Page 95 of Accepted Precedent
We arrive at Mickey’s, and the kids stir but don’t wake. I get Grace out, and she clings to me like a sloth. As we get Brandon out, he’s now up and takes Kristin’s hand as she leads him into the house. Grace rests her head on my shoulder, and I hold her tighter.
Two of Mickey’s security detail are waiting outside, and one speaks into his shoulder walkie-talkie to alert everyone of our arrival. We walk inside, and it smells like freshly baked cake and something savory—barbecue sauce, maybe.
Brandon runs toward the smell, dragging Kristin with him. “Slow down, B!” she laughs, briefly glancing back at me with a wide smile.
Evie’s on the couch resting, and I remind Brandon, “Careful not to jump on her.” She does so much I’m not surprised she’s napping. I would be too if I was in her shoes.
“Mommy, Mommy!”
“Hey, sweetheart,” Evie says through a yawn, reaching for him. He climbs onto her, and she wraps her arms around him. “Did you have fun with Daddy?”
“I knowyoudid, Evie,” Kristin snickers, and I cough out a laugh.
“Yes. Miss you,” he answers, thankfully not questioning Kristin’s comment.
Evelyn snuggles him closer. “I missed you too. Everyone’s going to be here soon. Do you want to play outside or cook with Mommy?”
“Outside!”
“Come on, B. I’ll take you,” Kristin offers.
Brandon kisses Evie on the cheek, then goes with Kristin. I set Grace on the other couch and lay a blanket on her.
“What can I help with?”
Evie stifles another yawn. “Nothing.”
“I insist.”
“Really. I have it under control. Food’s prepped, and Mickey’s gift was delivered yesterday. He hasn’t been outside yet—if we can keep it that way until the party, that’d be great.”
“Why don’t you go lie down for a bit? Kristin and I can handle the twins and anyone who arrives early.”
“Sorry, I don’t know why I’m so tired.”
I check to make sure Grace is still asleep, then whisper, “Did someone keep you up late?”
“No,” she chuckles. “I got a full eight hours, but I’ll take you up on that offer. Just a quick power nap before everyone’s here.”
I help her up, give her a quick hug, and she makes her way to the bedroom. When Grace wakes up, I let her know she can see her mom as soon as she’s up from her nap.
For the next hour, Kristin and I play with the twins while Evie rests. Mick is nowhere to be found, so we don’t have to run interference. Finn and Ileah are the first to arrive, and Finn joins us on the patio with two of his dogs while Ileah uses the bathroom. He’s grinning ear to ear. I don’t remember the last time I saw him like this—probably his wedding a couple months ago.
“You look like the cat that caught the canary.”
His smile doesn’t falter as he leans in, keeping his voice low. “I don’t want to take away from my brother’s birthday, but Ileah’s pregnant.”
“No shit? Congrats.”
“Thank you. We’re excited, but don’t want to announce it publicly just yet. She’s had horrible morning sickness, wantsto nap all the time, and is craving green apples of all things. Something about them being perfectly sour. She wants to wait to announce it until she’s feeling better.”
“That’s understandable. It’ll be a huge adjustment for you two on the campaign trail.”
“Aye, but worth it.”
“When did you get here?” Mickey’s deep timbre behind us startles Finn and me.
“Just a few minutes ago,” Finn replies. Grace looks over at us and makes a beeline for him. “Little Gracie!” His arms fly wide, and she nearly tackles him for a hug. “How’ve you been, darlin’?”
