Page 192 of State of Suspense

“That’s what they do best. The real world will be out there waiting for you soon enough.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

“Plus, we like having you guys here.”

“We like being here. Noah loves having the kids downstairs. And the pool is pretty cool, too.”

“Relax and heal. Don’t worry about anything other than loving on your wife and kids.”

“That’s my favorite thing to do. I still can’t believe we have kids, as in plural.”

“Couldn’t be happier for you all. I’ll check in tomorrow.”

“Watch yourself out there with this guy on the loose. You’d be one hell of a prize for him.”

He was the second one to say that, which made her feel anxious. “Don’t worry about me. Take care of you.”

“Will do.”

Sam followed voices to the room Noah was using. Noah, holding his sleeping baby sister, was snuggled into bed with Shelby while she read a story. “Where’s your phone, Tinker Bell?”

“In the living room.”

Sam went to get it and entered Noah’s birthday, which she knew was the code Shelby used for everything. Sam relied on her rudimentary knowledge of iPhones to find the camera and returned to take photos of Shelby and her babies.

“Thank you for that,” Shelby said with a weary smile.

“I used an iPhone for you.”

“The sacrifices you make.”

“I know, right?”

Shelby giggled. “Thanks for making me laugh, too. It’s been a minute.”

“I do what I can for my people. I’ll check in tomorrow. Let me know if you need anything.”

“With all of us back under the same roof, even if it’s your roof, I have what I need.”

“My roof is yours. Always.”

“Love you.”

“Love you, too.” She blew a kiss to the little boy. “Night, Noah and Maisie.”

“Night, Sam. Maisie says night, too.”

Could he be any cuter?

“Sleep tight, you guys.”

Chapter Thirty-Two

Sam left Shelby and Avery’s suite and went down the stairs just as Nick was coming up from the main floor, looking exhausted and devastated. She held out her arms to him, and he walked right into her embrace. “Anything new?”

“No.”

Sam held him for a long time. She would’ve stood there all night if that’s what he needed. “Are you hungry?”

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