“Does Nolan smoke pot around Biyen?” Emma tucked her chin with concern.

“No,” Sophie said firmly. “That’s a red line and he knows it. But it’s legal now and he used to bring it to Mom when she was in treatment so I can’t be too judgmental about him using it on his own time. Biyen knows what it is. I’ve talked to him about it and why I don’t want him to try it.”

Infuriatingly, Nolan was not a bad father. He might be lousy at paying taxes or even buying a cup of coffee if he could bum one, but he showed up regularly to take Biyen fishing or hiking or kite-flying. It might only be an afternoon, but his time with Biyen was almost always one-on-one, nurturing Biyen’s love of nature and sense of self-worth.

“Tell you what,” Emma said brightly. “After Mom and the kids leave, you and Biyen can move in here. Logan can stay with Art. Would that work?”

“I don’t hate that idea, but you might want to ask your husband first.”

“I’m just going to tell him. I want to see his face.”

They both knew Reid well enough that the mere idea had them bursting into laughter.

*

As Logan sat down with Reid, Trystan, and Emma, Emma said wistfully, “Our last dinner as a family for a while.”

She had roasted a prime rib, maybe to turn it into a bit of an occasion. Reid was pouring wine, looking for anyone else who wanted a glass.

“You sound like Glenda.” Trystan was offering spoonfuls of pureed carrot to Storm, but she was more interested in squashing the banana pieces on her tray.

“Because she called us a family?” Reid pointed a warning finger at Logan. “Do not accuse me of marrying your mother.”

“Okay, Dad.”

“Glenda offered to come stay while I’m away,” Emma said as she passed the mashed potatoes.

“To look after us?” Logan asked dryly.

“Wait a minute. Are you our nanny?” Trystan circled his finger to indicate all three men. “Guys, we’ve had this all wrong.”

“To look after Storm,” Emma said impassively, ignoring their silliness.

“I’m insulted. Are you insulted?” Logan asked Reid.

“I feel my ability to parent has been slighted, yes,” Reid agreed.

“Trys?”

“Glenda knows I won’t be here. Obviously, her faith in the two of you is somewhere below sea level.”

“She offered to clean the house and make some food so I could spend my time visiting with my family instead of cooking, but I’ll leave all of that in your capable hands, then.” Emma raised her brows at Logan in a silent, Ha. “Seeing as you don’t feel a need for assistance.”

“That is exactly something Mom would say,” Logan noted, curling his lip in annoyance.

“I take that as a compliment. I adore her.” Now Emma’s eyes were sparkling, her teeth flashing as she closed her smile over her fork.

“She’d probably like to meet your mom,” Reid said.

“She told me she would.” Emma nodded. “I explained we won’t have any spare beds once my family gets here.”

“She stayed with Art and Sophie when she was here for Dad’s service. They’d have her, wouldn’t they?”

Trystan’s cheeks went hollow. Emma gave the end of her nose a rub.

“What,” Reid demanded, looking at each of them in turn, ending up at Logan.

He refused to be a coward about it.