Page 165 of State of Retribution

“It’s unseemly, even for you two, to be making out like you haven’t seen each other in a month, right outside the Lincoln Bedroom.”

Sam bopped him on the head and then kissed his cheek.“We got very good news.”

“Must’ve been.”

“It’s the very best news.We’ve got a court date on April twentieth to make the adoption of Eli, Alden and Aubrey official.”

“Oh wow, that is good news.”He glanced up at them.“Does that mean no one can ever try to take them away from us again?”

“That’s exactly what it means,” Nick said.

“So I’m going to be a brother.”

“You already are,” Sam said.“This only makes it legal.”

“I guess, in light of this amazing news, I’ll give you a pass on the unseemly behavior.”

“Gee, thanks, pal,” Nick said.“You’re a sport.”

“You want to come with us to tell the twins the news?”Sam asked.

“Hellyes.Let’s do it.”

Chapter Thirty-Four

After Sam locked up her weapon and cuffs in her bedside table, the three of them went upstairs to the third floor to share the news with the twins.Sam was annoyed to feel a twinge of pain in the hip she’d fractured, which seemed to bother her only when she climbed stairs.

The twins came running when they saw them coming.Sam scooped up Alden while Nick hugged Aubrey.Soon, they’d be too big to lift, which was a depressing thought that she pushed aside so she wouldn’t ruin her celebratory mood by acknowledging that she’d gotten a late start with all four of her kids, and they would grow up far too fast.

After this week from absolute hell, the fantastic news from Andy was most welcome.

“What’s the good word, my friends?”Nick asked.

“They have no idea what that means, Dad,” Scotty said.

“It means, how was your day, what’s new and exciting?”Nick said.

“Much better,” Scotty replied.

“Thank goodness we have you around to make sure we don’t mess this up,” Sam said.

“I say that every day.”

They were treated to a recitation of current events in first grade that, for once, included no bodily fluids.Apparently, their friend Solomon would be out of school for a whole month while his family visited their family in Germany.

“That’s very cool,” Scotty said.“Do we have any family in Germany that might be happy to see us?”

“Sadly for you, we don’t,” Nick said.“No month off for you.”

“Life isn’t fair.”

Brenda laughed helplessly at the goings-on.“This family needs its own reality show.”

“I believe we’re already living one, Nana,” Scotty said.

“That’s true.”

They sat on sofas with the twins on their laps and Scotty between them.

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