Page 89 of A Moment In Time

Joaquin shrugged. “He’s okay.”

“Just okay?”

Joaquin nodded.

Corbyn sat on the floor next to him. “I’m a big brother, you know. Only I have five little brothers and a baby sister.”

The boy laughed. “Aunt Clem isn’t a baby.”

“Not now, no. But I remember when they brought her home from the clinic.”

“Do you remember when they brought your brothers home, too?”

“Um…the first one I can remember was Gage. I sort of remember Cooper. I was about your age when he came home. But I definitely remember Gage. He was a little funny looking.”

Joaquin laughed. “He was?”

“Yeah. He had a ton of hair and it stuck up.” He leaned in close to Joaquin. “Don’t tell him I said this. But he looked a little bit like a chimpanzee.”

“You’re just making that up.”

“No. I’m dead serious. But your little brother is pretty darn cute.”

“Yeah. He doesn’t look like a monkey.”

“Thank goodness. You have a very important job now. You’re a big brother, too. And that means you need to watch out for Raphael. Not just when he’s little. But for the rest of his life. It’s a big responsibility.”

Joaquin gave him a serious nod. “Like you take care of my dad?”

“Yep. And all the rest of them. Do you think you can do that?”

“Yeah.” He looked at Paxton. “Did my dad look like a monkey when Grandma brought him home?”

Corbyn glanced at Paxton. “Nah. He was pretty cute. But he didn’t have any hair at all. I think that’s why he makes up for it now.”

Joaquin studied Paxton for a moment. “Is that true?”

Paxton ran a hand through his long hair. “Must be. My big brother wouldn’t say anything that isn’t true.”

Joaquin got up and went to Elaina. He looked at the baby for a moment, then touched his hand. “I’ll take care of you, Raphael.”

Elaina looked at Corbyn and mouthed, “Thank you.”

He nodded and got up off the floor. “Okay, Rosy, time to go.”

She kissed the baby on the forehead, then hugged Elaina’s arm, before getting up and giving Paxton a hug. Next, she went to Joaquin and hugged him.

She looked at Elaina. “I’m twelve now, and some of my friends are already babysitting.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, sweetheart.”

They left the house and got into Corbyn’s Blazer. It was close in age to Booker’s, but was black and in better shape. It didn’t have nearly the miles Booker put on his vehicle.

Rose buckled her seatbelt, then looked at Corbyn. “What’s for dinner?”

“Cassie is bringing over Chili. Does that sound good?”

“Yeah. Is she staying to eat with us?”

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