Page 61 of A Play for Love

“True.” I sighed. “How are the twins?”

“Exhausting, but good.”

“Yeah? I was going to tell you that you look like shit.” The corners of my mouth curved upward as I placed my hand on Shaun’s shoulder.

“Thanks, cousin.” He chuckled. “Barb is back. She’s hanging out at my house with the babies so I can get some work done, and Jenni can rest.”

“Jenni’s okay with that?” My brow arched.

“No. But I didn’t give her a choice. I better get back home and start making some calls. I’ll see you later. Sofia, don’t worry about any of this.” He hugged her.

I drove back to the medical center, and when I stepped inside the practice, Jackson and Conner were standing behind the reception desk, playing with Nicholas.

“Bro, what the fuck happened?” Jackson asked. “June said something about Sofia’s dance studio was on fire.”

“Yep. It’s practically destroyed.” I sighed. “I guess there was an explosion in the building next to hers.”

“Was anyone hurt?” Jackson asked.

“No. Thank God.”

“Bro, take your kid, go home, and be with Sofia. I know she’s devastated,” Conner said.

“She is, and I feel horrible. Kendall is taking her home. They have to call all the parents of the kids to let them know what happened.”

“Shit. I can’t believe this.” Jackson shook his head. “This is the last thing she needs while planning the wedding.”

“June, what time is my last appointment?”

“Three-thirty.”

“Do me a favor and call the patient to see if they can come in now. If not, reschedule. I’ll pick Ella up from school so Sofia can do what she needs to. I don’t want her worrying about that.”

“I’ll make the call right now.”

“Thanks, June.”

I picked Ella up from school and told her the devastating news. She was upset and told me her heart hurt for Sofia, as did all of ours. Ella ran to Sofia and threw her arms around her when we stepped into the house.

“I’m sorry, Mom.”

“Thank you, sweetheart. But everything is going to be okay.” She hugged her tight.

“Hi, babe.” I brushed my lips against hers.

“Hi.” She smiled and took Nicholas from me. “Mommy missed you, little guy.”

“Did you get all your calls made?” I asked her.

“Yes. Everyone is devastated. I promised to keep them all updated through email.”

“Good idea.”

The sliding door opened, and Shaun walked in. The moment Ella saw him, she started speaking in Mandarin. They carried on a brief conversation, and then she went up to her room.

“God, I love that kid.” Shaun smiled. “I contacted the insurance company and told them what happened. You have pictures of the studio, right?” he asked Sofia.

“Yes. I have photos and videos.”

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