She took the baby slowly, balancing her on her hip. She fell silent, her lips pursed as she studied the baby uncomfortably. Aubrey cooed and patted Natalia's cheek, tugging on her long dark hair. Natalia paused before laughing slightly. The smile completely transformed her face, brightening her eyes as she gave the baby a sparkling smile. "Hi, Aubrey."
He wrapped an arm around her waist as Natalia sat down, bouncing the baby in her lap. Aubrey gave a gurgling laugh, tugging on her aunt's hair.
"I've decided," Natalia said, glancing up at them with warmth in her gaze, "that I will be taking this baby and bringing her back to the ship with me."
She laughed softly, shaking her head as she looked back down at Aubrey. "If you tell anyone, I'll kill you."
She pretended to consider it, bouncing the baby in her arms. "No, probably not. Wouldn't be good for our relationship."
She and Jack exchanged looks. "Our aunt got drunk at our family Christmas party and was never seen again," Jack explained.