Page 49 of Painting Together a Family
“I like sharing with Dylan, like our room at home.” Micah sat next to Marley.
“We’re going to be so spoiled,” Bryan noted. “And lunch is on the way.”
“Daddy likes having someone to spoil. He says that a lot.”
Bryan’s cheeks reddened. “Well, that’s a nice quality.”
“I think so.” She smiled at him. “But if you’re staying, we need little boy stuff.”
“Dev, you have a very, very smart daughter.” Bryan grinned, looking pleased.
“I have two.” Dev winked at him, but he did think, absolutely, that Bry and the boys needed to stay here where they could relax and be safe.
“You do indeed. I just hope my boys take after them and can be smart, too. Eh, guys? You gonna use your brains in school and stuff?”
“I’m not,” Micah announced, making them all laugh.
“I will!” Dylan said. “Marley says that we can have books and read together. Like big books.”
“She’s right. I’m going to head back to our house after lunch and pick up the rest of our stuff, including all your books, okay?”
“Let me send movers. I can have your things packed today, put on a truck, and delivered tomorrow.”
“Do you really have room for everything?” Bryan asked, worrying his bottom lip.
“I do. You deserve your things. We can cohabitate for as long as you feel happy here.”
“Thank you again. I need to get that tattooed across my forehead or something, so you can see I’m always saying it.”
“We’ll talk later. Should I send the movers?”
Bryan nodded slowly. “Yeah, let’s do it. I don’t know when I’m going to feel safe there again. And it would be good to know he can’t do anything to our stuff, either.”
“All right. We’ll bring you home, make this place your own. You and the boys are welcome.”
“Did you hear that, guys? We’re going to be living here—isn’t that exciting?”
“With Marley and Juni? Are you coming too?” Micah asked.
“Of course—I meant all three of us. You’re not going anywhere without me, I promise.” Bryan gave little Micah a hug.
“Good. Then yay! We get to be in a big room! Hooray!”
The boys started jumping and dancing.
Bryan laughed and gave chase, giving them random hugs.
“This is going to be an adventure, huh, Daddy?” Juni asked, and he nodded.
“I think so.”
“Hopefully, we won’t get in the way,” Bryan murmured, looking worried.
“Listen. Let me give you a tour.” He stood up. “Don’t answer the door,” he told the girls. “Only me, fair?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“Come on. You’ve seen the bedrooms. This used to be two large condos. So there are two ensuites, six bedrooms, plus the playroom and the office. And that doesn’t count my studio upstairs or the roof.”
