Page 111 of Tangled Trust

"It’s inspired, Ella."

"I couldn’t have done it without Carter. Without his investment in the idea, it would have taken years to get the clinic and the housing facilities built and ready."

"Like I said before. You’ve got yourself a keeper there, Babe."

"The daycare center is my favorite place to sneak off to when I’m feeling overwhelmed and need to remind myself why we’re doing this. Those little faces are the perfect sight for sore eyes."

"Agreed. I’m sorry to bring it up, but I read about the verdict in the paper. How are you feeling about that?"

"Sebastian is where he belongs."

"Twenty years isn’t close to long enough, if you ask me."

"I’m sure he’ll have plenty of time to think about his life choices during that time."

"I can’t believe you let Amanda off the hook. I don’t think I would have been that forgiving. You’re a saint, Ella."

"How could I even think of looking Jagger in the face if I was the reason his mother was in prison, Anna? I know she did a terrible thing, but ultimately I blame Seb for the abuse. Amanda was just trying to get Carter back. I can’t blame her for that."

"Still. I couldn’t do it."

"She’s changed. I think the threat of prison time snapped Amanda right out of her wicked ways."

"She’d better be good to you, or she’ll have to contend with me."

"I’m sure no one wants that," I laugh.

"Yippers. We eat chicks like her for breakfast down in the Shire."

"Damn straight. Here’s to the English."

"God save the King!"

"If the two of you are done pledging allegiance to the King, could we get this party started, please?" Carter creeps up behind me and says.

"Sure, handsome. Anything for my boys."

* * *

"What time is it?"

"It’s 11 a.m." Carter purrs and kisses the back of my neck.

"What?"

"You were sleeping so peacefully, I didn’t have the heart to wake you."

"But, it’s our romantic weekend away. No clinic, no kids, no work. And you let me waste it by sleeping until midday," I groan and stretch out.

"Are you kidding? We’re on a break together, and I have you all to myself, in bed, naked. What’s to complain about?"

"I hope the boys are behaving."

"I’m sure Aunt Sue and a brigade of Au Pairs and staff are more than capable of keeping an eye on a two-year-old and his very busy brother," Carter smiles and pulls the duvet aside.

"You’re not staring at my nakedness, are you, Mr. Moore?"

"I’m afraid I am, Doc. What can I say? I’m addicted to your tight little tush."