Page 59 of A Play for Love

“Where’s Grace?” I asked.

“She had to take her car in for an oil change first thing this morning. All good here? Do you need anything?”

“Thanks, bro. We’re good.” Shaun patted his back.

“How is Ella liking her new school?” Aunt Barb asked.

“She loves it.”

“And how is Nathan adjusting?”

“He’s adjusting.” I smirked. “We both picked her up the other day, and she walked out talking to one of the older high school girls. When she got into the car, Nathan grilled her.” I shook my head. “He wanted to know who she was, what her parents did for a living, and why she was talking to her.”

“Poor Nathan. Where is Nicholas?”

“Nathan took him to work with him today. I have so many errands to run for the wedding, and I’m teaching a class at one o’clock. He offered, so who was I to turn him down.” I grinned.

“Well, I’m free all day, so I can stay here and help with the twins so Jenni and Shaun can get some rest.”

“Oh, no, Barb. You don’t have to do that,” Jenni said as she looked at me with widened eyes. “I’m sure you have a lot to do since you’ve been away. Right, Shaun?”

“Well, if she wants to help out. I have work to do, and you should try to catch up on some sleep. Besides, she handled four babies at the same time. Two will be a piece of cake.”

Jenni’s eyes shot daggers at him, and I couldn’t help but laugh. My phone rang, and I saw Kendall was calling.

“Hey, what’s up?” Suddenly, my heart started racing, and sickness washed over me. “Oh, my God! I’m on my way now.” Tears filled my eyes.

“Sofia, what’s wrong?” Jenni asked.

“Sofia?” Shaun ran over to me as the color drained from my face.

“That—that was Kendall. The dance studio is on fire.” I began to shake.

“What?!” Shaun and Jenni both yelled at the same time.

“Oh no!” Barb exclaimed.

“I have to go.” I stood up and handed Sawyer to Jenni.

“I’ll drive you,” Shaun said as he grabbed his keys from the counter.

We climbed into Shaun’s car, and I pulled out my phone to call Nathan. He didn’t answer, so I called the office number.

“Good morning, Kind Medical Practice, specializing in neurology, orthopedics, and plastic surgery. How can I help you?”

“June, it’s Sofia. Is Nathan in with a patient?”

“Hi, Sofia. Yes, he is.”

“I need to talk to him now. It’s an emergency. Can you please go get him?”

“Yes. Of course. Hold on a second.”

“Sofia, what’s wrong?” Nathan asked.

“My dance studio is on fire, Nathan. Shaun and I are on our way there now.”

“Oh, my God. How?”