What if Leon launched himself off the couch backwards again?What if one of the twins choked on something?Miles was ready to sprint down the road.He even had an EMS kit by the door.
The text never came, though, and before the first hour was up, he spotted Annie driving down the street.He waved at her and she stopped at the bottom of the driveway.
He jogged over.
“Hey!”she called out of her open window.“They let me take her home!”
Her smile was so wide and contagious he couldn’t help himself.He grinned back.“Hi there!”
Clara leaned forward, waving, “Hi, Miles!Nice to meet you.Thank you so much for all you’ve done at the house.”
“Wait until you’ve seen it,” he said gruffly.“You might be sending me a bill for drywall repair.”
She laughed and waved a hand.“At that old house?I don’t think so.”
She had a dainty, airy laugh, exactly like Annie’s.It was uncanny to see them together, like a picture of Annie in the future.
“Have you heard anything from Bella?”he asked.
Annie shook her head.“I’m sure she’s fine.I haven’t gotten to tell you, but I’m so impressed with her.”
He nodded, jaw tight.
She paused, eyeing him for a moment.“You’re welcome to tag along with us if you’d like.”
He didn’t need to be asked twice.Miles pulled open the door and took a seat next to a large suitcase.“Thanks.I’d like that.”
Annie started moving again.“I have sloppy joes in the crock pot for dinner.”
“My favorite!”Clara added.
“You’re welcome to stay.”
He hadn’t eaten anything since his omelet that morning.His stomach growled.“Are you sure?”
“Positive!”Annie said.“It’s one of our favorites, and I always make too much.”
They reached the house.Annie parked and quickly leapt out of her seat, rushing to help her mom get out of the car.
“I’m really fine, Annie.My physical therapist said I’m getting around great.”
Annie took her arm.“I won’t have you falling again, Mom.”
Miles pulled the suitcase out and followed closely behind, watching as Clara approached the front stairs.
This was the moment of truth.Clara grabbed onto the handrail, bracing her weight.
“Hey, this is really nice,” she said, turning around to smile at Miles.
“Eyes ahead!”Annie barked.“Stay focused.”
Clara laughed.“All right, all right.”
She slowly, but easily, made her way up.The front door creaked open and toddler screams filled their ears.
Miles bit his lip.Other screams might follow.Bella would not be happy to see him.
“Grandma’s home!”Annie called out.
