Page 109 of Headed for Home

I make the mistake of taking a sip during her explanation. Beautiful Sunflower spews over the floor as I register the words. “No, bunny. Just… no.”

“Maybe we should put in more effort,” Drake mumbles.

My lips roll between my teeth to trap a laugh. “Stop it.”

Charlie’s expression is full of wonder. “Wow.”

“What’s that face for, boo?” I don’t mention the awe in his voice.

“You’ve got a garden in there.” He points at my torso.

My arm slides across my midsection as if that will make him forget the subject. “Nope, just food. No seeds or plants or gardens.”

“Just wait until I become a farmer,” Drake mumbles under his breath.

My cheeks burst into flames. “Oh. My. Gosh. You’re in so much—”

“We’re hungry,” Charlie whines.

“My tummy is mad.” Kenzie squishes her stomach as if it’s complaining.

“Can I please have a snack?” Sydney bats her eyelashes. This girl gets it.

“Don’t let Garrett feed them,” Harper yells from the opposite side of the room.

I giggle at the reminder of rainbow peen candy, along with my upgraded version. “Definitely not. They need something more substantial.”

“I’ve got just the thing.” Drake taps on the register to send an order to the kitchen staff. “Shouldn’t take long, VIPs.”

“Let’s keep shooting each other!” Charlie whips around, taking aim at the two girls.

Before I can interject, Kenzie points at her leg. “I’m gonna finger blast myself.”

“Me too!” My little boy repeats his sister’s actions.

Sydney huffs. “But I don’t wanna blast myself.”

“We’ll do it together as a team,” Kenzie offers and yanks on her arm.

Drake whistles as the kids race off to their play space. “That’s a shocker.”

“I can’t believe you.” But there’s no upset in my tone. On the contrary, I’m once again melting into mush over how good he is with them. “My children are thoroughly distracted by the craft corner you arranged for them. Could you be more perfect?”

“Probably.”

“You’re right.” I tap my lips. “Something is missing.”

He clutches at his chest. “Ouch.”

“Maybe this will help.” I fetch the wrapped package in my purse.

Drake rubs his palms together. “You got me a present?”

“Consider it mutually beneficial.”

His eyes heat. “Is this like the goodies in your drawer?”

“Gosh, no. This is appropriate for public.”

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