“What’s up, Doc?” Comes from behind me.
“You are such a dork,” a woman giggles.
I look back and see Dean Costello and his partner, and three little ones.
“Three,” I say as I shake my head.
“Four,” Drew Daniels —his partner and also twin sister to Coach D— and points to him.
He rolls his eyes dramatically but smiles at her like she hung the moon.
“They’re beautiful.”
“So is your sleeping beauty,” Drew says as she leans in to look at her.
“That’s Savannah,” Dean says, looking between the two little boys, “Nicholas, Gabriel, she’s off limits until college, and then, you’ll have to draw straws.”
I smile as I look at the little girl, “And your name?”
“Wen.” She says around the two fingers in her mouth.
“Wren,” Dean says, “Is the boss of all of us.”
“Pwincess.” She smiles at him, fingers still in her mouth.
“That’s a nasty habit we need to break.” Drew smiles at her and tries to pull her fingers away from her mouth.
Dean chuckles, and Drew now rolls her eyes, and makes an inside joke that I really wish I didn’t get because my face is starting to heat up.
“Theys mines.” Wren scowls.
“They are,” Drew sighs, giving up the fight and whispers, “Maybe not the best parenting style, but I pick my battles.”
“I’m sure I’ll be there soon enough.” I smile.
“Don’t blink,” Drew pouts out her lower lip, then asks as we head inside. “You’re moving in?”
“Not exactly, I’m staying with Koa and Nalani, and think it’s best to give them some time alone when he’s in town.”
Dean Costello tells her, “Bronksi’s place is under construction.”
“Oh, that’s right, the one with the chickens.” She grins. “I love that for him.”
“Drews family home in Boston is wild.” He chuckles.
“We’s gots a stinky at poppa’s.” One of the boys says with a grin.
“A skunk,” Drew explains. “That was Auntie Dylan’s rescue.”
“Poppa put it in Daddy Dean’s caw,” the other boy laughs.
“Car,” Drew whispers.
They’re walking toward the elevator, and I need to check in, so I tell them, “It was very nice seeing you all. I need to?—”
“Robert,” Dean calls to one of the employees. “Doc’s checked in, right?”
“Yes, sir, Mr. Costello,” he says.
