Megan raised a hand.

I stopped.

She scooped him up and settled him against her shoulder.

There was a rhythm to it she had learned alone.

“Would you like to hold Mason for a minute?” she asked at last.

I nodded so quickly I felt foolish.

She showed me how he liked to sit, facing outward.

He leaned against my chest and stared at the other children as if reporting for duty.