CHAPTER 26
WILY
I’m sitting there grinning at Portia while she tries and fails to make us guess whatever clue Logan whispered to her. It’s a movie, but the way her arms are flailing about, it’s really hard to know which one.
Dom and the twins are fighting laughter while Charlotte shouts, “Frozen!”
Because that’s pretty much the only movie she ever watches.
“It’s notFrozen.” Olly laughs, tickling her.
She squeals and writhes about on my knee, nearly catching my ball sack.
I quickly flinch away, then notice Zander move from his perch against the wall with a concerned frown.
My eyes quickly track left, and I spot Zoey standing in the doorway with my sweet Jane. She’s holding her hand and… looking really worried.
Plucking Charlotte off my lap, I deposit her next to Olly and stand up, heading straight for my daughter.
“What’s up, blossom?”
Blake rushes in behind her, all flushed and flustered as her eyes dart around the room.
They land on Grady, who’s sitting on the floor with Nichelle.
His eyebrows dip, and he gets to his feet as well. “What’s the?—
“We need your help,” Blake cuts him off, then looks about ready to throw up as she mutters, “We can’t find Harley and Kendall.”
“What?” Grady’s eyebrows pop high.
And then Jane starts to cry. “I looked everywhere, and I’ve been looking for ages.”
Quickly closing the distance between us, I sweep her into my arms. “It’s okay, baby. I’m sure you did a great job. You’re awesome at finding people.”
“But I looked in all the best hiding places, Daddy!” she blubbers. “Where are they? What if something bad’s happened? Will they be okay?”
“Of course.” I splay my hand on her back, giving her a reassuring squeeze. “They’re gonna be fine.” I glance at Grady, who’s now standing by Blake, quietly asking for more details.
“I don’t know.” She shakes her head. “We’ve checked every room upstairs. And I’ve looked downstairs twice. I don’t know what I’m missing.” Her voice pitches just as Carson strolls into the room.
“Daddy!” Portia grins, running toward him with her arms outstretched.
He bends down to scoop her up, and she wraps her little legs as far around his waist as they can reach, resting her cheek on his shoulder with a contented smile.
“What’s going on?” Carson glances between us, obviously sensing the mounting tension.
Blake swallows and looks to the floor, and I wonder why she’s looking guilty when Zoey lets out a sigh and says, “Harley and Kendall are missing.”
“What?” he snaps, his angular face getting even sharper.
Nylah appears in the doorway, walking into the room with her waddling limp. “Did I just hear that right?” She looks at Blake. “I thought you were going to find her?”
“I’ve been looking, and I… I…” She whimpers and glances at the floor. “I got distracted by a phone call, and then… I… I have been looking, though.”
“Shit.” Nylah closes her eyes, looking sick.
“Aunt Nylah just said shit!” Olly yells, pointing at her. “Swear jar!”
