“Salem and Thayer said you guys could stay here tonight if you want.”
Again, they exchange a look, communicating in that silent way they do, this one more considering than concerned.
“Actually”—Casen’s the one to speak up—“Thelma and Cynthia invited us to stay the night with them. They’re going to teach us how to make pancakes.”
“Yeah,” Quinn adds. “And we want to keep working on our crochet project.”
Pancakes.
Crochet.
I bite back a chuckle.
Halle’s twin brothers are turning into little grandmas. It’s kind of cute, actually, considering the mischief they can get into. At least Cynthia and Thelma are keeping them occupied.
“What are you crocheting?”
Quinn shrugs. “Just the basics for now.”
I have no idea what the basics of crochet are, but good for them.
“That’s fine with me. I don’t think Halle will care, but I’ll let her know.”
“Cool. We’re going to head over with them now, I think. If Halle isn’t okay with it, tell her to text us.”
Once they’ve said their goodbyes to Salem and Seda, they shuffle to the door, where Cynthia and Thelma are waiting.
I give them all a wave. Honestly, between Thelma’s sassiness and Cynthia’s nurturing personality, it makes sense that the twins have taken up with them.
In the kitchen, I swipe a water from a tub of ice and guzzle half of it in one go. Just as I’m recapping the bottle, Seda pops around the corner, snacking on a cracker.
“Whoa. I ambeat.”
Salem, who stands at the sink rinsing a bowl, bursts into laughter. “Is that so? Your dad just took Soleil and Samson up. Why don’t you head to bed too? I’m getting ready to shoo everyone out of here, so you won’t be missing anything.”
“All right.” She stifles a yawn, cracker crumbs slipping from her mouth. With a laugh, she brushes them off. “I’m going to bed. Good night, Daddy.” She throws her arms around my waist.
I hug her back, holding on a little longer than necessary. “Good night, princess.”
Salem dries her hands on a dish towel. “Are the boys staying?”
Hands shoved into my pockets, I shake my head. “No, actually, they asked if they could sleep over at Cynthia and Thelma’s.”
Salem’s melodic laugh resonates off the walls in the kitchen. “that may be the most unlikely friendship in the history of friendships. But it’s cute. At least you still get the night kid-free.” She winks.
“Ugh.” Groaning, I turn away. “Stop.”
“Have fun,” she singsongs as I stride for the door.
CHAPTER 25
HALLE
Waiting for Caleb to get home just might be the death of me. I’mnervous.
A man has never made me feel this way before.
My palms are clammy and anticipation swirls in my stomach. We’ve been tiptoeing around this for so long. It’s surreal to think the moment is finally here. I swallow down my nerves and fill a glass with ice and water. Taking slow, measured sips, I will my heart rate to go down.
