Chapter One
Thomas
“Hey, Thomas, can you watch the kids today?” My sister, Rebecca’s voice sounded higher pitched than usual, a sign that she badly needed a break from her rambunctious twin boys.
Rebecca called me at five in the morning, and I was now regretting picking up. My comfortable, silky sheets offered warmth and softness, while Rebecca’s twins guaranteed a day filled with chaos and potential for trash can fires. Sadly, I was a good brother and knew I was not going to be getting a lazy day in bed today.
“I’ll be right there.” I sat up and stretched my arms above my head, hearing the bones crack and feeling the heaviness of sleep shake off my limbs. “Let me jump in the shower, grab a coffee and some snacks for the heathens, and I’ll be there.”
“I already fed them—”
“Becca.” I knew what she fed them, and it was not going to be enough to tame the two wild beasts. “We both know that Uncle Thomas comes with treats. I am going to give you the day off from cleaning and keeping those two out of danger, so allow me to use the tools I know work in order to get them to keep the mess to a minimum, and perhaps turn the volume down a few decibels as well.”
“Fine.” My sister let out a long breath. “Thank you, Thomas. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“Don’t mention it.” I got my clothes for the day out of my drawer and threw my red flannel pajamas in the hamper. “When Holden gets back from this work trip, he is watching the boys for a whole day, and you and I are getting a spa treatment, though.”
“I’ll tell him—” Rebecca hollered something intelligible, her voice sounding muffled because she probably tried to cover thereceiver. “I need to go. Nolan has threatened Vinnie with a toy sword, but the last time this happened, we had to replace the living room TV.”
“Go.” I walked into the bathroom and started the shower, letting the water heat up. “I’ll be there soon. Hang on.”
Disconnecting the call, I hurried through my daily routine and got dressed in gray sweatpants and a black V-neck. I had learned to wear clothing that was easy to move in. When it came to my nephews, you had to move quickly and freely. Otherwise, you would lose the advantage against them. And I never wanted to feel that helpless again, defeated by two seven-year-olds.
By the time I arrived at my sister’s house, she had moved the boys from indoors to the front lawn. Because even toy sword fights could do too much damage in enclosed spaces.
“Uncle Thomas.” Nolan spotted me first and dashed toward the car. “You brought donuts and burritos again? Oh yeah!
“Did you get tacos, too?” Vinnie caught up to his brother, and now, both boys stood in front of me near my sedan. “Please tell me you got steak tacos.”
“Of course I did.” I held out the bag but didn’t release it to them. I would never get my share if I let them hold the bag. “Why don’t you go give your mom a hug and then meet me at the kitchen table?”
“Come on.” Nolan tapped Vinnie on the shoulder, and they took off toward Rebecca. After exchanging hugs and cheek kisses, the twins ran back inside. Rebecca and I remained outside.
“I thought you were bringing snacks.” Rebecca nudged my arm. “Those aren’t snacks.”
“They’re Uncle Thomas’s idea of snacks and will keep the kids happy all night. Now, go take a shower and put on some clothes. I’m going to call Valerie for you and make her take you out on a girls’ day. Leave the kids to me, no worrying aboutanything except yourself and how many tequilas you can drink before you stop tasting the alcohol. I have Nolan and Vinnie for the night.” I tapped the overnight bag I brought with me to her house. “Stay over at Val’s if you want. You look like you haven’t slept in days. Go blow off some steam and then sleep in. I have tomorrow off again, so no reason to hurry home. I got this.”
“Thanks, big brother.” Rebecca wrapped her arms around me and hid her head in my chest. “I won the lottery when I was born as your sister.”
“Don’t forget that.” I gently pulled her away and pointed to the door. Now stop delaying and go get ready.”
“Yes, sir.” Rebecca graced me with a false salute and then ran into the house.
Pulling out my cell, I dialed her best friend. “Hey, Val. It’s me, Thomas. Rebecca needs a bestie day desperately. I’m sending her over to you in about twenty minutes. She’s not allowed home until sometime tomorrow afternoon. I got the kids. You just worry about showing my sister fun and freedom for the night.”
“What if I had plans today?” I heard music in the background, the kind Val played while she was painting. “What would you do then?”
“You never have plans unless it’s with my sister. I took a guess you’d be free.” I loved messing with my sister’s friend. She actually had mentioned she had the week free when I ran into her earlier this week at the big grocery store just outside of town. “But if you don’t want to hang out—”
“Don’t be dumb. You know I got it.” Valerie would know exactly what Rebecca needed. When you’re friends since diapers, that happens. “I’ll take her phone as soon as she gets here, so call me if there’s an emergency.”
“Will do. Thanks for being the friend you are to her.”
“Of course. She is my ride or die.”
Disconnecting the call, I took a deep breath and entered the house.
“Uncle Thomas.” Vinnie’s voice came from the direction of the kitchen. “Are you coming?”
