Page 140 of XOXO

“Yes?” Sadie asked, turning back.

“Give me a few decades. Or maybe a few centuries. One day, I might get Felton to come around. If that day comes, I’d love to meet Adelyn and her family. Our family,” she finished softly.

“Take all the time you need,” Sadie said with a salute. “Don’t be a stranger, Marta. And thank you.”

Marta waved before shutting the door. Lifting her face to the sky, Sadie breathed a sigh of relief. Clutching the necklace tight, she headed home to hug her husband and daughter, thankful for her own family after the emotional visit.

Chapter 4

On Friday, Adelyn picked up the kids from daycare after completing her Nymph education class. She taught the weekly class at Lynia’s middle school, and it was broadcast to the entire kingdom. Toross was slowly teaching Adelyn about the Nymph’s vast and storied history, and Adelyn was intent on ensuring the kingdom understood her people’s heritage. There was still much to learn, but the task was important to her and would only enhance connection within the realm.

After taking the children to lunch, she drove them to her brother’s house as a mischievous smile curved her lips. Jack had never taken them for the whole weekend, but Adelyn was craving some alone time with her mate. Her parents usually performed babysitting duty, but her brother had offered and the kids adored spending time with him.

When she pulled into the driveway, the front door swung open and Jack stepped onto the porch. Shielding his eyes from the sun, he asked, “Is that my favorite niece and nephew?”

The kids leapt from the four-wheeler and sprinted to the cabin before jumping into his arms. Jack exhaled an “oomph” as he scooped them up.

“Can we make smores, Uncle Jack?” Briala asked. “Mommy packed marshmallows.”

“Heck yes, we can make smores,” he said, smacking a kiss on her cheek, and then Kellan’s, before setting them down.

“Yes, you’ll be able to make lots of smores since Uncle Jack lives in a tiny cabin like a true bachelor who refuses to grow up,” Adelyn teased, climbing the porch stairs and extending the kids’ bags. “Sleeping outside leads to lots of smores-making.”

“Hey,” he said, frowning as he took the packs. “Why are you insulting your amazing brother who also happened to offer free babysitting?” He covered his heart. “Now I’m thinking I should charge you.”

Adelyn swatted his chest. “Because you need to find a mate and have a few of these.” She gestured toward the kids. “They’re awesome. You’ll see.”

“I’m all set,” he said, lifting a sardonic brow. “But these two are pretty cute. I’ll keep them for a few days.” He ruffled Kellan’s hair.

“Seriously, I really appreciate this, Jack. Mom and Dad are at Uteria this weekend, helping with the royal Valentine’s Day fundraiser, and Leo’s parents are at their house in the woods for a month. You were definitely my third choice to babysit,” she teased.

“Were you this annoying when we were kids?” he teased, rubbing his jaw. “I only remember slightly hating you.”

Adelyn playfully rolled her eyes. “Anyway. Since you only have one room, I packed the kids’ bags with everything they’ll need to camp outside. Are you all excited to camp with Uncle Jack?”

“Yes!” Briala and Kellan exclaimed, jumping up and down.

“They’re all fed and ready to exhaust the crap out of you. Have fun.” She patted his arm.

“Dude, this gets me out of having to attend the fundraiser. You’re a lifesaver.” Crouching down, he asked, “Do you all want to head out back and start stacking the logs? We can build the bonfire as soon as it gets dark.”

Their tiny heads bobbed before they both turned to Adelyn for one last hug. Squeezing them tight, her heart thudded as they raced toward the back of the house.

“They’ll be fine,” Jack said, cupping her shoulder. “You and Leo can relax. I’ve got this.”

“It’s hard to leave them, but we need some adult time. We’ve got some shit to discuss, and I’d also like to have sex without worrying the kids will walk in.”

“TMI,” Jack said, plugging his ears. “But I know Leo wants to join the reserves. He asked about the open spot in my next boot camp. I’m assuming you said no.”

“Of course I said no. He’s not a soldier, Jack.”

“Not yet,” Jack said, lifting a shoulder. “But Alrec taught him how to fight, and he’s tough, Addie. You forced him to live in the kingdom. Now, he just wants to defend it. Sounds pretty honorable to me.”

“I didn’t force him to do anything,” she said, stomping her foot. “He eventually understood there was more to life than living in the middle of nowhere. That’s all.”

“Mmm hmm.” Jack’s lips thinned.

Sighing, Adelyn rubbed the back of her neck. “I just wanted him to have a full life. To build a life with me.” Lowering her gaze, her features fell. “I didn’t think that was so awful…”

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