“And my twosome, yeah.”
“Well, I don’t know if Rafe told you that me and his dad are both over at LAX. I run guest services for Delta and Joey manages the mechanics crew. Gracie and her sister, Hope, are back over at Culver City High in two weeks.”
“Oh, what year are you?” Sloan asked Gracie, who suddenly turned shy.
“I’ll be a junior and Hope’s gonna be a senior.”
“Oh, that’s fun.”
“I guess.”
Sloan stroked Avery’s hair. “These two have their first day of kindergarten next week.”
“Are you excited?” Gracie asked.
“Yes,” Avery said quietly. Rafe almost laughed.
“Well, we won’t tie you up any longer. I know Rafe wants to get settled in and I have to stop by the store. We don’t usually get involved with Rafe’s families, but make sure you get my number from him and you give me a call if you need anything.”
“I appreciate that and my mom will too,” Sloan replied.
“You’re always our babies,” Monica said as she winked at Sloan. “Let’s get going—”
“Actually,” Gracie chimed in. She paused, begging Monica for permission with a look. “I was hoping I could talk to Dr. Copeland about her career a little. But it doesn’t have to be now!”
“Of course. Unless you’re in a hurry.”
Monica waved her off. “No, we’re good, if we’re not taking up too much of your time.”
“Not at all. Here.” Sloan walked over to the fridge and pulled out some sparkling water, then grabbed some glasses. Rafe knew they were really about to settle in.
“Why don’t you all talk. Addison and Avery can show me where my room is again,” Rafe suggested.
“Yeah!” Addison said, wiggling out of Rafe’s grasp. He set her down and picked up his bag, before letting Addison drag him down the hall. “Don’t worry. We know that this is your room and we have to respect your privacy.”
The bedroom in the in-law suite was exactly the same as it had been the day before, but Rafe noticed a cute WELCOME sign sketched in crayon on the nightstand. “I appreciate that. Is this for me?” he asked the girls.
“Yes. I did the letters and Avery did the hearts and stars.”
“Hearts and stars are my favorite. I’m so good at them,” Addison said.
“I can see that. Next time we go to the craft store, I’ll pick up a frame so I can hold on to this. Thank you, girls.”
“You’re welcome.” Addison said, looking extra proud of herself. Avery was busy opening the dresser drawers.
“You can put your underwear up here,” she said.
Rafe smiled, tossing his bag on the bed. “Thanks, I will.”
“Is that really your mom?”
“She’s my step-mom. Do you know what that means?”
“She’s your other mom,” Addison said.
“Exactly. My first mom passed away when I was thirteen and then when I was fifteen, my dad met Monica and they got married.”
“And now she’s your step-mom.”
