Page 71 of Secret Triplets for Christmas

The kids turned their attention back to the movie, which I took to be their approval.

The aroma of Mira's homemade lasagna filled the kitchen.

“Smells delicious.”

“Thank you. Duncan is coming by for dinner tonight.” Mira sliced a loaf of bread she was preparing to slather with butter and garlic.

“Oh, good. I want to hear more about his becoming a foster parent.” I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge.

“I think he’s going to be terrific.”

“Me too. Do you need help with anything?”

“Nope. Brett has already made a salad.”

“Where is Dad?”

“He’s napping.”

I snickered. “Old man.”

“Yeah, well, chasing after four four-year-olds is no easy feat.”

I was used to running after three of them, so perhaps I’d grown accustomed to the fatigue. I imagined if Oliver were here, would he help corral the girls? Get them ready for school?

“So, how are things at the house?” Mira’s question brought the seriousness of my situation into focus again. But I didn’t want to worry Mira or my father by disclosing what I’d found. It was in Oliver’s hands now, anyway.

“It’s nearly there. I plan to move us back home tomorrow.”

Mira turned from her bread prep to look at me. “There’s no hurry.”

“I know, and I appreciate that, but I need to get my and the girls’ lives back to normal. I have to return to work on Monday, and it would just be easier to get into our routine again.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I am.”

“So this is where the magic happens.” Duncan strode into the kitchen with a wide grin on his face, cradling a bottle of wine.

“Unkadunk.” I slid off the stool I’d been sitting on to give him a hug.

“Let me get this bread in and I’ll go wake Brett.”

Duncan arched a brow. “Wake him? The man is getting old.”

I laughed. “I said the same thing.”

“Yes, well, you’ll see, Duncan, when your foster son moves in with you,” Mira said on her way out of the kitchen.

“That is exciting.”

Duncan radiated with happiness. I hadn’t realized how much he missed not having a family. “I can’t believe it’s happening. I’m a nervous wreck.”

“You’re going to be great.”

My dad joined us, and after razzing him about his nap, I had Cassie and Olivia help me set the table. I checked on Georgia again, finding her still sleeping, then I joined the others for dinner.

“So, are you ready to become a dad?” my father asked as he slid his bread through the lasagna.

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