Page 8 of Lilly

Jade answers. "Did you hear the news?"

"Yes. I just spoke with Grace and told her we'd be taking my plane. You need to have Garret drive the two of you down here. You should leave in a few minutes. The plane should be ready by noon."

"You and Rachel are going?"

"Yes, and Lilly."

"Okay, but um, Garret is staying here with the kids and..." She lowers her voice. "Don't tell him I said this, but I'm not sure he can handle the kids for that long. I mean, I don't know how long we'll be gone, but if it's longer than a day, he might need some help. I was hoping Rachel could stay here. Or maybe Lilly."

I smile. "I understand. Lilly will remain here. He can take her back with him and she'll stay there until we get home."

"Sounds good. We'll leave in a few minutes."

"Why am I staying behind?" Lilly asks as I put my phone away.

"Because your brother needs help with the children."

Rachel smiles as she clears the table. "Why is it that dads need help but moms don't?"

"I guess you're just better than us," I say, my arm reaching around her waist as I kiss her cheek. "Why don't you go pack a bag? I can clean this up."

"I'm gonna pack one too," Lilly says. "How long will I be at Garret's?"

"I don't know yet. Just pack enough for a few days."

She races off to her room.

When she's gone, Rachel asks, "How serious is his condition?"

"I'm not sure. The doctors are running tests. Apparently he passed out at work this morning." I pick up the remaining plates while Rachel takes the glasses.

"Why is William working on a Sunday?" She meets me at the sink as I'm rinsing the plates.

"That's just what he does. He's like I used to be. I used to work Sundays all the time."

"Yes. And I didn't like it." She sets the glasses down and gives me a kiss. "I'd much rather have you at home."

"Which is where I'd rather be." I smile at her. "Now go get packed." As she's leaving, I ask, "Will you pack mine too?"

"I always do," I hear her say.

I don't like packing a suitcase but Rachel does, so I just let her do it.

A little over an hour later, Garret and Jade arrive, along with the children and Grace.

"Grandma!" the twins yell when Rachel greets them at the door. They jump and down and reach their arms up, wanting to be held.

She bends down to hug them. "How are my two little sweeties?"

"Hopped up on sugar," Garret says as they come inside. "Jade made waffles but I think they ate more syrup than waffles."

"We made waffles too," Lilly says, appearing in the living room with her small pink suitcase.

Abi and Hannah run up to her.

"You get to stay with us!" Hannah says.

"We can have a slumber party!" Abi adds.

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