“And if you’d lost another? How would you have hidden your pain from me? I would’ve found out.”
Alex wiped more of the dampness from his cheeks. “I suppose you’re right. We should’ve told you.”
“And if there’s another after this one?”
“I thinkthis onewill be enough,” Alex said, chuckling. His smile faded. “Butifthere’s another, you’ll be the second person I tell. I promise.”
“Good,” Qylar said. He eyed the oversized hoodie Alex was wearing. “I’ve been wondering about your fashion choices of late. I guess I should’ve realized it sooner by that alone.”
“The kids don’t know, either,” Alex whispered. “It was easier than worrying they might accidentally say something in public—so let’s keep it mum for now, please?”
“Of course.”
He glanced across the living room and found Zaadi feeding Ael blueberries through the mesh of the playpen. He crossed the room and picked the two-year-old out of the large, fenced play yard and eyed the toddler. His entire mouth was purplish-blue and covered in little bits of crushed blueberries. So were his fingers and the front of his t-shirt.
Aeloran growled at him, smiling through it.
Qylar tousled Ael’s hair. “What wasthatfor?”
Ael barked, grinning from ear to ear.
“Are we a puppy today?” Qylar returned to the kitchen to wash Ael’s fingers and face. “I suppose we should take this puppy on a walk and let him pee on some trees.”
“I a big boy,” Ael said in toddler speak only the family understood for the most part. “I go potty.”
“We had a dry pull up this morning,” Alex said, beaming at Ael.
Ael grinned. Qylar lifted a hand for a high-five, which was smacked with much enthusiasm. He ruffled Ael’s hair. Eyeing Alex, he grinned. “I understand I’m to escort the little prince and princess to the park?”
Alex eyed Zaadi.
Zaadi pulled a face.
“I told you I’d take you later. Once my headache let up.”
“But Uncle Q can take usnow,”Zaadi said.
“That’swhy you snuck the key and left, hmm?” Alex admonished.
“But we needed him,” Zaadi said with all honesty. “You don’t feel good, Papa.”
“That’s right,” Qylar said, bending and opening his mouth to Zaadi, who still clutched the blueberry container. She popped one between his lips with a giggle. “Theyneededme.”
Alex sighed. “You spoil them.”
Qylar smirked. “Indeed I do.”
“It’s nearly lunchtime. Let me make some lunch boxes before you go.”
“I can handle lunch,” Qylar said. “There’s always a food truck or two near the park.”
Alex raised an eyebrow. “So I can have a two-year old come home coated in Leo’s tacos and smelling of al pastor?”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” Qylar said with a grin.
“I found diced tomatoesin his earlast time. It might be less messy if they eat here before you go.”
“You’re no fun,” Qylar muttered. “What’s the point of living near the best fucking taco truck in California if you’re not going to eat there?”
