Before Franz could answer, Lucas's eyes darted to Gio, who was standing a few feet away with Leo attached to his hand. Gio had been watching the baby with focused attention, his dark eyes tracking Lexx's every movement.
"Here." Lucas thrust Lexx toward him. "You take him. You've been staring at him. You want to hold him."
Gio's eyes widened. "I didn't—I wasn't—"
"Just take the baby, Gio."
Gio took the baby. He cradled Lexx the way Aunt Estella had shown him: one hand supporting the head, the other curved around the tiny body, the baby settled against his chest. It was the same position he'd practiced during those three days in the hospital, when Aunt Estella had placed Lexx in his arms and told him he was worrying too much.
Lexx stopped crying.
