Ten could see the air traffic control tower from his spot in traffic. They should be there in a few minutes. “Almost. Cope, can you text River and find out if they’re waiting for us outside the baggage claim?”
“You got it.” Cope pulled out his phone and began to tap out the message. “Yup. They’ve got their luggage and are ready to go.”
Ten maneuvered his way through the different airport terminals until they reached C. “There they are!” he said. He flipped on his blinker and pulled the SUV to the curb. He hopped out and opened the hatch as River approached him.
“Hey, bro!” River hugged Ten.
“It’s so good to see you.” Ten held on tight. He could see Barb holding Brooke’s hand behind River. “Let’s load up. The cops are sticklers for not letting people park here for too long.” He took River’s large suitcase and set it inside the trunk, along with two smaller suitcases. “It’s good to see you, Barb.” Ten pecked a kiss to her cheek. “You look amazing.”
“I’m as big as a house, but you’re sweet.” Barb set a hand on her baby bump. “September can’t come soon enough.”
“I’m gonna be a big sister, Uncle Ten.” Brooke’s eyes glittered with happiness.
“You sure are, honey.” Ten opened the door, and Brooke jumped in.
“Brooke!” the kids chanted.
“You’re all here?” Brooke climbed over the seat to join the others while River and Barb got into the backseat.
“Cope, it’s good to see you again.” Barb set a hand on his shoulder.
“You too, Barb.”
“I’m surprised everyone didn’t insist on coming.” River buckled his seat belt on a laugh.
“They all wanted to, but we decided against renting a giant van. Ronan, Jude, Jace, and Fitz are home with the little kids making dinner. They’ve got a pool, so the kids can go for a swim after we eat, and the adults can catch up.”
“You’re gonna love the pool,” Aurora said with pride. “We’ve got all pink floats, and Daddy brings me snacks on a silver tray.”
“A silver tray?” River asked. “Sounds like we need to step up our game.”
“It’s okay, Daddy. I don’t need a tray now that I’ve got my best friends with me.” Brooke and the other kids laughed together.
Ten could see the happiness in the kids’ eyes. He couldn’t believe his brother was sitting behind him and would be staying in Massachusetts for the next two weeks. It was a dream come true. “We came up with a few ideas for the kids.”
“Let’s hear it.” River looked as excited as he sounded.
“We’ve got a petting zoo a few towns over. Then there’s the shark bowling alley. And we’ve got an amusement park that’s open for the summer. We’ve also got movie theaters and story time at the library in case of rainy days.” Ten hoped River would be interested in some of the ideas.
“And the beach and arcades for sunny days,” Cope added.
“All of that sounds great. We’d like to do some of the witch trial stuff too, like the museum and the shops on Essex Street.” Barb wore an excited look on her face.
“We can do that, but I wouldn’t suggest the museum for Brooke.” Ten had been to the Salem Witch Museum several times and didn’t want Everly to know what happened during those dark days in 1692. He assumed the same would be true for River and Barb.
“I wondered about that,” River said. “We’d like to see your shop, where you and Cope work.”
“We can definitely do that. Everyone is so excited to meet you.” What Ten hadn’t told River was that the whole West Side Magick bunch would be at Fitzgibbon’s house to meet them all.
“Ten, you were sort of vague about where we’re staying.” Barb sounded a bit nervous.
Ten met his brother’s eyes in the rearview mirror. “You’re all staying with Kaye. She’s got two spare bedrooms. It was her idea.”
“Kaye wants us with her for two weeks?” River sounded like he couldn’t believe his ears. “Does she live far away from you?”
“Yeah, wicked far,” Ten agreed, putting on his Boston accent. “She’s three houses down and across the street.”
“What? That’s so cool.”
