As they spoke, Lucas Walker had already taken the baby, but her tiny fingers still clung to Uncle Phoebe's without letting go.
Lucas extended his hand and gently shook her little hand.
"Be good, let go of Uncle Phoebe."
The little one held tight, and though she was in Lucas's arms, she turned her head, her bright golden eyes fixed on Phoebe.
Phoebe grinned, "She seems to like me better!"
"Nonsense!" Lucas retorted unhappily, gently prying open the baby's fingers, allowing Phoebe to carefully pull his hand away.
As soon as her fingers were free, the little one's brows furrowed, and she burst into tears.
Both men panicked at her crying.
"Don't cry, sweetheart, be good!"
"Please, don't cry!"
...
Lucas shot an irritated glance at Phoebe, "Hurry and give her your hand!"
Phoebe extended his finger again, offering it back to the baby, who gripped it tightly. Feeling it secure in her hand again, she immediately stopped crying, guiding Phoebe's finger toward her mouth.
