“That’s Tiny,” Audra explained. “Only he’s big now.”
“Big and fat and sleeps all the time,” Ryder added. “Now the closet.”
As Blaise turned, he caught Hadley’s eye and smiled. “We’re making sure no monsters are hiding.”
“You look as if you have experience doing this.”
He winked, sending her pulse stuttering. “I’m a fast learner.”
Blaise opened the door, pushed the clothes aside, and stepped inside, which was something neither she nor Fallon had ever done. After he stepped out and closed the door, he focused on the kids. “All clear. No monsters in there, either.”
The kids cheered.
“Is there anything else you need?” he asked them.
“You need to tuck us in,” Audra said.
His forehead creased. “You’re already in bed.”
“Yes, but we’re not tucked in,” Ryder explained.
Blaise’s glance went from one child to the other. “I don’t know what that means.”
Audra’s eyes widened. “Didn’t your parents tuck you in?”
“No.” His voice was hoarse. He cleared his throat. “My parents never did that.”
Or if they had, he didn’t remember, Hadley thought.
Blaise’s sad tone tugged at her heart. She went toward the bed.
“Can you two teach me how to do it?” he asked the kids.
Hadley stopped.
“Sure,” Audra said. “You take the edges of the sheet and blanket and tuck them under the mattress.”
“Nice and tight so we don’t fall out,” Ryder added.
Blaise did as instructed to both. “How did I do?”
“Great,” Audra announced.
Ryder nodded. “The bestest. Thanks.”
Blaise shifted his weight between his feet. “Goodnight?”
He almost appeared nervous, which endeared him to Hadley more.
“Okay, you guys. Lights out.” She kissed each child on their forehead before turning off the light on the nightstand between the two beds. “I love you both. Sweet dreams.”
Blaise followed her into the living room where he sat on the couch. “Now is it time for our meeting?”
“Yes, I just—”
Her phone rang in the kitchen. “It’s probably my sister. She’ll want an update on the kids. I’ll make it fast.”
Another ring sounded.
