That done, I returned to the group in the open living space.
“We need a game plan,” Mary said. “So they have nothing to worry about when they get home.”
“You’re in charge. Put us to work,” John said.
Mary accepted the role like a seasoned veteran. “We need to scrub the bathrooms, finish organizing the babies’ room, mow the lawn, and clean the kitchen.” Mary looked around. “Plus, anything else we notice along the way.”
The temptation to volunteer to mow the lawn burned strong, but I didn’t want to be that guy, so I said, “I’ll clean the bathrooms.”
“Thanks, Matt,” John said.
“You’re a keeper,” Mary said at the same time.
Madi wasn’t as impressed. “Kiss ass.”
There was a dash of that mixed in my reasoning.
“Are the supplies in the bathroom?” I asked.
“In the master bath closet.”
It felt weird being in Jamie’s bedroom, but it was the only way to get to the ensuite bathroom.
By the time John ordered pizza and boneless wings for lunch, Emily’s parents had arrived.
“They’ll be home soon,” John said as we cleared the mess we’d made on the table. “Jay’s driving them and Cate is following.”
Anne and Mary clapped with joy and set about wiping down every surface in the kitchen.
“What the hell? We didn’t get an escort,” Jack joked.
“You didn’t need one,” John slapped him on the back. “Now, go wait outside so you can help your brother.”
“Yes, sir.”
Jay and Jack each carried in a baby carrier while Jamie helped Emily. Cate carried the overnight bag Jamie had brought with them.
“We left the flowers for the nurses, I hope you don’t mind,” Emily sounded weak but happy.
No one did.
Not wanting to intrude on the intimate family moment as everyone gathered to welcome Jamie and Emily and the twins home, I hung back.
Part of me felt like a creeper as I watched.
Part of me longed to be included.
Madi took control of Emily’s care, never leaving her side.
Mary and Anne took care of the twin’s so Jamie could rest.
Everyone from SSI visited at point.
When Ashley arrived, she plopped herself down on the floor at Emily’s feet and said, “Whatever you need, you just tell me. You need water, I’ll get it. You want food, I’m your gal. You want peace and quiet, I’ll have my hunky SEAL kick everyone out.”
Emily laughed along with everyone else.
When Emily started to yawn, Jamie didn’t need Ashley or Nathan to kick everyone out. He didn’t bother sugarcoating his words or making a grand speech. “I appreciate everything you’ve done, but it’s time to go.”
