."

"How are they?" Carina asked.

"Rustle's a little grouchy—probably like you warned."

Carina nodded and handed her a card. "Call this if anything changes. And..." she added, scribbling another number on a tissue, "Call this if you want to talk about something besides sick kids."

Maya laughed. "I'll consider both options."

"It was nice seeing you, even unexpectedly," Carina said, heading out.

Maya watched her go, thinking she was definitely glad Max left his fire truck behind.