Page 130 of Renewal After Dark

“I can’t either.”

“You and Adam will have plenty of time to figure out what you’re going to name them.”

“That’s true. We’ve gone in circles on that, but it’s probably time to start making some decisions.”

“Yes, embroidery needs to begin soon to ensure they have the most stylish going-home outfits.”

“As always, your priorities are straight.”

“You know it, honey. Call me later?”

“I will.”

“We’ll be over to spend some time with you this weekend. Daddy booked a room at the Westin.”

“I can’t wait to see you.”

She took calls from both her sisters as well as a cousin before she received a text from Adam that he was on the ferry and awaiting her packing list.

Sorry, I’ve been busy since you left!

Tell me the truth — are you having a fling?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. No.

What kept you busy?

Phone calls from Mom and the girls. I’ll make the list now.

K.

Having a fling? Was he out of his mind? She could only imagine her online dating profile:Bedridden mom pregnant with quads seeks a nice, stable, handsome man to take on her and her five baby sons.They’d be lining up at her door!

As she cracked up at her silliness, she gave Adam credit for making her laugh when she needed that more than ever. She couldn’t wait to see him and Liam in a few hours.

Ashleigh followedThomas upstairs to his room. He wanted to show her the new truck he was keeping hidden from his baby brother, Mac, who liked to break things. That’s what Thomas thought anyway.

Mac didn’t really know better yet, so he was always throwing toys around, which made his brother mad.

“Daddy told me to keep it up here if I want it to be safe,” Thomas told his cousin.

Ashleigh wasn’t all that interested in trucks, but Thomas was her best friend, so she pretended to be fascinated with the things the truck could do. He used the remote to show her the lights and the beeps and how he could raise the bed to dump a load of Legos onto the floor.

“That’s super cool.”

“I know, right?” He looked over at her. “I’m, um, really sorry about your daddy.”

“Thank you.”

“Are you… Are you sad?”

Ashleigh nodded. “I’m so sad.”

“I’d be so sad if my daddy died. I wish it hadn’t happened to yours.”

“I do, too.”

“Can I give you a hug?”

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