Page 114 of Filthy Liar

“I could see you having tea parties and wearing fairy outfits, yes,” Marco grinned, eyeing me. “From someone who’s had a bunch of kids, they’re expensive. Don’t get baby fever.”

“Maybe in a few years when Raven’s got her career sorted. I don’t want to mess up her plans. Well, I do, but that’s selfish of me.”

“We’re selfish creatures. Rory was a demon when she was pregnant, but if we could’ve kept knocking her up, we would’ve. You don’t know love until you watch your girl grow and birth your kid. Fuck, that’s insensitive of me to say, sorry.”

“It’s fine. I’m looking forward to experiencing it one day when we’re ready. So, you like this Kingslake family?” I asked to change the subject, curious about how anyone would agree to take in a million kids all at once.

He nodded, reading a text before putting the phone in his pocket and giving me his attention.

“Couple in their late thirties. Both own a bunch of businesses but are mostly silent in them, so they’re basically sitting at home while the money rolls in. Both came from money, and their house is huge. The wife can’t have children, and they’ve spent a lot of time helping a few charities over the years. They seem genuine in their love for kids, and we did take the kids to the park for them to meet.”

“What does Gregory think of it all?”

That made him sigh, and he raked a hand through his hair. “He likes them and says he thinks they’d be a good fit.”

“I’m sensing a but.”

“But, he’s sticking to his guns about staying with us. I can see the guilt all over his face when he says it, but I honestly think he just wants to be a kid. If he goes with them, he’d still feel obligated to help with them. We’re setting up a day this week where all the kids can go to the couple’s house to check it out, and so Gregory can get a feel for it. They’ve told him he’s always welcome to visit, and if he changes his mind about wanting to live with them, they’ll organize it.”

“You guys are happy to take Gregory in permanently?”

“Yeah. He’ll be at school most of the time, and it’s not like he needs the same care as Maggie here. If he really wants to stay with us, then he can. He’s only got one year left of middle school next year, and he’s digging his heels in about wanting to stay in the public system in Ashburn with Frank.”

Maggie fussed and I lifted her so she was perched on my hip more, her fingers digging into my shirt as she babbled to herself.

Zavier appeared, not even hesitating to tickle Maggie under the chin and gave her a smile. “Stealing babies is a crime, bro.”

“I’m just holding her,” I grumbled, and as much as I didn’t really want to hand her back yet, I had to. “They might have found a couple to take all the kids in together.”

“All of them?” Zavier repeated as I handed Maggie back to Marco.

“Yeah, minus Greg. He still doesn’t want to go anywhere,” I answered, scanning the crowd.

The chaos had calmed a lot, but the cops were still everywhere.

“You guys have handled today well,” Marco said, changing the subject. “You’ve really proven that we chose the right people for the job.”

“We haven’t really done anything,” I said with a frown, and he shook his head.

“You don’t see it. People are turning to you and Reid for answers. They trust you, which is what we hoped for. Rory might have grown up here, but most people see her as the rich bitch from Ashburn. You guys are still one of these people, and they respect you more. Do you think you’ll want to move back here when things settle down?”

“We’ve always wanted to get out, it was just Raven clinging to the house,” Zavier stated, checking his phone as he continued. “She hasn’t mentioned coming back here, but we also haven’t asked.”

“We’re not coming back here,” Reid said as he joined us, and I frowned.

“Raven—”

“If I have to chain her to Ashburn Valley, I will. That house burning down was a blessing. The plan was always to leave the Heights, Josh wanted that for all of us. She needs to start healing and stop letting guilt get in the way. The Heights isn’t our home, it’s just the home to ghosts that she’s too afraid to leave behind.”

“Can you say that again but in a non-dickish way?” I deadpanned, and Marco sighed.

“I’m sorry I asked. Maybe settle into your jobs for a while before making any big decisions. Save up some cash.”

“That’s the plan,” Zavier said firmly, giving Reid the side-eye. “Let’s just deal with this mess first. We can move house later when we know it won’t get burned to the fucking ground.”

“Smart,” Marco said as he pointed at Zavier. “Beckett texted to say Raven wants pizza. Now you have big boy money, grab some on the way home.”

“You’re not my boss.”

---