Page 187 of Unravelling The Beast

"Tickle him; he said it!"

As I speak, I narrow my eyes at Arlo.

"Later, daddy will get tickles."

Arlo raises his brow with a smirk before I resume my attention to Cree.

"So, are you ready to come home right now?"

Sara speaks behind us.

"Everything is in his bag, and he has eaten dinner. I'd bring Phoebe here to say goodbye to Cree, but she's still sleeping."

I smile as I turn toward Sara.

"How is she?"

She takes a deep breath before responding.

"Getting big! We still need to go on that playdate."

I smile and give a nod.

"Of course!Just let me know when you're available; we're usually free."

She smiles and looks over at Arlo.

"I'm going to see mom when Phoebe wakes up. Aunt Linda said that she has returned home."

I notice Arlo standing a bit higher and inhaling deeply, as if he is uncomfortable, and I cast a confused glance between him and Sara.

He walks up to us and takes Cree from my arms as he speaks.

"We had better get going."

Cree immediately snuggles into Arlo's chest, and Sara offers him his bag, which Arlo throws over his shoulder.

"Thanks for doing this, sis."

She gives him a warm smile.

"Anytime, you know that."

She then hugs him tightly, as if she were anticipating doing so the entire time.

"I'm here if you need me, Arlo."

When she pulls back, she kisses Cree goodbye before we leave the house.

As we enter the house and walk through the door, I notice Cree is wide awake and ready to play, so I ask.

"What shall we do this evening, Cree?"

He pauses there carefully, thinking with his finger on his chin, then Arlo suddenly speaks behind me as he closes the door behind us.

"I'm feeling like taking a dip in the pool."

Cree gasps in excitement.

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