“I’ll be quick.”
Sam kissed him and left him to get dressed.The kids were upstairs in the conservatory, watching a movie.They’d requested pizza for dinner that would be delivered to them in half an hour.
“You look pretty, Sam,” Aubrey said when Sam sat next to them on the sofa.
“That’s left over from the photo shoot.”
“No, it isn’t.You always look pretty.”
Sam kissed the top of her head.“You’re very nice to have around, my love.”
Aubrey’s sweetness filled her heart.
“You look relieved,” Scotty said.
“Sorelieved.Thank goodness that’s over, and everyone is okay.”
“Another week, another nightmare—or two—handled by my parents.”
“That about sums things up around here.We’re headed to Ninth Street.Is there anything you want from over there before we pack it up?”
“Not that I can think of.Nana said if I’ve lived without it for six months, I probably don’t need it.”
“Nana is very wise.All right, kiddos.Scotty’s in charge until Nana gets here.”
“And then I’m still in charge,” Scotty said.
Alden snickered at the muscles Scotty made.
She kissed each of them.“We’ll see you in the morning, and we love you.”
“Love you, too,” Aubrey said for all of them.
Nick came up for hugs and kisses.
“Hey, you guys,” Scotty said.“We never talked about the school thing.”
“I told you,” Sam said.“It’s handled.They wanted you in private school.We said no, you’re going to Eastern and to please make it work.”
“Best parents ever,” Scotty said, looking relieved.“I would’ve hated that.”
“You think we don’t know that, pal?”Nick asked.“We’ve got your back.”
“Thank you.You know… for everything.All of it.”
“We’re the ones who should be thanking you,” Sam said, giving him a squeeze.“Having you around has made our lives complete.”
“That’s nice to hear.”
“Don’t act like you didn’t already know that.”
“Well, I wouldn’t want to be cocky or anything.”
As always, he made them laugh.
“Be good, everyone.”
“We’re always good, Sam,” Aubrey said.
