Page 38 of Seal of Approval

Lily stepped forward. “Jasmine, we will help.” Her voice was firm. “The kids do not need to be cooped up in an office after being at school all day.”

Jack took his place by her side. “Absolutely. One of us can sit on the porch while they play on the beach.”

Jasmine opened her mouth in what I was sure would be a protest. I didn’t let her get that far. “That would be great,” I said. “And they can help me with my research.”

Jasmine swung around, her mouth agape.

I shrugged. “They were helpful over the weekend. If they get too restless, they can go for a swim.”

Lily clapped her hands together. “That’s settled then. You can’t do this on your own. We’re family and we’re going to help.”

Tears brimmed Jasmine’s eyes. “Thank you.”

Jack grinned. “Bonfire night on Saturday. Let’s show everyone you’re a couple.”

Jasmine and I locked eyes. What was Jack up to?

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Jasmine

Bailey, who was usually jumping out of his skin for bonfire night, sat on the lounge watching TV.

“Bails, are you ready?” I asked.

He shrugged. I sat down beside him. Ethan hung back in the kitchen, watching.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Nothing.”

Rose brought Timmy into the lounge room. She sat down on a lounge chair, watching us. Her trauma bear was in her lap again. Timmy sat obediently beside her. Still, Bailey said nothing. He continued to stare at the TV.

How was I going to get this eleven-year-old to use his words? “When we’re nervous about something it’s always better to speak about it.”

Bailey looked at Ethan. Was he nervous about him? Ethan gave him a nod.

Bailey glanced between us as he spoke. “What if Dad turns up at the bonfire? Or if he comes to the house?”

I rested my hand on his leg. “If he comes to the bonfire, he can’t hurt us. There will be too many people there.”

“There aren’t people here,” Bailey said.

Rose pulled Timmy toward her and held him tight.

“No. But we’re safe together.”

“We weren’t safe last time.”

Ethan came and sat on the other lounge chair. “Your mom would do anything to keep you safe.”

My heart swelled.

Ethan had Bailey’s undivided attention. “She will always protect you. She’s kept you safe all these years.”

Bailey nodded. “And you will help keep us safe too?”

“Yes, I will.”

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