“We’re doing much better all around,” Brenda said, “especially since… you know.”
“I do know.” While he, too, was so thankful that Ethan was home safe, he couldn’t think about the murdered young girl without feeling a murderous rage toward the men who’d harmed her.
Brenda’s eyes brimmed with tears that told him she felt the same way, but neither of them wanted the twins to hear about what’d happened to Ethan or Luna, so they forced themselves to move on.
“Is Scotty still at baseball practice?” Nick asked.
“Yep,” Aubrey said. “But he’ll be home soon.”
“Is Sam home?” Alden asked.
“Not right now, but she should be back soon.”
“Can we stay home tomorrow, too?” Alden asked
“You should be all better in time for school.”
“Not fair,” Alden said.
Nick made himself a glass of ice water. “What’s this? You love school.”
“I also love a good sick day.”
Nick laughed and tousled his hair. “Nothing fun about being sick, though.”
“That’s true,” Aubrey said. “My throat hurt bad.”
“How’s Nana feeling?”
Brenda grimaced. “So far, so good. Fingers crossed.”
“Thanks for taking one for the team.”
“I’m very happy to have this time with them.”
“We appreciate it so much, especially after these last couple of weeks.”
“How’s Sam doing?” Brenda asked.
“She’s exhausted. I’m hoping she’ll take some time off as soon as she can get a break in the action.”
“If she gets a break in the action.”
“Right. That’s always a big if.”
“Do you have to work tonight, Nick?” Alden asked.
“For a little while, but not until later.”
“Okay,” Alden said.
“Guess what?” Nick said. “Celia will be home soon.”
That news was greeted with cheers and excitement.
“I’ve missed her so much,” Aubrey said.
“Make sure you tell her that,” Brenda said. “It’ll mean a lot to her.”
